Emerging Leaders: Program Materials

Service Requested: Program Materials

Program: Deep Tech Institute – Emerging Leaders: Technical Entrepreneur Development

Organization: Pittsburgh Robotics Network (PRN)

Service Provider Summary

We are seeking a Program Materials Provider to create learning content for the 2026 DTI Emerging Leaders: Technical Entrepreneur Development. This role will create program materials for a cohort-based program focused on leadership development and business literacy within robotics, AI, and other deep tech sectors. The Program Materials Provider will deliver engaging learning resources 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.

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Provider Qualifications, Proposal Requirements, Timeline, and Budget

Provider Qualifications 

• Experience in workforce development, training design, or curriculum creation.
• Moderate understanding of robotics, AI, or deep tech sectors.
• Excellent communication and instructional design skills.
• Ability to design accessible, visually engaging materials.

Proposal Requirements

The Program Materials 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 provider experience with proposal goals
• 2-3 page proposal that includes 

• General approach and strategy for creating effective and impactful materials for this programming

• Description of materials that are suitable for conveying an Outline topic to program participants as well as materials for participants to apply the concepts from that same Outline topic from one of the three Modules outlined in the linked deck above. A description of the general materials and why they are effective is sufficient, mock program materials samples are not required.

• 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.

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Services requested from Program Materials Provider

Materials Development

• Create materials aligned with each of the three modules in the 2026 program:
  
  
  1. Current and Future Opportunities in Deep Tech
  2. Taking Solutions from the Lab to Market
  3. Emerging Leaders in Deep Tech
     
• Build upon in-demand learning objectives using industry best practices.
• Foster accessibility by incorporating diverse learning formats.
  
  

Guides, Engagements, & Resources

• Develop real-world guides and applied learning materials.
• Incorporate media, collaborative tools, and sector resources.
• Recommend self-guided learning materials and reading lists.

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Projects

• Ensure project instructions and materials align with each module’s outcomes and participant goals.

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Session Summaries

• Draft session summaries including:
  
  
  • Key concepts covered
  • Bulleted list of guides, engagements, resources, and projects

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Other DTI Program Materials Provider Expectations

• Attend an uptake meeting with the Impact Manager to onboard with DTI’s platforms and learning resources.
• Attend feedback sessions with PRN’s Impact Manager and Director of Instruction to plan and iterate on program materials development.

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Resources

• Program space with turn-key in-person and virtual presentation technology including on-site technical support
• Slack channel for engaging with PRN staff
• 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

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Budget

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$12,000

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