Forbes Councils Member
COUNCIL POST
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Picture a city where artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms complement the hum of steel mills, where robotics startups collaborate with century-old manufacturers, and where the next big tech breakthrough is as likely to come from a university lab as from a hospital research center.
Welcome to Pittsburgh, an example of the emerging cities that will become the epicenter of America’s AI revolution, where tradition and innovation coexist and thrive.
In the shadow of its storied industrial past, Pittsburgh is orchestrating a technological renaissance that’s reshaping the digital landscape while honoring its roots. As the CEO and president of a publicly traded digital infrastructure company that also has sites in the greater Pittsburgh area, I’ve witnessed firsthand how this resilient city is forging a new identity at the intersection of AI, digital infrastructure and innovation—all while maintaining its industrial heritage.
Re-Emerging Cities And The Steel City’s Multifaceted Makeover
Pittsburgh’s journey from steel titan to tech hub is a story of resurgence. While the city once produced nearly half of the nation’s steel, it has now diversified its economy without abandoning its industrial roots. According to the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance, Pittsburgh is now home to over 100 AI and robotics companies while still boasting a significant manufacturing presence.
The announcement of 72 Steel’s plans to build a massive 44-acre steel fabrication site underscores the enduring importance of manufacturing in the region. This juxtaposition of traditional industry and cutting-edge technology is what sets Pittsburgh apart from other tech hubs.
Venture capital and private equity investment in robotics in the region has totaled more than $3.3 billion since 2012, underlining the financial world’s confidence in Pittsburgh’s tech future. This influx of capital has been crucial in fueling the city’s rapid transformation and supporting the growth of its burgeoning tech ecosystem.
At the heart of this ecosystem are Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and the University of Pittsburgh, both renowned for their computer science and robotics programs. CMU’s School of Computer Science, ranked among the best in the world, has been a training ground for America’s leading AI innovators. The university’s partnership with Uber to develop self-driving car technology put Pittsburgh on the map as a serious contender in the AI race.
The Digital Infrastructure Backbone
As impressive as Pittsburgh’s AI credentials are, they would be nothing without the robust digital infrastructure to support them. The exponential growth of AI and machine learning applications demands unprecedented computing power and data storage capabilities.
According to a report from Statista, the volume of data created, captured, copied and consumed globally is projected to grow from 120 zettabytes in 2023 to 181 zettabytes in 2025, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23%. This explosive growth, driven largely by AI, IoT devices and cloud services, is putting unprecedented pressure on existing digital infrastructure—which is why our company recently expanded our digital infrastructure in the greater Pittsburgh area, given our optimistic view of the region and its future promise.
Pittsburgh’s strategic location, with its proximity to major East Coast markets and diverse energy sources, makes it an ideal hub for data center operations. Pittsburgh’s energy mix includes nuclear power from the nearby Beaver Valley Power Station, abundant natural gas from the Marcellus Shale, and growing renewable sources like wind and solar. This varied energy portfolio provides the reliable and sustainable power needed to support the region’s burgeoning data infrastructure.
The Edge Computing Revolution
One of the most exciting developments in digital infrastructure is the rise of edge computing, which brings data processing closer to the source of data generation. This is particularly crucial for AI applications that require real-time processing and low latency.
Pittsburgh is at the forefront of this edge-computing revolution. The city’s Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute, a public-private partnership founded by CMU, is pioneering the use of edge computing in industrial settings. By processing data at the edge, manufacturers can make split-second decisions, optimize production in real time and improve overall efficiency.
Challenges And Opportunities
Despite its impressive progress, Pittsburgh’s tech ecosystem faces challenges. The city still struggles with talent retention, as some graduates of its prestigious universities are lured away by the allure of Silicon Valley or the East Coast tech hubs. Additionally, while venture capital investment in Pittsburgh has grown significantly in recent years, it still lags behind more established tech centers.
These challenges, however, also present opportunities. The lower cost of living and high quality of life in Pittsburgh can be increasingly attractive to tech professionals, and the city’s strong sense of community and collaborative spirit also set it apart from other tech hubs. Moreover, Pittsburgh’s focus on AI ethics and responsible innovation positions it well for the future. As concerns about the societal impacts of AI grow, Pittsburgh’s interdisciplinary approach to tech development could become a model for other cities to follow.
The Road Ahead For Re-Emerging Cities
As we look to the future, Pittsburgh’s trajectory as a tech hub seems set to showcase a new model for the re-emerging cities that were previously hubs of traditional industry, powered by the unique synergy between its tech and tradition. The city’s blend of industrial know-how, building for scale, cutting-edge research and a collaborative spirit creates a powerful ecosystem for innovation that sets a model for other cities across the Rust Belt to adopt.
As the CEO of a company that builds digital infrastructure that helps power these innovations, I’m excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. Pittsburgh’s renaissance is more than just a local success story—it’s a blueprint for how cities across America and the world can reinvent themselves in the age of AI while honoring their industrial heritage.
The steel mills that once solely defined Pittsburgh now hum alongside servers and AI algorithms, signaling a new era of innovation that doesn’t forget its roots. In this new landscape, re-emerging cities such as Pittsburgh aren’t just keeping pace but instead are leading the charge into a future where traditional industry and cutting-edge technology coexist and thrive together.
