Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro made headlines with his visit to Gecko Robotics in Pittsburgh, shining a light on the state's tech and innovation ambitions. During the tour, Shapiro underscored the significance of companies like Gecko in embodying Pennsylvania’s innovation-centric economic development. Shapiro's budget proposal aims to bolster such tech ventures, committing $20 million in new innovation funds. According to the Governor's office, this funding is set to serve as critical seed money to help drive these types of companies from concept to market.
“I want to replicate that success – and under my Administration, we have a plan that leans heavily on robotics and technology as a key pillar of opportunity. My budget includes $600 million for economic development as a whole, including $20 million in new innovation funding to invest in companies like Gecko Robotics and give them the seed money to get off the ground and bring their inventions to market. We can support the next groundbreaking discovery in robotics and technology right here in Western Pennsylvania – we just need to invest.” Shapiro was quoted saying during the visit.
With over $1.2 billion in new private sector investments announced under Shapiro's watch, the stage is being set for Pennsylvania to take a leading role in innovation. Gecko Robotics, celebrated on Fast Company's list of Most Innovative Companies of 2024, exemplifies this surge. They've been revolutionizing essential infrastructure maintenance with robotics and software, boosting the efficiency and safety of operations in sectors like the Navy and energy production.
Gecko's roots can be traced back to a modest $10,000 seed from Ben Franklin Technology Partners in 2014.“We’re using robotics and software to help change the way critical industries like defense, manufacturing, and energy production build and operate. And none of that would have been possible without the unique ecosystem we have in western PA. We have a huge opportunity to build an unstoppable economic engine, bringing government and entrepreneurs together to solve real-world problems. And I’m excited to have Governor Shapiro as a partner in this effort. “ said Gecko Robotics co-founder and CEO Jake Loosararian. His company's growth is to serve as a testament to what may lie ahead for other tech-oriented endeavors within the state. This trajectory, combined with the anticipated creation of 17,000 net new jobs in robotics and tech over the next decade, positions Pennsylvania to actively vie for a top spot in the innovative industries race.
Backing the Governor's economic game plan are local leaders such as Senator Jay Costa and Representative Aerion Abney, who have highlighted the importance of fostering a business-friendly climate conducive to growth and longevity. Whether it's through the slated $500 million in PA SITES funding, $25 million for Main Street Matters, or $3.5 million towards the Pennsylvania Regional Economic Competitiveness Challenge, Shapiro's budget has a clear aim: to lay solid groundwork for commerce and community vibrancy.
The Pittsburgh Robotics Network's Executive Director, along with leaders from the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, applauded the Governor’s commitment. They stressed that bolstering businesses like Gecko Robotics not only positively impacts local areas but radiates benefits throughout the commonwealth and potentially, across the globe. With such high stakes, Pennsylvania's ongoing economic strategy is indeed a signal of Shapiro's intent to fuse innovation with the state's industrial spirit.
