Gov. Josh Shapiro toured Gecko Robotics Thursday, touting how his proposed 2024-25 budget proposal and his Economic Development Strategy will make significant investment in robotics and technology in the state.
“I believe here in Pennsylvania we can do big things again. I believe that we can disrupt industries and create jobs along the way,” Shapiro said. “Unfortunately, we have been losing out on opportunities to other states because they made investments in development in ways that we simply have not.”
Shapiro toured the North Shore facility with Gecko Robotics CEO Jake Loosarian.
“What drives the majority of investments in [venture capitalists’] minds is winners,” Loosarian said. “This is why this initiative is so important because you need winners in Pennsylvania and in Pittsburgh to drive investment.”
The proposed budget includes $20 million to "support large scale innovation." A press release from the Governor's office states that "this funding will be used to incentivize additional private venture capital, positioning Pennsylvania as a national leader in innovation while proactively investing in entrepreneurs who have historically lacked access to venture capital funding."
Other politicians joining Shapiro were Pittsburgh based state Rep. Aerion Abney and Senator Jay Costa.
“We can no longer afford to have this basic status quo of nine-to-five government and think that we can continue to be competitive with our even surrounding states that are doing some of the investments we are talking about today,” Abney said. “This 10-year strategy really takes a disciplined return on investment focused approach while at the same time looking to modernize government for a more contemporary society.”
Abney was not the only one to reference the rapid evolution of the sector.
“We are at a nexus moment and it is happening in Pittsburgh and throughout Pennsylvania,” said Jennifer Apicella, executive director of the Pittsburgh Robotics Network. “It is happening right now, not later and we cannot delay. We cannot drag our feet. There are plenty of other regions who get it and are making strategic investments to try and capitalize on this.”
One of the “five pillars” of the Economic Development Strategy is robotics and technology.
“We are bullish on robotics,” Shapiro said. “We are bullish on the tech sector. Pittsburgh is home to so much of that and if our budget passes we will have millions more to invest in companies like this.”
Shapiro’s proposed budget is currently in hearings and will go to a vote this summer.
“I’m asking lawmakers from both parties to join me in not just clapping and celebrating for a company like Gecko but investing in the next one,” Shapiro said.
