An innovator in the industrial software market is continuing its commitment to Pennsylvania College of Technology for the 2026-27 academic year.
Inductive Automation has renewed 170 licenses of its Ignition software (version 8.3) for use at the college. Students employ the platform to create dashboards for viewing real-time data and information to monitor, control and analyze industrial applications. Ignition also can be used to build other industrial applications such as SCADA, HMI, IIoT and MES.
Students enrolled in majors such as automation engineering technology: robotics & automation, automation engineering technology: mechatronics, and electronics & computer engineering technology are primary users of the software.
“Ignition is the fastest-growing software in the automation field because of its open architecture, low cost, ease of use and free learning resources,” said Jeff L. Rankinen, associate professor of electronics and computer engineering technology. “Now that we have AI-assisted workflows for fast project development, companies are reconsidering automation projects that in the past were too costly to undertake. This is creating increased demand for workers skilled in using Ignition.”
According to Inductive Automation, 69% of Fortune 100 companies use Ignition.
“Our students need to know both legacy systems and Industry 4.0 technology to help companies upgrade for better efficiency and quality,” Rankinen said. “The demand for our automation and electronics students is tremendous. We cannot supply enough students for industry.”
Inductive Automation is a Penn College Corporate Tomorrow Maker and member of the Millionaires Society ($1,000,000+) on the college’s Donor Wall.
“Jeff Rankinen and the Pennsylvania College of Technology team have demonstrated a keen curiosity about emerging technologies, and their students are greatly benefiting from learning industry-standard technology, like Ignition. Jeff and his team have been great to work with over the last few years, and we always like seeing what his students build in our annual Student Build-a-Thon. Colleges like Pennsylvania College of Technology that are willing to adapt to the needs of a rapidly changing world are the ones that will have the greatest impact on industrial education,” said Annabelle Haley, education engagement program manager at Inductive Automation.
“We are grateful for Inductive Automation’s continued support of our students by renewing licenses for Ignition,” said Justin W. Beishline, corporate relations officer. “The company’s generosity in providing such valuable and innovative software plays an important role in making Penn College students real-world ready.”
For information about automation and electronics degrees, as well as other majors offered by the School of Engineering Technologies, call 570-327-4520.
For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email Admissions or call toll-free 800-367-9222.
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