MIT has launched a new program to help bring manufacturing jobs and innovation back to the U.S. The Initiative for New Manufacturing (INM), announced May 27, aims to help companies improve the way they make things — using digital tools, hands-on research, and partnerships across a range of industries.

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“We want to work with firms big and small, in cities, small towns, and everywhere in between, to help them adopt new approaches for increased productivity,” MIT President Sally Kornbluth said in a letter to the campus community. “We want to deliberately design high-quality, human-centered manufacturing jobs that bring new life to communities across the country.”

The effort will bring together MIT researchers, students, and industry leaders to focus on key areas like semiconductors, biomanufacturing, energy, transportation, and defense. Six companies — Amgen, Flextronics, GE Vernova, PTC, Sanofi, and Siemens — are the founding members of INM’s industry consortium. They’ll support early research projects, especially around the use of AI in manufacturing.

“Helping America build a future of new manufacturing is a perfect job for MIT — and I’m convinced that there is no more important work we can do to meet the moment and serve the nation now,” Kornbluth said.

The initiative is built around four big goals: developing new tech and systems, making factory jobs more productive and rewarding, helping manufacturers scale up, and building a more sustainable and resilient manufacturing base in the U.S.

Students will also get involved. INM plans to run factory site visits, create AI teaching tools, and expand programs that connect MIT with community colleges. One example is TechAMP, a program that helps technicians move into engineering roles.

MIT professors John Hart, Suzanne Berger, and Chris Love are co-directors of the initiative. At a May 7 kickoff event, Berger said, “The rationale for growing and transforming U.S. manufacturing has never been more urgent than it is today.” Love added, “We need to think about the importance of manufacturing again, because it is what brings product ideas to people.”

“Manufactured products enable our daily lives and manufacturing is critical to advancing the frontiers of technology and society,” added Hart. “Working with industry — from small to large companies, and from young startups to industrial giants — will be instrumental to creating impact and realizing the vision for new manufacturing.”