Today, Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) announced $312,744 for a joint economic development initiative between Youngstown Business Incubator (YBI) and BRITE Energy Innovators to support Ohio’s advanced manufacturing industry and help facilitate the implementation of smart technology for Ohio businesses. Congressman Ryan secured the funds in the FY22 Appropriations bill.
“For American manufacturing to compete globally against low-wage and low-cost manufacturing economies, we have to find ways to integrate advanced manufacturing technologies into our Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs). At the same time, technologies like these are going to help stimulate innovation in our region and position Ohio as an industry hub of the future,” said Congressman Ryan. “With YBI’s expertise in advanced manufacturing and software, and BRITE’s understanding of advanced energy, this is a ‘win-win’ for the Mahoning Valley.”
“Industrial IOT is already changing the face of manufacturing. It can be used for everything from monitoring supplies to monitoring machine operations to prevent downtime. The fact that the Mahoning Valley is building capacity in this technology will protect our existing manufacturers. The fact that we’re partnering that up with and entrepreneurship could mean a new industry could be grown here,” said Barb Ewing, CEO of the Youngstown Business Incubator.
“We’re charged to partner with YBI to help the community transition to Industry 4.0 and see this as the perfect opportunity for perfecting technologies and introducing new energy efficiency and electrification solutions to local companies,” said Rick Stockburger, President and CEO of BRITE.
The funding will be used for outreach to industry, training, demonstration projects, and will support innovation and entrepreneurship primarily centered around the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), which uses the power of electronics and real-time analysis to improve operations in the manufacturing sector. Currently, many Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are underutilizing IIoT practices. Implementation of smart technology can help strengthen Ohio’s manufacturing sector, spur innovation, and create jobs.
The Youngstown Business Incubator’s (YBI) mission is to facilitate the creation of high-value businesses through collaborative partnerships that promote innovative technologies and long-term, sustainable employment opportunities, with a focus on information technology and advanced manufacturing. YBI primarily serves Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley.
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