NCNGM at the 2026 CT Manufacturing Innovation Forum
Under the ongoing leadership of Dr. Karen Wosczyna Birch as Executive Director and Principal Investigator, the National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (NCNGM) announced the renewal of its National Science Foundation (NSF) grant. This announcement was made at the 2026 Connecticut Manufacturing Innovation Forum on September 1st, 2026, attended by approximately 600 stakeholders from industry, education, student bodies, and government. Special appreciation goes to the Connecticut Office of Manufacturing for inviting Dr. Karen Wosczyna-Birch to officially announce the renewal using their platform.
Dr. Wosczyna-Birch also moderated the panel discussion during the breakout session titled "From CNC to ChatGPT: Integrating AI into Manufacturing Education." This panel aimed to explore the transformative impact artificial intelligence is having on manufacturing education, highlighting the crucial intersection of technology and workforce development in an era increasingly defined by rapid AI advancements.
During the panel, it was emphasized that while attempting to predict the future trajectory of manufacturing technology can be a daunting and uncertain endeavor, there are indeed numerous workplace trends currently being driven by AI that offer substantial insights into the likely directions of the industry. These trends reflect a confluence of innovation and adaptation, as organizations work to integrate AI tools and methods into their operational frameworks. The session explored these elements in depth, giving participants a glimpse into the evolving workplace landscape.
The panel included an array of experts, each bringing unique perspectives and expertise to the discussion. Jonathan Costa, Director of EdAdvance, shared insights into educational strategies that can prepare the future workforce for the challenges of AI integration in K-12 settings. David Bergman, a Professor and Associate Dean at the University of Connecticut School of Business, shared valuable knowledge regarding the economic implications of AI in manufacturing and how business education must adapt to these changes. George Bollas, another Professor and Associate Dean at the University of Connecticut School of Engineering, provided a technical perspective on how engineering disciplines are evolving to incorporate AI technologies into their curricula and research initiatives.
Additionally, Margherita Mauriello, IT Director for Statutory & Tax at Stanley Black & Decker, Inc., discussed the practical applications of AI in the manufacturing sector, offering real-world examples of how AI is used to enhance productivity and streamline operations. Ben Cohen, a Research Assistant at the University of Connecticut's Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, contributed a research-focused viewpoint, emphasizing the importance of ongoing studies in AI and their implications for future manufacturing practices. Dr. Karen Wosczyna-Birch also added the community and technical college perspective as a bridge between industry and academia.
The panelists aimed to deepen understanding of the current and future landscape of artificial intelligence in education, emphasizing the need for educational institutions to evolve alongside technological advancements. The discussions centered around the critical need for a workforce that is not only skilled in traditional manufacturing techniques but also proficient in leveraging AI tools to drive innovation and efficiency in their respective fields. This session explored the future of work in manufacturing, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and forward-thinking in a fast-growing industry.
The Center also congratulates all the distinguished recipients of the Innovation and Student Awards at the American Manufacturing Hall of Fame award ceremony. This year's honorees include notable manufacturing organizations such as Henkel and Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company (EBAD), as well as the following schools: Avon High School, Windsor Locks High School, Suffield High School, and Middletown High School. Each awardee has made significant contributions to the manufacturing sector and the education of future innovators.
Henkel, a global leader in adhesive technologies, has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation in manufacturing processes. Their commitment to sustainable, efficient production not only enhances their product offerings but also sets a benchmark for industry practices. Henkel's research and development initiatives have contributed to the recent Artemis II mission. Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company (EBAD) also stands out for providing cutting-edge solutions in the aerospace and defense sectors, including the Artemis II mission. Their work developing reliable, innovative technologies ensures the safety and effectiveness of critical operations.
The educational institutions, including Avon High School, Windsor Locks High School, Suffield High School, and Middletown High School, played a vital role in nurturing the next generation of makers and innovators. These schools have established robotics programs that emphasize hands-on learning, critical thinking, and creativity, preparing students for careers in manufacturing and technology. By fostering an environment that encourages exploration and experimentation, these high schools help shape the future workforce.
The American Manufacturing Hall of Fame serves as New England’s premier voice in the manufacturing sector, as a platform that not only honors outstanding achievements but also advocates for manufacturing's importance to the region's economy. This institution is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the contributions of individuals and organizations that have made significant impacts in manufacturing. Find out more about the American Manufacturing Hall of Fame using the link below.
The 2026 Connecticut Innovation Forum was an excellent opportunity for the Center to announce the renewal and strengthen existing partnerships throughout the state. The National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing is excited to keep the momentum going, as keynote speaker Toni Neary described. Toni Neary is the Director of Community Engagement and Workforce Innovation at the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) and emphasized during her speech the need for the next generation of technicians' awareness of the manufacturing sector. She called her strategy "from K to Gray" and gave examples of how fostering an early exposure to the manufacturing sector can lead to a lifetime of opportunities. In the same vein, awareness of manufacturing should not stop with students and the next generation; it should reach everyone, including the aging workforce, so they can access manufacturing opportunities and support the sector's sustainability.
Overall, the 2026 Connecticut Manufacturing Innovation Forum celebrated achievements across Connecticut and New England, continuing momentum in the domestic manufacturing industry and aiming to serve as a model for the rest of the nation.
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