We often say that Manufacturing USA helps bridge the “valley of death” between innovation and commercialization, supporting the domestic production of new products and ideas. This year, the network was proud to sponsor an event focused on that same goal — the TechConnect World Innovation Conference & Expo. Representatives from the Manufacturing USA network participated in this premier gathering of innovators, industry leaders, and experts in Raleigh, North Carolina, from March 10-12, 2026. The event’s focus on integrating scientific discoveries with industry needs made it an ideal opportunity to share information about the network’s 17 manufacturing innovation institutes.
Over three days, representatives connected with attendees and showcased the network’s strengths and benefits in advanced manufacturing. Key sessions included "Manufacturing USA Institutes: A Partner for Catalyzing Innovation Coast to Coast," with Sasha Stolyarov of AFFOA and Kelley Rogers of NIST Office of Advanced Manufacturing, which explored the network's successes in accelerating the development and deployment of advanced manufacturing technologies and how institutes build an innovation ecosystem to engage and benefit its member organizations. Another session, "Bridging the Innovation Gap with Manufacturing USA," featuring Victor Veliadis of PowerAmerica and Mike Molnar of NIST Office of Advanced Manufacturing, discussed the ways institutes work with members to overcome challenges that hinder the transition of innovative technologies to commercial production and grow the advanced manufacturing workforce that U.S. industry needs.
The Manufacturing USA team also engaged with attendees at an expo booth, sharing information about how the network is helping to ensure that what’s invented here is made here with a skilled domestic workforce. "We were thrilled to participate in TechConnect and showcase the Manufacturing USA network's capabilities for the nation," said Mike Molnar. "The event provided a valuable opportunity for us to connect with the wider innovation ecosystem and identify new opportunities for collaboration that will help advance American manufacturing innovation and drive economic growth."
The experience at TechConnect reinforced the network's commitment to collaborating with partners and stakeholders to speed up the development and adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies and shape the future of American manufacturing. Through continued engagement with industry and partners, the Manufacturing USA network is poised to further accelerate the transition of innovative technologies to commercial production, creating new opportunities for workers, regions, and American manufacturers and driving economic growth.
