On Tuesday, President Trump and leading figures from the nation’s top energy and technology companies will gather in Pittsburgh for an announcement that could redefine Pennsylvania’s future. U.S. Senator Dave McCormick is spearheading the first Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit, where a landmark $70 billion investment is set to reshape the state’s landscape.
At the heart of this plan lies Aliquippa, a town once renowned for its steelmaking legacy. This historic hub in the Ohio Valley is ready to reemerge as a centre for the artificial intelligence economy. As Mayor Dwan Walker reflects, ‘That thing’s been sitting empty for close to 50 years of my life,’ evoking memories of a bygone era when steel was the lifeblood of the community. Now, he believes that shifting from steel to AI could open a new chapter of opportunity.
Real estate developer Chuck Betters is leading an ambitious project to transform an 89-acre former mill site into a vast data processing centre. Beyond driving technological progress, the development promises to generate thousands of construction jobs and establish hundreds of permanent positions—while boosting the area’s tax revenue. ‘Large job creation, large tax base, and the comeback of Beaver County from the steel mill days,’ Betters explains, underlining the project’s potential to revitalize the region.
The Summit will also highlight Pittsburgh’s growing tech credentials and its rich energy resources. Companies such as Gecko Robotics—recently recognised as a unicorn—exemplify the innovative spirit taking root in the region. Founder Jake Loosararian plans to demonstrate his AI-powered climbing robots, encouraging industry leaders to put their faith and investment into Pittsburgh’s evolving tech ecosystem. ‘We have the biggest leaders in the world in AI and energy coming to this city,’ he notes. ‘We need these companies to continue their investment to build an ecosystem where ideas and innovation flourish.’
With abundant natural gas, nuclear energy, and available industrial sites, Pittsburgh is distinctly positioned to propel the AI revolution. Mayor Walker envisions a revitalised Aliquippa—where Franklin Avenue could transform into a vibrant area teeming with businesses, community hubs, and increased local commerce. ‘More businesses downtown, more strip malls, more access to revenue, that dollar flips two or three times in this community instead of leaving it,’ she observes, capturing the spirit of local renewal.
By blending technological expertise with robust energy resources, Pennsylvania is on the brink of a transformation that promises benefits for communities across the region. As these plans unfold, both residents and investors will have a front-row seat to an AI-driven era poised to deliver lasting change.
