Sensor Technology

Sensor Valley: Central PA’s Sensors & Materials Cluster

Central Pennsylvania is quietly becoming one of the most innovative tech hubs in the country, thanks to decades of investment in research, industry, and entrepreneurial talent. Known today as “Sensor Valley” or “Materials Valley,” the region is home to a dense cluster of companies working in sensor technology, materials science, chromatography, spectroscopy, ultrasound, and advanced measurement systems.

‘Sensor Valley’ is the central PA tech ecosystem trying to stand out from Philly and Pittsburgh — here’s how

Technical.ly – A six-county coalition wants to prove it has the resources and expertise to attract outside investment and boost its businesses. Read more.

Todd Dolbin

Vice President of Economic Development

Contact Todd to learn more about Sensor Valley’s unique advantages and to schedule an immersive and exploratory visit to consider locating and investing in Sensor Valley.  

What it is
Sensor Valley is the growing hub of companies in Central Pennsylvania building the sensors, advanced materials, and test/measurement systems that power healthcare, energy, manufacturing, and research worldwide. Decades of industrial know-how, university research, and entrepreneur-led spinouts have created a uniquely dense, collaborative cluster across our region.

Vision

To be the world’s most dynamic cluster for sensor innovation, where breakthroughs in materials and measurement redefine what’s possible in science, industry, and daily life.

Mission

Sensor Valley connects the companies, talent, research, and infrastructure that make Central Pennsylvania a global leader in sensor-enabled technologies. Through collaboration, workforce development, and shared infrastructure, we advance innovation, create high-quality jobs, and drive transformative outcomes in test and measurement.

Why here?

  • Deep roots: From early metals and glass to today’s precision engineering, Central PA has long paired making with problem-solving.
  • Research engine: Penn State’s world-class labs and talent (MRI, ARL, Materials, Acoustics, Engineering) connect directly with industry needs.
  • Entrepreneurship: Legacy firms seeded dozens of spinouts; new startups continue to form around real market demand.

What our companies do
Ultrasound and acoustics; chromatography and spectroscopy; nondestructive testing; metrology and controls; sensor-grade materials; and the data/analytics that make these tools smarter. Products made here show up in hospitals, factories, labs, and field operations across the globe.

Who’s involved
Focus Central PA works alongside the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County (CBICC), Ben Franklin Technology Partners, SEDA-COG, Penn State partners, and K-12/CTC and community-college programs to align business growth, workforce pipelines, and shared infrastructure.

Opportunities for businesses

  • Hire & grow: Tap internship, co-op, and CTC pipelines; connect with training aligned to industry skills.
  • Collaborate: Access specialized labs/equipment and faculty expertise for prototyping and testing.