NSF HI-TEC 2026

Supported by the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education (NSF ATE) program, HI-TEC is a national conference on advanced technological education where secondary and postsecondary educators, counselors, industry professionals, trade organizations, and technicians can update their knowledge and skills. Charged with preparing America’s skilled technical workforce, the event focuses on the preparation needed by the existing and future workforce for companies in the high-tech sectors that drive our nation’s economy.  

Manufacturing USA is proud to be a Platinum Level sponsor of this event. Join us in the exhibit hall to learn more about our education and workforce development programs. 

We also hope you'll connect with network representatives at these Manufacturing USA Sessions: 

• Industry Validated Technical Skills in Biomanufacturing
  Wednesday, 11:15-Noon
  A growing bioeconomy will need an increase in the pool of skilled technical workers for biopharmaceutical, bioindustrial, and biofabrication roles. Making it easier for potential workers to fill these occupations is critical to accessing existing talent and growing the workforce pipeline. One challenge in these efforts is properly identifying and standardizing the essential skills required for biomanufacturing careers. Recently, NIST developed the Manufacturing USA Advanced Manufacturing Occupation and Competency Framework to address this challenge in advanced manufacturing. In this session, we build on this framework to reveal data on (1) entry-level positions in biomanufacturing fields; (2) foundational, essential, and specialized biomanufacturing skills; and (3) core competency sets for biomanufacturing technical roles. This standardized data can be used as a framework for industry-validated curriculum development in biomanufacturing.
• Technician Career Pathways Panel: Advanced Manufacturing
  Wednesday, 11:15-Noon
  The Manufacturing USA institutes connect people, ideas, and technology by accelerating the development and adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies. Spanning seventeen technology areas, each institute works to train students and workers on technology, entrepreneurship, and career pathways. Join workforce development leaders from across the network as we outline technician career pathways across STEM and have a panel discussion about future occupations and skills needed through 2031. You’ll be able to hear about curriculum, new programs, and opportunities you might need for technician and bachelor careers. Come find out more about careers in robotics, biomanufacturing, cybersecurity, materials, textiles, and more.
• Advanced Manufacturing Technology Workforce Training: Engaging Industry for Current and Future Needs
  Thursday, 10:15-11:00 am
  The presentation shares best practice and case study examples of hourly plant floor workers learning practical skills in modern manufacturing technologies, automation systems, and foundational AI concepts. Proven workforce development efforts will be shown, along with an introduction to how continuous improvement continues to drive measurable training completion. The session emphasizes hands-on relevance, safety, and confidence-building so workers can effectively interact with emerging technologies and contribute to continuous improvement on the production floor.
• Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Activities: Bringing Industry to the Classroom
  Thursday, 11:15 - Noon
  In early 2026 there were over 400,000 U.S. manufacturing jobs open, and manufacturers consistently cite the lack of a skilled workforce as one of the biggest challenges to advanced manufacturing initiatives. In this session, Manufacturing USA Institutes will showcase programs aimed at supporting educators and engaging students in tomorrow’s cutting-edge occupations. Experience first-hand potential collaborations and programs established by the Manufacturing USA network. The session will include activities and career information from America Makes focused on 3D-printing (additive) and IACMI (Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation) focused on materials processing, such CNC machining.

Learn more and register: https://www.highimpact-tec.org/