Pittsburgh’s New Economy Takes Shape

The city of Pittsburgh is witnessing a significant transformation in its economy, with new developments and appointments shaping the region’s future. In this article, we’ll delve into the latest power moves in Pittsburgh, from the Southwestern Pennsylvania (SWPA) New Economy Collaborative to Duolingo and Carnegie Mellon University.

Pittsburgh’s economy is on the rise

SWPA Builds Out Its Board to Support Regional Economic Development

The SWPA New Economy Collaborative, an 11-county effort to grow the robotics scene, has welcomed four new board members to its team. These members bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to guide the Collaborative’s efforts in increasing economic productivity, job growth, and advancing the adoption of robotics technology in southwestern Pennsylvania.

The new board members include Gecko Robotics’ Troy Demmer, Victor Mrockowski from Total Production Solutions and Re:Build Manufacturing, Danielle Proctor of Advanced Construction Robotics and Agility Robotics’ Damion Shelton. According to Ben Pratt, chief economic competitiveness officer at the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, which administers the collaborative, “These new board members bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise and guide the Collaborative’s efforts in increasing economic productivity, job growth and advancing the adoption of robotics technology in southwestern Pennsylvania.”

![Robotics technology](_search_image robotics technology) Robotics technology is driving economic growth in Pittsburgh

Healthtech Leader Joins Duolingo Board

Mario Schlosser, cofounder of healthcare technology startup Oscar Health, has joined Duolingo as an independent board member. Schlosser brings previous experience as a social gaming company’s co-creator to the mobile learning platform. He simultaneously serves on the boards of the Fraunhofer Institute of Applied Information Technology, Tech:NYC, and the Guiding Council of One Mind At Work.

![Healthtech](_search_image healthtech) Healthtech is a growing sector in Pittsburgh

CMU Appoints New Head of Machine Learning

Carnegie Mellon University has tapped Zico Koulter to lead its Machine Learning Department. Koulter has worked in CMU’s computer science school for more than a decade, during which he made machine learning a major topic of his research. “In this moment, the research happening in the Machine Learning Department is influencing and will continue to influence the direction of artificial intelligence,” Koulter said.

![Machine learning](_search_image machine learning) Machine learning is a key area of research at CMU

More Power Moves

The space-themed Moonshot Museum has hired Jimyse Brown as its executive director. University of Pittsburgh Vice Chancellor for STEM Research and Innovation James R. Martin, II will leave the school for a new role in North Carolina. He’ll be chancellor of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Pennsylvania State University will reduce its workforce at campuses across the commonwealth this summer. 383 employees, or about 10% of the institution, accepted buyouts. Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato appointed four people to the Pittsburgh Regional Transit board.

![Pittsburgh Regional Transit](_search_image Pittsburgh Regional Transit) Pittsburgh Regional Transit is getting new leadership

In conclusion, Pittsburgh’s economy is undergoing significant changes, with new appointments and developments shaping the region’s future. From robotics to healthtech, machine learning, and more, the city is poised for growth and innovation.