The AIM Higher Consortium, funded by the Department of Defense, aims to strengthen the defense industry in the Southwest Pennsylvania and Northern West Virginia region. It aims to accelerate research and innovation, foster growth for supply chain companies, develop the workforce, and provide capital for the defense sector. The project focuses on exploring and adopting advanced technology such as AI, machine learning, robotics, and additive manufacturing.
The AIM Higher Consortium offers opportunities for manufacturing companies in 12 counties of Pennsylvania and the state of West Virginia to access information about supply chain opportunities with the Department of Defense. The consortium is developing a website that will provide connections to its members and resources such as the AIM Higher Self Assessment, Supply Chain Asset Map, and Supplier Capabilities Database. The Supplier Capabilities Database will allow Department of Defense acquisition and purchasing organizations to identify suppliers with the capabilities required by their product or project. The AIM Higher Mini-Grant program supports project efforts of manufacturers currently in the Defense Supply chain or actively pursuing DoD opportunities. A monthly newsletter and calendar of events will also be available.