Digital Foundry at New Kensington
Digital Foundry at New Kensington is a Penn State-affiliated non-profit innovation hub that delivers Industry 4.0 training, technical assistance, and startup acceleration to regional manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and students in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2020
- HeadquartersNew Kensington, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Digital Foundry at New Kensington does
Digital Foundry at New Kensington is a non-profit innovation space and Industry 4.0 technical assistance center operated as an initiative of Penn State New Kensington, located in a 15,000+ sq ft facility at 855 5th Avenue, New Kensington, Pennsylvania. Founded in 2020 with a small staff (1–10 employees), the organization provides digital manufacturing training, workforce development, and hands-on technical assistance to regional manufacturers, early-stage startups, career seekers, and K-12 students in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Its core mission is to accelerate adoption of digital technologies and data-driven decision-making among regional industry, in partnership with the Economic Growth Connection of Westmoreland County.
The Foundry's technology stack spans the full Industry 4.0 digital thread, including industrial software (CAD, CAE/Simulation, digital twin, digital thread), robotics and collaborative robots with FANUC RoboGuide simulation, smart CNC machining and 3D printing, PLCs/HMIs/SCADA systems, OPC-UA/MQTT protocols with data historians, Manufacturing Execution Systems, and IIoT spanning edge to cloud. These capabilities are deployed as demonstration, training, and de-risking assets rather than as a commercial product. Programs include the Manufacturing and Digital Fundamentals Certificate Program, FANUC-certified robotics training, the Innovation Forge Startup Accelerator (jointly run with The New Kensington LaunchBox / The Corner), K-12 STEM programs, and student capstone projects pairing Penn State engineering teams with manufacturers such as Oberg Industries, MSA Safety, Mancini's Bakery, Pulva Corporation, JV Manufacturing, and Symmco.
The business model is grant-funded and membership-based, with services for manufacturers and startups provided at subsidized or no cost. Revenue streams include a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development, tiered participant membership fees, fee-based technical training programs, and modest prototype grants (e.g., $7,500) to accelerator participants. The organization has reported 600+ training attendees and 150+ industry collaborations. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; engagement is contact-based and consultative. Technology partnerships with FANUC, Siemens (Solid Edge), and CS Automation underpin the demonstration stack, while strategic partnerships with Penn State, the Economic Growth Connection, and the New Kensington LaunchBox anchor the regional ecosystem.
Digital Foundry at New Kensington firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Digital Foundry at New Kensington
- Legal name
- The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State Digital Foundry at New Kensington)
- Website
- https://digitalfoundrynk.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2020
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Digital Foundry at New Kensington is a Penn State-affiliated non-profit innovation hub that delivers Industry 4.0 training, technical assistance, and startup acceleration to regional manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and students in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Digital Foundry at New Kensington industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Manufacturing Technology Training and Technical Assistance
- NAICS
- Industrial Machinery Manufacturing (3332), Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing (3339)
- SIC
- Special Industry Machinery, Nec (3559), Machine Tools, Metal Cutting Types (3541)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Professional Training & Workforce Upskilling (AM) (IMAAAJAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Additive Manufacturing Research & Innovation Labs (IMAAAJAA), Conferences, Workshops & Industry Events (AM Knowledge Sharing) (IMAAAJAL), CNC Plasma/Laser Cutting & Automated Fabrication Training (EDAOADAH)
Keywords
Where Digital Foundry at New Kensington is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- New Kensington
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Digital Foundry at New Kensington business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Grant-Funded Non-Profit Operations: The Digital Foundry operates as a non-profit innovation space affiliated with Penn State University. Primary funding comes from grants, including a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community & Economic Development. Services for manufacturers and startups are subsidized or free, supported by public funding and university resources.
- Tiered Membership Program: Participant membership with tiered options offering access to strategic and technical assessments, event/meeting space use, free or discounted training and event fees, and Penn State student collaboration opportunities. Membership fees support ongoing operations.
