Inland Northwest manufacturers are positioning the region as a hub for emerging technologies as they pursue opportunities in nuclear energy, clean energy, and photonics.

LaunchPad Inland Northwest Foundation has secured a $100,000 grant as it expands its InnovateINW initiative to include partnerships, an AI & Cyber Network, and programming aimed at helping businesses adapt to artificial intelligence.

Some Inland Northwest-based manufacturers are starting to experiment with artificial intelligence to combat an ongoing skilled worker shortage and to improve operational efficiency.