Western Pennsylvania drives growth in AI and energy sectors

On July 15, 2025, the Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit took place at Carnegie Mellon University, bringing together key leaders to discuss the intersection of energy and artificial intelligence. Attendees included President Trump, several cabinet members, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and prominent figures in both sectors. Zico Kolter, the director of CMU's Machine Learning Department, emphasized CMU's longstanding reputation in AI while noting the importance of western Pennsylvania in these emerging fields. Kolter expressed optimism regarding the region's growth, particularly in energy and the necessary computational infrastructure for AI development. The summit was organized by Pennsylvania U.S. Senator Dave McCormick, who announced an impressive $70 billion investment aimed at advancing artificial intelligence and energy development across Pennsylvania. This infusion of capital is anticipated to stimulate job creation, boost the state's economy, and facilitate the establishment of data centers that are crucial for the operations of newly developed AI systems. Don Smith, the president of the Regional Industrial Development Corporation (RIDC), asserted that this financial commitment would not only generate jobs but also improve local tax revenues, enhancing the fiscal health of municipalities over time. Kolter and Smith both articulated their belief that western Pennsylvania possesses the essential combination of energy resources, computational power, and talent needed for leading the AI revolution. They noted how this favorable combination positions the region as a competitive player on the global stage. As more companies establish themselves in the area, they anticipate increased investments and innovations, creating an environmentally conducive landscape for entrepreneurs in technology. The summit and the investments discussed mark a significant step forward for western Pennsylvania, signifying a potential turning point in the local economy as it transitions into a new era driven by technology and innovative energy solutions. The influence of academia, industry, and government collaboration stands to reshape the future of both energy and artificial intelligence sectors, making this summit a historic event for the region and setting the stage for sustained growth and development in the years to come.