Hypertherm has formed a corporate venture capital arm called Hypertherm Ventures to “foster greater interaction with the technology venture community.” The U.S.-based manufacturer of industrial cutting systems and software hopes to utilize this new venture to advance manufacturing and deliver positive change to the world, according to the company.

Hypertherm Ventures is seeking partnerships with universities, startups, entrepreneurs, and early stage companies to commercialize advanced manufacturing technology in strategic interest areas. Those areas include industrial cutting, welding, and thermal processing; robotics and automation; machine learning and augmented intelligence; industrial Internet of Things; additive manufacturing/3D printing; and nanotechnology.

“Just as we began 50 years ago with an invention that made plasma cutting commercially viable for the first time ever, we look forward to supporting other entrepreneurs as they work to bring their inventions to life,” said Nathan Pascarella, Hypertherm Ventures’ business development manager. “If you are an entrepreneur or leading an early stage company in advanced manufacturing within our strategic interest areas, Hypertherm Ventures would love to hear more about you and your business.”

Hypertherm believes its leadership team-”combined with a wide range of advanced manufacturing process experts proficient in lean, Six-Sigma, and similar methodologies-will benefit entrepreneurs and early stage companies. In addition, Hypertherm can support venture partners through its expertise with advanced technology development, engineering, complex supply chain management, global service and distribution networks, as well as a track record of marketing and selling new products, according to the company.