Emerging Leaders: Program Facilitation
Service Requested: Program Facilitation
Program: Deep Tech Institute - Emerging Leaders: Technical Entrepreneur Development
Organization: Pittsburgh Robotics Network (PRN)
Service Provider Summary
We are seeking a Program Facilitation Provider to lead DTI Emerging Leaders: Technical Entrepreneur Development program. This role will guide young professionals through a cohort-based program focused on leadership development and business literacy within robotics, AI, and other deep tech sectors. The Program Facilitation Provider will deliver engaging learning experiences and collaborate with PRN’s staff, contractors, and volunteers to ensure high-quality outcomes aligned with the program’s goals.
Organization Summary
The Pittsburgh Robotics Network (PRN) is a nonprofit organization fostering growth and success in the Pittsburgh region’s robotics, autonomy, and AI business ecosystem. PRN connects companies to resources, enhances visibility, and provides tailored services to strengthen the sector.
Professional Development Model
The Deep Tech Institute for Leadership and Innovation is an initiative of PRN and delivers high-impact, professional training for early-career and experienced talent. Programs focus on commercialization, leadership development, and economic mobility within robotics, AI, and related deep tech sectors.
DTI programming includes single and multi day cohort-based training sessions for participants to learn from practicing professionals who bring the experience, frameworks, and networks needed to grow successful organizations.
DTI Program Pillars
- All programs incorporate DTI’s four essential pillars:
- Offer multiple opportunities for participants to practice and develop the skills needed to pursue their individual professional outcomes.
- Provide a relevant knowledgebase that incorporates the frameworks & literacies necessary to pursue and navigate robotics, ai, and other deep tech sector opportunities.
- Incorporate the use of platforms and toolkits used in the workplace for all program engagements and deliverables.
- Leverage PRN’s ecosystem and resources to maximize impact and benefit program participants.
Provider Qualifications, Proposal Requirements, Timeline, and Budget
Provider Qualifications
Qualified service providers should have:
- Experience in workforce development, career coaching, or professional training in tech sectors.
- Moderate understanding of robotics, AI, or related deep tech fields.
- Demonstrated ability to design engaging, real-world learning experiences.
- Excellent communication, facilitation, and mentorship skills.
Proposal Requirements
The Program Facilitation Provider will engage in services for a full session of the 2026 Emerging Leaders: Technical Entrepreneur Development program. Modules, schedule, and program overview available in the linked deck above.
All Proposals must include:
- Cover sheet connecting general provider experience with proposal goals
- 2-3 page proposal that includes
- General approach and strategy for providing effective and impactful facilitation assistance for this programming
- Include a specific example of how you would run a program engagement suitable for a select topic within the Outline section of the one of the three Modules in the linked deck above.
- Resume or CV with professional references
- 2-3 examples of past projects, case studies, or sample work relevant to professional development, workforce development, career coaching, or related training or education experience
- All materials should be emailed to elprogram@deeptechinstitute.org
- Note - qualified providers interested in submitting for the DTI EL Program Materials and DTI EL Program Facilitation RFPs are invited to submit separate proposals and be considered to be awarded for both.
Services requested from Program Facilitation Provider
Program Implementation
- Lead facilitation across three modules focused on career planning, business growth, and leadership development.
- Build upon learning objectives and outcomes that follow industry best practices.
- Foster accessibility by incorporating multiple modes of learning such as:
- Peer discussions and project feedback
- Real-world project-based applications
- Individual exercises and assignments
- One-on-one mentorships and site visits
- Work product showcases and panel feedback sessions
Guides & Program Engagements
- Deploy and manage participant guides aligned with learning objectives.
- Integrate collaborative platforms, media, and real-world resources.
- Facilitate engagement with sector stakeholders and organizations.
Projects
- Guide participants in real-world, career-aligned projects that meet sector expectations.
- Ensure projects reflect each module’s objectives and outcomes.
Pre-staging
- Prepare and post weekly section summaries summarizing key concepts, exercises, and resources in the program’s Slack channel.
Other DTI Program Engagement & Guidance Provider Expectations
- Attend meetings with PRN’s Impact Manager and Director of Instruction to onboard with DTI’s platforms and learning resources.
- Attend regular check-ins with PRN’s Impact Manager and Director of Instruction to coordinate program logistics, resources, mentors, and related resources.
- Coordinate with the Program Facilitation Assistance Provider for all program implementation services
Resources
- Program space with turn-key in-person and virtual presentation technology
- Work management suite
- Cloud-based storage
- Dedicated private Slack channel to engage with ecosystem participants
- Event spaces
- Kitchen and lounge space
- Pittsburgh Robotics Network’s ecosystem of companies and related organizations
Timeline
- Open Call for Proposals: October 24, 2025-November 19, 2025
- Question Period: October 24, 2025-November 7, 2025
- Email all questions to elprogram@deeptechinstitute.org
- Public questions and answers will be posted at robopgh.org/dti by November 12, 2025
- Award Decision: December 15, 2025
Budget
$6,250