Self-driving company donates $65k to Pittsburgh STEM projects

Self-driving company Aurora announced Thursday it would continue to expand its presence in Pittsburgh by declaring the city its official corporate headquarters.

As an indication of their commitment to the city, the company will donate $65,000 to fund STEM-related requests from Pittsburgh teachers via DonorsChoose. The donation will fund a variety of projects — from supplies for 3rd graders volcanoes to a color printer for a 5th grade classroom to funding a digital microscope, science experiment books and an incubator for hatching chickens.

“With its incredible universities and focus on innovation, Pittsburgh has been home to Aurora since we were founded and we’re committed to continued growth right here in this community,” Gerardo Interiano, vice president of government relations, said. “With a firm belief in the future of this city and its workforce, we’re excited to have our corporate headquarters here and be making a donation that will help fund the city’s next generation of technologists and roboticists.”

The news comes on the heels of an economic impact report from the Regional Industrial Development Corporation and the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce that identified the autonomous industry as an economic engine creating thousands of jobs in the region.

“Pittsburgh is the birthplace of automated vehicles and Aurora’s headquarters decision further cements our talent and our industry as leaders in this space,” Gov. Tom Wolf said. “We look forward to further collaboration with Aurora and this industry as we safely and efficiently develop the future of transportation.”

Aurora employs more than 1,600 people, the majority of which are located in Pittsburgh, and has offices throughout the city, as well as in the Bay Area; North Texas; Bozeman, Montana; Seattle, Washington; Louisville, Colorado; and Wixom, Michigan.