Innovation Works

Innovation Works supports technology start-ups across Southwestern Pennsylvania. It combines an early-stage investment fund with accelerator programmes, mentoring and grants. The organisation says it has been building the regional tech scene since 1988, and its seed fund has run since 1999.

What Innovation Works offers

• Seed fund — early investment in Pittsburgh-area technology companies.
• AlphaLab accelerator — tracks for software, hardware, life sciences and robotics, with a core curriculum tailored to each field.
• Robotics Factory — Create, Accelerate and Scale programmes taking robotics and automation firms from concept to production.
• Manufacturing support — grants, technical assistance projects and a residency programme linking start-ups with local manufacturers.
• Startable — a youth programme that encourages students to consider entrepreneurship.
• Open office hours — regular sessions where founders can ask questions and meet the wider network.

Who it works with

Tech entrepreneurs, researchers and small manufacturers in Southwestern Pennsylvania, from students to established start-ups.

Key facts

• Based in: Southwestern Pennsylvania, USA
• Active since: 1988 (seed fund since 1999)
• Recognition: AlphaLab named by TIME and Statista among notable US incubators