Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal doubles funding for the Manufacturing PA Innovation Program and increases funding for Pennsylvania’s PA Smart Program by 25 percent.
Shapiro will give a budget address on Tuesday, providing additional details on how the proposals will spur economic growth.
To demonstrate Pennsylvania is creating innovation opportunities for workers and businesses, Shapiro visited Pittsburgh-based Astrobotic Technology, an aerospace and robotics company. Astrobotic has received more than $5 million in state grants and tax credits.
“Astrobotic is an excellent example of the enormous potential we have here in Pennsylvania to innovate and lead, and we’re proud that the first commercial spacecraft to land on the moon is from Pittsburgh,” Shapiro said. “My administration is committed to fostering innovation, creating jobs, and spurring economic development across the commonwealth, and that’s why I’m calling for a significant down payment in innovation and economic development in my first budget. Pennsylvania is open for business, we’re going to be a leader in the industries of the future, and my administration is ready to make that happen.”
Shapiro toured the company and learned how it is making a spacecraft that will launch in May and journey to the moon.
Astrobotic employs nearly 100 people.