Manufacturing Innovation Challenge

The Manufacturing Innovation Challenge (MIC)—formerly Adventures in Technology—connects Southwestern Pennsylvania manufacturers with high school and technical students to solve real-world problems through hands-on improvement projects. This award-winning STEM program gives students valuable career exposure while delivering measurable benefits for participating companies.

Benefits for Manufacturers

• Fresh perspectives and ideas – Student teams, free from preconceived notions, often propose innovative solutions that help companies tackle manufacturing and technology challenges in new ways.

• Time and cost savings – MIC projects allow important issues or opportunities to be explored without pulling staff away from daily operations or adding the expense of new hires.

• Community engagement – Each company is paired with a local high school, strengthening relationships, supporting education, and showcasing the role of manufacturing in the community.

• Future talent pipeline – By mentoring students, managers connect with some of the region’s strongest talent, often leading to internships and future employment opportunities.

Proven Impact Across Industries

Since launching in 2002, the Manufacturing Innovation Challenge has involved more than 2,400 students from 60 high schools and technical programs, working alongside mentors at over 60 companies. Participants span industries including manufacturing, information technology, biotechnology, and advanced technology sectors.

Inspiring Career Pathways

Through immersive projects, students see firsthand that Southwestern Pennsylvania offers attractive, rewarding careers in manufacturing and technology. By bridging the classroom and the workplace, the Manufacturing Innovation Challenge helps students envision a future in the region—while giving companies access to the fresh energy and problem-solving skills of the next generation.