The Deep Tech Institute will provide technical leadership development for the staff of Pittsburgh’s deep tech companies. | Source: Pittsburgh Robotics Network
The Pittsburgh Robotics Network this week launched the Deep Tech Institute for Leadership and Innovation, or DTI. The organization described the DTI as a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at strengthening robotics, artificial intelligence, and advanced technology workforces by investing in its greatest asset: talent.
“The Deep Tech Institute addresses a critical gap in an innovation ecosystem,” said Jenn Apicella, the executive director of the Pittsburgh Robotics Network (PRN). “It’s not just about developing skills. It’s about equipping professionals with the right skillset to commercialize breakthrough technologies.”
“As robotics and AI continue to reshape global industries, the future of these companies depends not just on building innovation, but on building strong, visionary teams,” she added. “By developing our top technical talent into senior leaders, we’re preparing the next generation to scale businesses, shape policy, and drive real-world impact across multiple industries. Pittsburgh is leading this transformation.”
The Pittsburgh Robotics Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to building a leading robotics ecosystem around Pittsburgh. By connecting businesses, investors, and academia, the PRN said it works to accelerate the commercial growth and impact of robotics in the region and beyond.
Deep Tech Institute takes two-tiered approach
PRN said the Deep Tech Institute reflects its commitment to advancing Pittsburgh’s robotics and AI companies by investing in the people and partnerships that drive advanced technology innovation on a global scale. It hopes to do this by connecting talent, industry, and opportunity to strengthen the region’s leadership in global deep tech.
The DTI delivers a two-tiered approach to workforce development, addressing both ends of the professional spectrum. The first tier is Emerging Leaders, focused on early-career technical professionals, and the second is Senior Leaders, geared toward developing internal technical leaders currently employed in the sector.
“DTI is designed to support the full lifecycle of deep tech talent,” said Ryan Haggerty, director of instruction at DTI. “We want to create connected, capable leaders—whether they’re just stepping into the field or already developing the tech as marketable solutions and building impactful teams from within.”
Pittsburgh Robotics Network makes 2026 plans
PRN is launching Emerging Leaders Mini Modules this summer to give engineering students, technical interns, and early career talent exposure to real-world robotics and AI career paths. Through guest speakers, hands-on sessions, and site visits to top tech companies, participants will gain industry insight and make informed decisions about their professional future, it said.
In 2026, PRN plans to introduce its Senior Leaders programming in partnership with Boston-based Cybernetix Ventures. Cybernetix is an early-stage investor in robotics, automation, and physical AI startups, and creator of “The Robotics Startup Playbook,” a guide to building and scaling robotics startups.
PRN designed these programs to equip current employees at robotics and AI companies with the leadership skills needed to manage cross-functional teams, align technical efforts with business strategy, and drive sustainable company growth.
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