Manufacturing’s Competitive Edge

Small manufacturers today face intense market pressure while trying to compete in a global economy.  Price pressures from international markets, escalating costs for production, the need to invest in R&D for new products and processes…all of these factors can make it increasingly difficult for a business to thrive.

IW's Innovation Adoption Grant (IAG) Fund provides grants of up to $50,000 for small manufacturers in Southwestern PA, matched by the companies own funds.  IW has awarded $900,000 in IAGs to help 26 small manufacturers throughout SW PA since the program's inception.  We then link the manufacturers with the region’s highly renowned Centers of Excellence, giving them access to highly specialized scientists and engineers for R&D projects, including: product engineering and design, robotic assembly, machinery design, rapid prototyping, or even an industrial analysis and overhaul of existing manufacturing processes.  The region’s Centers of Excellence include:

• University of Pittsburgh’s
  • Swanson Center for Product Innovation
  • Manufacturing Assistance Center
• Catalyst Connection 
• Duquesne University’s Industrial Growth Works
• Robert Morris University’s Center for Applied Research in Engineering and Science 
• Penn State University’s
  • Materials Research Institute
  • Electro Optics Center
  • Plastics Technology Center
  • Plastics Manufacturing Center
• National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining
• Electrotechnology Applications Center at Northampton Community College

View IAG Fund Companies

IAG Program Brochure