ABOUT US
Helping Entrepreneurs Go Further, Faster
Innovation Works is a nonprofit venture development organization dedicated to driving economic growth in Southwestern Pennsylvania by supporting early-stage technology startups.
Since 1988, Innovation Works has been a cornerstone of Southwestern Pennsylvania’s tech ecosystem, driving economic growth through the support of over 780 startups. As one of the most active early-stage investors in the nation, we provide entrepreneurs with the funding, mentorship, and resources they need to turn innovative ideas into thriving businesses. A member of the statewide Ben Franklin Technology Partners network, Innovation Works plays a vital role in driving innovation, job creation, inclusion, and economic growth in the region.
From pioneering accelerators like AlphaLab to tailored manufacturing support, our programs are designed to meet startups at every stage of growth while fostering a vibrant innovation community. Across all programs, Innovation Works pairs entrepreneurs with experienced managing directors who provide guidance and access to an extensive network of investors, customers, and industry experts. This continuum of resources and capital helps to support our portfolio companies in reaching their next growth stage.
Innovation Works Mission
Our mission is to invest in the people and businesses that drive innovation and propel southwestern Pennsylvania’s economic growth.
Innovation Works does this by empowering entrepreneurs with the funding, mentorship, and resources they need to succeed at every stage of their journey. Since its inception, Innovation Works has invested in more than 800 companies, helping launch some of Pennsylvania’s fastest-growing tech startups and creating high-paying jobs across the state.
Our Values
The team at Innovation Works is built on foundational values that guide our behaviors in how we support our founders, partners, and communities every day.
Innovative
We pursue purposeful innovation to strengthen our impact.
We stay curious, ground ideas in evidence, and learn through action. Innovation means turning insight into improvement.
Inclusive & Welcoming
We create belonging through respect, inclusion, and empathy.
Every person deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued. We foster environments where people can contribute fully and thrive together.
Integrity
We act with honesty, courage, accountability and care in every decision.
Integrity is doing what we say we’ll do, following through with action, and using resources wisely to build long-term trust.
Service
We serve with purpose and excellence, committing to others’ success.
We act with empathy, accountability, and professionalism to deliver meaningful results and continuously improve.
Collaborative
We achieve more together than we ever could alone.
Collaboration means we work together with trust and openness, to create outcomes stronger than any individual could achieve.
By the Numbers
830+
companies supported
$3.74B
in follow-on funding raised by portfolio companies
81
successful exits
Investing in Pennsylvania’s Future
Innovation Works is part of Ben Franklin Technology Partners, a Pennsylvania’s statewide innovation network, supporting founders through early-stage funding, hands-on expertise, and strategic partnerships. For more than four decades, Ben Franklin has helped companies across the Commonwealth launch new technologies, create jobs, and drive economic growth.
Through four independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations, the partnership serves distinct geographic regions across Pennsylvania. Each regional partner delivers localized expertise while operating within a coordinated statewide strategy. Innovation Works serves as the southwestern Pennsylvania partner within the Ben Franklin Technology Partners network.
Learn More About Innovation Works
Get Involved
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, mentor, or community partner, there’s a place for you in our growing network. Innovation Works thrives on collaboration, and we invite you to contribute your expertise, resources, or enthusiasm to help build the future of innovation in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
