Gannon University has secured more than $206,000 in funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Manufacturing PA Innovation Program to support three collaborative projects with regional manufacturing partners.
The awards are part of a statewide investment of more than $3.1 million announced by the Shapiro Administration to strengthen manufacturing innovation, foster university-industry collaboration and accelerate economic growth across Pennsylvania. The funding will support projects developed in partnership with Hayden Hunter Weaver Co., Mihna Medical Technologies and ITSI Biosciences LLC, creating opportunities for Gannon students and faculty to work alongside industry leaders to develop technologies with real-world applications.
“These awards reflect Gannon University’s commitment to advancing innovation while preparing students to solve complex challenges facing today’s industries,” said Karinna Vernaza, Ph.D., dean of the College of Engineering and Business at Gannon University. “Through partnerships with regional manufacturers, our faculty and students are helping move new ideas from research into practical solutions that strengthen Pennsylvania’s economy and workforce.”
The projects address a diverse range of manufacturing and healthcare challenges, from medical devices to sustainable materials and bioscience technologies. They include:
- Development of a urinary backflow prevention device in partnership with Mihna Medical
Technologies, supported by a $69,878 award. - Hempcrete for high-temperature insulation in partnership with Hayden Hunter Weaver Co., supported
by a $69,878 award. - Developing and manufacturing a sustainable sheet-structured platform for ambient temperature
biosample storage in partnership with ITSI Biosciences LLC, supported by a $66,832 award.
Faculty researchers, including Dr. Davide Piovesan, Dr. Matthew Gacura and Dr. Longyang Chen, will work closely with industry partners to translate research concepts into practical products and manufacturing solutions. Students will participate directly in design, prototyping, testing, manufacturing process development and product validation — gaining hands-on experience with technologies that mirror real industrial environments. The projects are expected to strengthen workforce development by providing students with exposure to advanced manufacturing, product development, quality assurance and interdisciplinary problem-solving skills that are highly valued by Pennsylvania employers.
The projects align with the goals of Manufacturing PA, which supports collaborative research that helps Pennsylvania manufacturers improve processes, develop new products and bring emerging technologies to market. Since 2020, Gannon University has received 15 awards from the Manufacturing PA program, further bridging classroom learning with professional practice and strengthening connections between higher education and industry.
