IUP hosted a Rural Innovation and Manufacturing Roundtable on October 4, 2024, in recognition of National Manufacturing Day. The event was attended by Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Deputy Secretary Jen Gilburg, along with representatives from government offices, private companies, and IUP administrators and faculty.
The roundtable discussion was focused on IUP’s role in rural innovation, government perspectives on manufacturing, challenges, and collaboration opportunities to support local businesses and expand regional opportunities.
Waleed Farag, IUP’s director of the Institute for Cyber Security, was invited to join the roundtable to share his insight into the role of cybersecurity and technology in manufacturing processes. Farag shared with the group the work and accomplishments in several ongoing federally funded projects such as PC4A, ARMZTA, and GenCyber.
Farag said, “I was honored to join the roundtable and was impressed with the innovative ideas shared during the meeting. Collaboration with the government and local businesses will make our community stronger, and I am proud to be a part of it.”