FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
CONTACT:
TERRI GLUECK
 412-894-9514
tglueck@innovationworks.org

 Innovation Works Alphalab Seeking Next Software, Entertainment Technology
And Web Application Companies For Investment, Office Space, Assistance:
Deadline to apply is October 15, 2008

Pittsburgh, PA – September 15, 2008 –  AlphaLab, Innovation Works’ 20-week program to accelerate the growth of software, entertainment technology and Internet-related companies, is taking applications until October 15, 2008 for the winter/spring cycle of funding and assistance which will begin January 5, 2009.  The on-line application can be found at www.alphalab.org. 

A program of Innovation Works, one of the nation’s most active seed-stage investors, AlphaLab provides $25,000 in funding, free office space, and expert business advice through an intensive 20-week program in Pittsburgh.  AlphaLab helps companies rapidly develop their technology, gain user feedback from early product releases, develop go-to-market strategies, build ties to potential investors, and move towards successful commercial launch.  The range of entrepreneurs who should apply varies from those who have already developed a prototype or early iteration to those still fleshing out a product concept and everything in between.

The application deadline for the winter/spring program is October 15, 2008.  A committee made up of Innovation Works’ business experts, outside investors and other advisors will review the applications and ask a subset of entrepreneurs to meet in-person.   The review committee will then select up to six companies to participate in the next AlphaLab cycle based on the concept’s uniqueness, the technology’s market potential and the teams’ ability to develop and launch a winning product/service.  Companies will be notified of their selection in November.

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