Dignitaries celebrate opening of Digital Foundry in New Kensington

Representatives from Penn State New Kensington and the Economic Growth Connection of Westmoreland gather Wednesday for the grand opening of the Digital Foundry at New Kensington, a new innovation and collaboration space for students, manufacturers, community members and workforce training.

Joe Cuiffi, an employee of the Digital Foundry at New Kensington conducts some final checks Wednesday before the ground breaking ceremony in the city’s downtown.

James White, an employee of Siemens at the Digital Foundry in downtown New Kensington, describes a robot before the groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday, June 1 .

Neeli Bendapudi, president of Penn State University, delivers her remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday, June 1 . “Like the city itself, our campus here is founded on innovation, critical thinking, collaboration,” she said. “And because of the university’s focus on entrepreneurship and innovation … we are uniquely positioned to lead this overarching effort, to use education to make Pennsylvania stronger.”

Dignitaries prepare to pull a lever during the unveiling of the new Digital Foundry at New Kensington on Wednesday, June 1 .

The Digital Foundry at New Kensington offers hands-on technology.

The Digital Foundry is a partnership between Penn State New Kensington, the Economic Growth Connection of Westmoreland County, the city of New Kensington and the Richard King Mellon Foundation.

A variety of 3D printers are available for use at the Digital Foundry at New Kensington.