- Technical Training and Workforce Development Programs: Fee-based technical training programs including certified training in robotics and automation (FANUC certification), career and workforce education, and K-12 student programs. Revenue generated through program registration fees.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Digital Foundry at New Kensington product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Digital Foundry at New Kensington is a Penn State University-affiliated non-profit innovation space that delivers Industry 4.0 workforce training, technical assistance, and startup acceleration services. Core offerings include the Manufacturing and Digital Fundamentals Certificate Program, FANUC-certified robotics training, the 6-month Innovation Forge Startup Accelerator, K-12 student programs, and technical assistance / de-risking services for existing manufacturers. These are delivered through a 15,000+ sq ft facility in New Kensington, PA equipped with industrial software (CAD/CAE, digital twin), robotics, smart CNC machining, 3D printing, PLCs/HMIs/SCADA, IIoT, MES, and edge/cloud computing.
Product overview
Digital Foundry at New Kensington is a Penn State-affiliated non-profit innovation space that provides workforce training, education, and technical assistance rather than a traditional product portfolio. Its core offerings include the Manufacturing and Digital Fundamentals Certificate Program and Technical Training Programs for workforce development; the Innovation Forge Startup Accelerator for early-stage entrepreneurs; K-12 Student Programs for future workforce pipeline; and Technical Assistance Services for existing manufacturers and startups. These offerings are delivered through a 15,000+ sq ft state-of-the-art facility featuring industrial software (CAD, CAE/Simulation, Digital Twin), robotics and cobots, smart CNC machining, 3D printing, PLCs/HMIs/SCADA systems, IIoT/edge/cloud computing, and Manufacturing Execution Systems. The organization also hosts educational video series (Smart Manufacturing for Business Success and Tech Talk Tuesday recordings) and provides a Participant Membership Program with tiered access to assessments, project direction, training discounts, and Penn State collaboration opportunities.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Innovation Forge Startup Accelerator: A 6-month accelerator program for early-stage/pre-revenue teams to validate, shape and prototype product and technology-based ideas, run jointly with The New Kensington LaunchBox (The Corner).
- Manufacturers Technology Assessment & De-Risking
Products and services
- Manufacturing and Digital Fundamentals Certificate Program
Quantifiable outcome
- 600+ training attendees and 150+ industry collaborations
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Digital Foundry at New Kensington
Customer profileNamed customers14 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles1 record
Digital Foundry at New Kensington technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability16 records
Feature8 records
Digital Foundry at New Kensington partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.
- Economic Growth Connection of Westmoreland CountycorePrimary strategic partner in the Digital Foundry's mission to drive economic growth and competitiveness in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The partnership focuses on accelerating adoption of digital technologies and data-driven decision-making among regional manufacturers and the workforce.
- The Corner / New Kensington LaunchBoxcoreCollaborative partner in the Innovation Forge Startup Accelerator program, which is jointly run by the Digital Foundry and The Corner (New Kensington LaunchBox). The LaunchBox provides startup support resources, co-working space, and entrepreneurial programming that complements the Digital Foundry's technical capabilities.
- Penn State UniversitycoreThe Digital Foundry is an initiative of Penn State New Kensington campus. Penn State affiliation provides student talent (capstone projects), faculty expertise, institutional branding, and access to the broader Penn State innovation ecosystem.
- CS AutomationsupportingTechnology partner that supported Penn State students working on the Symmco automation capstone project by providing expertise with the Mitsubishi SCARA robot integrated into the solution.
- FANUCsupportingRobotics technology partner referenced for certified training in robotics and automation. The Digital Foundry offers FANUC certification training and uses FANUC RoboGuide simulation software for robotics programming validation.
- Siemens (Solid Edge)supportingSiemens was featured in a Tech Talk Tuesday session on 'The Power of Digital Design & Simulation with Siemens' Solid Edge', indicating a technology partnership for CAD/CAE and digital design capabilities.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Digital Foundry at New Kensington competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Catalyst Connection: Pittsburgh-based nonprofit manufacturing assistance organization serving SW Pennsylvania manufacturers with technology adoption, workforce, and growth services. Highly comparable as a regional manufacturing innovation partner serving overlapping customers and geography.
- Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI): West Virginia-based nonprofit innovation center providing advanced manufacturing technology, training, and technical assistance. Comparable regional manufacturing innovation hub model serving Appalachian manufacturers with similar program structure.
- ARM (Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing) Institute: Pittsburgh-headquartered manufacturing innovation institute focused on robotics and workforce development, funded in part by the Department of Defense. Comparable in mission to accelerate robotics adoption in U.S. manufacturing and develop the workforce.
- NextManufacturing Center at Carnegie Mellon University: University-affiliated research and innovation center focused on additive manufacturing and smart manufacturing, also in the Pittsburgh region. Comparable in academic-affiliated innovation hub model and Industry 4.0 focus, with deeper AM specialization.
Broad incumbents
- Carnegie Mellon University Robotics Institute: Premier academic robotics research institute in Pittsburgh with extensive industry collaboration and workforce development programs. Comparable in Pittsburgh academic-industry nexus for robotics and automation, though as a large research university rather than an applied innovation hub.
- Invent Penn State: Penn State's broader innovation and entrepreneurship network, of which Digital Foundry is a part. Provides startup support, co-working, and accelerator programming across the university system—comparable in mission though broader in scope.
- Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers: NIST-funded national network of manufacturing assistance centers providing consulting, training, and technology adoption services to U.S. manufacturers. Comparable service model and customer base, though as a broader national program.
- New Economy Collaborative (SWPA): SWPA regional coalition funded by the Build Back Better Regional Challenge focused on robotics, autonomy, and additive manufacturing. Overlaps in mission and regional economic development focus, though operates at a larger regional scale.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Digital Foundry at New Kensington social profiles
Digital presenceDigital Foundry at New Kensington financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Digital Foundry at New Kensington leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Digital Foundry at New Kensington funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Digital Foundry at New Kensington M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Digital Foundry at New Kensington
What does Digital Foundry at New Kensington do?
Digital Foundry at New Kensington is a Penn State University-affiliated non-profit innovation space that delivers Industry 4.0 workforce training, technical assistance, and startup acceleration services. Core offerings include the Manufacturing and Digital Fundamentals Certificate Program, FANUC-certified robotics training, the 6-month Innovation Forge Startup Accelerator, K-12 student programs, and technical assistance / de-risking services for existing manufacturers. These are delivered through a 15,000+ sq ft facility in New Kensington, PA equipped with industrial software (CAD/CAE, digital twin), robotics, smart CNC machining, 3D printing, PLCs/HMIs/SCADA, IIoT, MES, and edge/cloud computing.
Is Digital Foundry at New Kensington a public or private company?
Digital Foundry at New Kensington is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Digital Foundry at New Kensington founded?
Digital Foundry at New Kensington was founded in 2020. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Digital Foundry at New Kensington based?
Digital Foundry at New Kensington is headquartered in New Kensington, United States, in the North America region.
How does Digital Foundry at New Kensington make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Grant-Funded Non-Profit Operations are the primary driver. The others are tiered Membership Program and technical Training and Workforce Development Programs.
Who are Digital Foundry at New Kensington's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Catalyst Connection, Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI), ARM (Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing) Institute and NextManufacturing Center at Carnegie Mellon University. Broad incumbents are Carnegie Mellon University Robotics Institute, Invent Penn State, Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers and New Economy Collaborative (SWPA).
Does Digital Foundry at New Kensington have an API?
No public API is recorded for Digital Foundry at New Kensington.
What industry is Digital Foundry at New Kensington in?
Digital Foundry at New Kensington's product category is Manufacturing Technology Training and Technical Assistance. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAAAJAC, Professional Training & Workforce Upskilling (AM), with a secondary code of IMAAAJAA, Additive Manufacturing Research & Innovation Labs. Its NAICS code is 3332 and its SIC code is 3559.