Forsyth Technical Community College, PTRME core partner, is advancing biomanufacturing education by combining an NSF-funded 3D bioprinter with a virtual reality (VR) training program. The college is creating digital twin replicas of the equipment, allowing students at 58 community colleges across North Carolina to engage with these advanced tools in a virtual setting through partnerships with NC BioNetwork and Hakobio. This initiative is on track to be fully functional by April 2025, with VR-based training implemented in classrooms by the fall semester.
By leveraging VR to multiply the impact of the NSF grant, Forsyth Tech is equipping the next generation of biomanufacturing professionals and fostering a more inclusive and skilled workforce for North Carolina. PTRME Leadership aims to have this initiative fully funded with no cost to the community colleges or students, breaking down financial and geographic barriers for students in underserved areas.