STARTedUP Foundation Partners with Telabotics and Vincennes University to Launch “Innovation Cobot Workshops”
Pilot program will introduce collaborative robots (“cobots”) development workshops to unserved high school students across Indiana, preparing them for in-demand careers in advanced manufacturing.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (March 21, 2025) – In a groundbreaking collaboration to strengthen Indiana’s future talent pipeline, the STARTedUP Foundation is teaming up with Telabotics and Vincennes University to pilot Innovation Cobot Workshops—a series of hands-on training events for high school educators and students. Spanning eight full-day workshops at four different locations throughout the state from January to May 2025, the initiative aims to directly involve approximately 300 students in lab-based robotics training, while exposing an additional 900 students to cutting-edge career pathways in advanced manufacturing.
“We are beyond excited to lead this initiative for Indiana,” said Don Wettrick, STARTedUP Foundation. “We have hand-selected fellows for this amazing opportunity, and the educators are a critical component—through them, we can reach hundreds of students. This program goes well beyond just eight workshops.”
By sponsoring eight educators from diverse school districts, STARTedUP ensures that students who might not otherwise access robotics can discover emerging career paths.
During each full-day workshop, Telabotics experts guide students in programming and operating collaborative robots (cobots). Local manufacturers also join the sessions to offer mentorship, describe real-world career paths, and showcase how robotics skills translate into competitive job opportunities. The day concludes with team-based challenges that let participants put their newly acquired skills to the test—ultimately igniting greater awareness and interest in advanced manufacturing, robotics, and STEM careers.
"We view the Innovation Cobot Workshops as just the beginning," said Albert Chen, Founder of Telamon. “In addition, we are excited for the students to learn how AI applies to robotics.”
Over the next decade, experts predict tens of thousands of advanced manufacturing jobs in Indiana could remain unfilled unless more students gain Industry 4.0 skills. Many teenagers still imagine manufacturing as antiquated factory work, despite modern operations being clean, highly automated, and increasingly reliant on robotics and AI.
Vincennes University (VU) is expanding its advanced manufacturing education efforts to reach more high school students, fueled by an $8 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. that supports the growth of its Center for Applied Robotics and Automation. This funding enables VU to enhance its specialized labs, bridging the gap between education and industry to prepare the next generation with in-demand Industry 4.0 skills.
“We are incredibly grateful to Lilly Endowment Inc. for helping us expand these labs and engage more high school students,” said Dr. Chuck Johnson, President of Vincennes University. “By opening the door to hands-on experiences in robotics and automation, we’re ensuring Indiana’s future workforce is ready to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.”
Through the Innovation Cobot Workshops, the STARTedUP Foundation, Telabotics, and Vincennes University are shaping Indiana’s future by inspiring the next generation of advanced manufacturing innovators.
About the STARTedUP Foundation
The STARTedUP Foundation is an Indiana-based nonprofit dedicated to transforming classrooms into hubs of innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry alignment. Through student competitions, educator fellowships, and real-world partnerships, STARTedUP inspires the next generation of problem-solvers and creators. Learn more at www.startedupfoundation.org.
About Telabotics
Headquartered in Carmel, Indiana, Telamon is a billion-dollar technology solutions provider specializing in telecommunications, manufacturing, and automation. Telamon’s global footprint spans multiple industries, from healthcare to retail and beyond, with clients including Delta, Comcast, and IU Health. Under the leadership of Founder & Executive Chairman Albert Chen, Telamon is leveraging Industry 4.0 innovations to shape the workforce of tomorrow. Visit www.telabotics.com/ for more information.
About Vincennes University
VU is state-supported with campuses in Vincennes and Jasper, the Aviation Technology Center and American Sign Language program in Indianapolis, Early College Career and Technical Education Centers, and additional sites such as the Gene Haas Training and Education Center in Lebanon, the Logistics Training and Education Center in Plainfield, and the Gibson County Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics in Fort Branch. VU offers online degrees and classes to students who need access to college courses and flexibility through its Distance Education. A leader in dual credit and career and technical education statewide, VU also offers instruction at military sites throughout the nation. In addition to offering a wide range of associate degree and certificate programs, VU also offers bachelor’s degree programs in technology, homeland security, nursing, health care services administration, secondary education programs in mathematics and science, and special education/elementary education. Founded in 1801, VU is Indiana’s first college and was founded by William Henry Harrison, the ninth U.S. President. More information is available at www.vinu.edu.
See Vincennes Universities’s article and Techman Robot’s article
