AUSTIN (KXAN) --- A new high-tech manufacturing center broke ground in east Austin. The Hayes Innovation Center for Advanced Manufacturing (HICAM) will be a 50,000-square-foot facility dedicated to fostering modern innovation and increasing workforce development in manufacturing. HICAM is the economic and workforce development nonprofit behind the project. Goals for the center include: Creating a hub for groundbreaking manufacturing Fostering economic growth Building a skilled workforce The facility will serve as a co-working space for startups. HICAM Executive Director Marcus Metzger said they'll provide companies with the equipment to develop their technology in its early stages. The Hayes Innovation Center for Advanced Manufacturing (HICAM) will be located along the SH 130 corridor in East Austin, just minutes from Tesla. (Photo: HICAM)The Hayes Innovation Center for Advanced Manufacturing (HICAM) will be located along the SH 130 corridor in East Austin, just minutes from Tesla. (Photo: HICAM)The Hayes Innovation Center for Advanced Manufacturing (HICAM) will be located along the SH 130 corridor in East Austin, just minutes from Tesla. (Photo: HICAM) "I want people to come through, be inspired and leave knowing more than they did before, and with a brighter outlook on what they can do."Marcus Metzger, HICAM Executive Director What kind of startups? Metzger said they'll welcome startups working in robotics, machine learning, next-generation additive manufacturing and artificial intelligence. "This isn't just like chat bots," Metzger said. "These are AI systems that can control your production floor and can give you reliable feedback." U.S. Department of Defense expands new workspace in Austin HICAM partnered with downtown co-working space, Capital Factory, to help find those startups. Workforce development Another focus for the center is workforce development. "Our first goal is to create 150 new advanced manufacturing jobs in the east Austin area," Metzger said. It'll offer an educational program where students can learn how to operate robots and 3D printing, among other things. "Our other goal is to provide workforce training for 1,000 people over the next three years," Metzger said. "It's our goal to run certifications so you can come here and know nothing about robots, and over the course of eight weeks, gain the skills so that you can become an entry-level operator."