Innovation Works

Congratulations to the 10 innovative startups named to the Pittsburgh Business Times' 2024 Startups to Watch list! This impressive cohort represents the best of Pittsburgh’s thriving tech ecosystem, spanning robotics, life sciences, and AI. We’re especially proud to celebrate #IWPortfolio company Edge AI Solutions, #AlphaLab company Astria Biosciences, #RoboticsFactory alum Journey Robotics, and #ALHAlum #ALGAlum company Parcel Health, Inc for their outstanding achievements and growth. Be sure to check out the full article and learn more about these companies!?https://lnkd.in/ehKWb2rx

How do you find the right manufacturer for your hardware startup? You could spend months searching, negotiating, and testing partnerships—or you could meet multiple vetted manufacturers in one place at the 6th Scalable Expo. Meet experts from Tri-Form, Inc. (TFI), Tronix3D, Lexicon Design, Innovative Electronics Corporation, JenRocket LLC, and Pleiger Plastics who specialize in helping startups scale. Get direct advice, find solutions to manufacturing challenges, and discover funding options to support your production. Register now: https://buff.ly/40R6xBG

Many hardware startups struggle with manufacturing delays, supply chain issues, and production bottlenecks. The right manufacturing partner can solve these problems—but how do you find one? Join us at the 6th Scalable Expo to meet multiple manufacturers in one place. Experts from Tri-Form, Inc. (TFI), Lexicon Design, and JenRocket LLC will be on-site to help you optimize your manufacturing process and accelerate production. April 1, 2025 | Wyndham Grand Downtown Pittsburgh Don’t let manufacturing slow you down—register today! https://buff.ly/40R6xBG

#IWPortfolio company Adrich founder Adhithi Aji has taken her patented AI-powered e-commerce platform from idea to international recognition. Recently featured in Technical.ly’s How I Got Here series, Adhithi shares how her journey from Bangalore to Pittsburgh led to building a startup that’s raised over $3.5M and works with Fortune 500 brands. Adrich’s recent win at the 2024 TiE Women Global competition is just the latest milestone in a story of resilience, innovation, and global impact. Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/d9p8XNhV

The City of Pittsburgh Department of Innovation & Performance has officially announced the four local startups selected for PGH Lab Cohort 10.0, the city’s flagship “first customer” program! These outstanding companies will partner with city departments to pilot technologies that enhance government operations and community services. Among this year’s participants, Make It Home Safe Inc.? Safe will collaborate with the Department of Public Safety to explore safety-focused technologies that enhance public well-being, and #RFAlum Reclamation Factory, will work alongside Public Works and the Office of Sustainability and Resilience to advance sustainable recycling by tracing and processing post-consumer plastic waste. Congratulations to all four startups: ? Ethos Collaborative ? Make It Home Safe Inc.? ? Reclamation Factory ? VRIDIAN As part of PGH Lab’s newly enhanced six-month paid program—including a $25,000 stipend—these startups will gain invaluable experience and access while helping to shape Pittsburgh’s civic future. Read the full announcement here: https://lnkd.in/epWcN6mC Learn more about PGH Lab and how Pittsburgh continues to lead in fostering public-private partnerships: https://lnkd.in/emk7vB6

Duquesne University’s New Venture Challenge has announced its five finalists, selected from a record-breaking 150+ entries. Among them are Scale Resident, Clean Plate Innovations, leveraging machine learning to reduce cafeteria food waste, and Robotics Factory Alum, Reclamation Factory, Inc., using small-scale robotics to revolutionize plastic manufacturing. They’re joined by medical device innovators EASI and PinPointDX, and Pittsburgh Coastal Energy, specializing in underwater charging for drones. These teams will compete for over $40,000 in prizes, legal support, and business consulting on April 12, 2025. To learn more about the finalists and the upcoming competition, read the full article. https://lnkd.in/epJRRGZ8

Bringing health care innovations to market is notoriously challenging, with complex regulations, long sales cycles, and limited hospital budgets making it harder to attract investors—especially for safety technologies. Yet, regions like Pittsburgh are creating a more supportive environment for early-stage companies. With accelerators like AlphaLab, strategic funding from military and civilian partnerships, and a collaborative health care ecosystem, startups are finding smarter, faster ways to scale. To explore how innovators are overcoming these obstacles and where the next big opportunities lie, read the full article https://lnkd.in/ghtHwHa7

This International Women's Month, we're spotlighting trailblazing women founders like Dr. Beth Gusenoff, a podiatrist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Push2Spin Technologies, Inc. — a majority woman-owned medical device company revolutionizing soft tissue grafting. Driven by a passion for helping patients and a fearless embrace of entrepreneurship, Beth’s journey exemplifies perseverance, innovation, and the power of collaboration. With support from Innovation Works & AlphaLab, she’s breaking barriers and paving the way for women-led innovation in healthcare. Read the full blog https://lnkd.in/g-kRK8QB

You’ve designed something amazing—but turning that design into a manufactured product is another challenge entirely. Join us at the 6th Scalable Expo on April 1, 2025, to meet top manufacturers who can help you bridge the gap between prototype and production. Whether you need 3D printing, electronics, injection molding, or assembly expertise, you’ll find the right connections here. Some of our 30 manufacturers include: Tri-Form, Inc. (TFI) – Machine shop Tronix3D – Advanced 3D printing & additive manufacturing Lexicon Design – Product design & engineering Innovative Electronics Corporation – PCB & electronics manufacturing JenRocket LLC – Textiles & Sewing Pleiger Plastics – Custom plastic molding Register today: https://buff.ly/40R6xBG

Hardware startups waste months (or years!) trying to find the right manufacturing partners. What if you could meet multiple manufacturers in one place, on one day, with zero hassle? That’s exactly what the 6th Scalable Expo offers. On April 1, 2025, join us and 30 manufacturers who specialize in working with startups. Companies like Lexicon Design, JenRocket LLC, and Tri-Form, Inc. will be there to help you solve production challenges. Save time, make connections, and move your product forward. Register now: https://buff.ly/40R6xBG