Innovation Works

Thread

Thread transforms plastic waste from the developing world into socially and environmentally responsible fabrics. Our customer brands instantly improve their social impact, carbon footprint and increase the value of their goods to today's mindful customer without altering their current manufacturing processes. Customers have an opportunity meet the community of nearly 1,300 people who make their product possible from Ground to Good™ and learn how their lives have improved through an interactive Powered By Thread web platform. Thread is responsible for the removal of over 6 million bottles from streets and canals of the developing world each month.

Jazz

Since 2009, Jazz (formerly Resumator) has raised the bar in the recruiting software industry, with many of our innovations becoming industry-standard. We’re the first company to put powerful, yet easy-to-use recruiting software in the hands of startups, growing companies and even presidential campaigns.

Riverfront Ventures

Riverfront Ventures (RFV) seeks to invest in high-growth early-stage companies primarily located in southwestern PA. We focus on technology companies with large market potentials and founding teams with the energy, passion and experience to build great businesses. Our team’s focus is to help your company succeed, by leveraging our experience in working with hundreds of entrepreneurs. We know how hard it is to build market- leading companies and we’re here to help companies through the various stages of their development in helping to secure funding rounds, build effective management teams, provide introductions to customers, strategic partners, the investment banking community, with the ultimate goal of helping our entrepreneurs build value for their investors..

SolePower

SolePower creates self-charging wearables that capture wasted energy from human motion. Electronics can be powered solely by footsteps—creating “unplugged” technology that doesn’t need to be charged. SolePower smart work boots (“SmartBoots”) collect motion and location data, providing industrial workforces with actionable insights to increase efficiency and reduce accidents. Embedded in the boot is a patented kinetic charger that generates power with every step. The system gathers and provides insights and data to improve worker safety by visualizing location and motion of workers on hazardous sites.

AlphaLab

Founded in 2008, AlphaLab has built an extensive alumni network that remains engaged with current AlphaLab companies. Offering expertise and experience, many return for educational sessions and one-on-one mentorship. Several high-growth startup companies that originated in AlphaLab include The Resumator, NoWait, Shoefitr, SolePower, BlackLocus and The Zebra.

AlphaLab Gear

AlphaLab Gear is consistently ranked as a top-20 accelerator nationwide. We provide early-stage physical product companies with an extensive mentor network, educational sessions with industry leaders, and a rich entrepreneurial work environment.

Entrepreneurs welcomed! Find out how Innovation Works can help your startup get off the ground. »

Investors

Co-invest with Innovation Works, one of the most active seed-stage investors in the nation. »

About Us

Our community of entrepreneurs and investors is growing every day. Click here to connect. »

Welcome to Innovation Works

IW fuels the technology economy in Southwestern PA through direct investments and business expertise. Every year, we help hundreds of entrepreneurs, researchers and small manufacturers to create new markets and change the world with their ideas and innovations.

Innovation Works values diversity in its programs and encourages women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans, as well as entities controlled by such individuals, to submit applications or business plans for consideration.

Read how Pittsburgh is a tech startup leader in The Atlantic.

Our Programs

Innovation Works is one of the most active seed-stage investors in the U.S.
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IW Company Impacts

300+

IW Portfolio Companies

$72.7

Million in Investment

$1.8

Billion in Follow-On Funding

Innovation Works Blog

Scalable Innovation: Expanding business opportunities for manufacturers and startups
Manufacturing Program Manager, Afshan Khan explains the new Scalable Innovation program.
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The Startable Pittsburgh Conversation
Program Coordinator at Startable Pittsburgh, Jackie Shimshoni answers frequently asked questions.
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Understanding Waterfall Diagrams
Investment Associate, Dave Lishego on different types of equity securities.
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Career Center »

Pittsburgh Innovation News »

FAQs »

Office Hours »

Upcoming Events

AlphaLab & AlphaLab Gear Demo Day
May 24th, 2017
Time: 9:00 AM
Presentations begin at 9:30 AM
Location: Carnegie Library Music Hall of Homestead
Register: bit.ly/pghdemoday17

Office Hours, Tuesdays from 1:00 - 3:00pm.
Registration is required: calendly.com/iwofficehours

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Current News

Some take a chance — with their wallets — on startups
03/06/2017

Why Middle America Can Be Better for Entrepreneurs Than Silicon Valley
02/22/2017