Pittsburgh Robotics Network launches Deep Tech Institute for Leadership and Innovation

Looks to accelerate regional commercialization, talent growth

By Robotics 24/7 Staff    July 2, 2025         

Pittsburgh Robotics Network launches Deep Tech Institute for Leadership and Innovation

Pittsburgh Robotics Network

The Pittsburgh Robotics Network has launched the Deep Tech Institute for Leadership and Innovation.

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Pittsburgh Robotics Network launches Deep Tech Institute for Leadership and Innovation

Pittsburgh Robotics Network

The Pittsburgh Robotics Network has launched the Deep Tech Institute for Leadership and Innovation.

The Pittsburgh Robotics Network (PRN) announced the launch of the Deep Tech Institute for Leadership and Innovation (DTI).

PRN said that DTI is a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at strengthening robotics, AI, and advanced technology workforces by investing in its greatest asset: talent.

Addressing the professional spectrum

The organizations said that DTI delivers a two-tiered approach to workforce development, addressing both ends of the professional spectrum:

  • Emerging Leaders, focused on early-career technical professionals, and
  • Senior Leaders, geared toward developing internal technical leaders currently employed in the sector.

“The Deep Tech Institute addresses a critical gap in an innovation ecosystem,” said Jenn Apicella, executive director of the Pittsburgh Robotics Network. “It’s not just about developing skills. It’s about equipping professionals with the right skillset to commercialize breakthrough technologies. As robotics and AI continue to reshape global industries, the future of these companies depends not just on building innovation - but on building strong, visionary teams. By developing our top technical talent into senior leaders, we’re preparing the next generation to scale businesses, shape policy, and drive real-world impact across multiple industries. Pittsburgh is leading this transformation.”

Emerging Leaders Mini Modules, launching Summer 2025, will give engineering students, technical interns and early career talent exposure to real-world robotics and AI career paths. Through guest speakers, hands-on sessions and site visits to tech companies, PRN and DTI said participants will gain industry insight and make informed decisions about their professional future.

In 2026, PRN will introduce its Senior Leaders programming in partnership with Boston-based Cybernetix Ventures, a leading early-stage investor in robotics, automation, and physical AI startups, and creator of The Robotics Startup Playbook, a guide to building and scaling robotics startups. These programs are designed to equip current employees at robotics and AI companies with the leadership skills needed to manage cross-functional teams, align technical efforts with business strategy, and drive sustainable company growth.

Cybernetix Ventures also hosted the Robotics Invest/Robotics Tech Week event in Boston during June 2025.

“DTI is designed to support the full lifecycle of deep tech talent,” said Ryan Haggerty, director of instruction at DTI. “We want to create connected, capable leaders - whether they’re just stepping into the field or already developing the tech as marketable solutions and building impactful teams from within.”

Applications for the pilot Emerging Leader Mini Modules program are open from now until July 10th. Interested parties can apply here.

 

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