Our Work
We Solve the Manufacturing Equation
Connecting materials, processes, systems and talent holistically to serve as the trusted advisor guiding U.S. manufacturers toward a brighter manufacturing future to support our nation’s economy and enhance our national security.



Technology Development
Leading Innovations for Tomorrow ™

From robotics to artificial intelligence/machine learning to the digital twin, the next global industrial and economic powerhouse will be the region that masters smarter manufacturing first.
LIFT is the “trusted advisor” guiding U.S. manufacturers toward a smarter manufacturing future to support our nation’s economy and enhance our national security.
Strategies and Solutions

Materials and Process Modeling
Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) and Computational Engineering
Designing products, the materials that comprise them, and their associated materials processing methods by linking materials models at multiple length scales using a variety of unique software tools.

Systems Development
Multi-Material Joining
Developing methods to join metals to composites to plastics, creating the entire system lighter and more efficiently.

Material Process Development
Advanced Alloy and Process Development
From rare earth to hypersonic materials and lightweight armor development, our experts are on leading the next generation of manufacturing materials.

Agile and Smarter Manufacturing
Applications of Additive, Metamorphic and Future Manufacturing
Connecting the materials, processes and systems to showcase the next generation of advanced manufacturing.
Activities
Technology Accelerator
Technology Transfer
Technology Roadmapping
Additive Manufacturing
Portfolio Management
Program Management
Knowledge Library
Start-up Support
Spin-off Support
Rapid Prototyping
Contract Research and Development
Reverse Engineering
Physical and Virtual Try-out
Metrology Services


Talent Development
Learning Innovations For Tomorrow ™

As the pace of technological change accelerates, so does the technology-driven evolution of jobs and skills.
This shift to future manufacturing will require smarter talent development strategies and solutions to prepare the workforce for the infusion of these new technologies and processes.
As we develop future technologies, we are ensuring the next generation of advanced manufacturing talent is prepared for success.
Our LIFT Learning Lab is a unique, immersive learning facility with seven unique labs, powered by our IGNITE curriculum to prepare students for the most in-demand manufacturing careers.

Strategies and Solutions

Implementing new learning tools

Designing new learning pathways

Developing new learning venues

A three year foundational competency model for the “multi skilled technician” needed in today’s workplace.
-
Year 1
Materials Science and Introduction to Manufacturing
-
Year 2
Advanced Manufacturing Systems I
-
Year 3
Advanced Manufacturing Systems II

An innovative training and credentialing program that provides a blended learning curriculum to active duty soldiers within their last six months of service, the program enables the individual participants to earn one or more nationally portable, standards based, industry recognized credentials in high demand manufacturing fields. The program has also been expanded to support small and medium-sized organizations through a pilot in Detroit and Pittsburgh.
-
CNC Machining
-
Industrial Technology Maintenance
-
Welding


The LIFT Learning Lab is a unique, immersive learning facility with seven unique labs, powered by our IGNITE mastering manufacturing curriculum to prepare students for the most in-demand manufacturing careers.
- Smart Factory Digital Twin Lab
- Fundamental Skills Development Lab
- Flexible Learning Space
- LIFT Virtual Learning Lab
- ASM Materials Science & Project Fabrication Lab
Students can also earn nationally recognized certifications to begin their advanced manufacturing careers in our:


The LIFT Advantage
Technology Accelerator
LIFT is driving American manufacturing into the future. We help organizations move emerging materials and processing technologies from advanced concepts to commercialization so they can be adopted by industry and the warfighter faster.

Talent Developer
From developing new venues, new tools and new teaching techniques, LIFT’s competency-based, technology-infused talent development program is redefining manufacturing education.

Convener
With a national network of manufacturers and educators, together with leaders at the highest levels of the Department of Defense, government, and industry, LIFT convenes experts in smarter manufacturing.

Trusted Advisor
With manufacturing experts in-house and an ecosystem across industries, LIFT is the trusted advisor small and medium-sized manufacturers can count on to help them transition toward a smarter manufacturing future.

Technology Showcase
Bringing the “art of the possible” to reality, the LIFT Future Manufacturing Technology Showcase is where American manufacturers can see the benefits of connecting materials, processes, systems and talent - showcasing future manufacturing in action.

Connector
LIFT is a 501(c)3 nonprofit public-private partnership between government, industry and academia, connecting needs, ideas and people. We connect organizations to move the needle and drive American manufacturing into the future.






