PROGRAMMING

A Formula for Growth

Innovation Works’ goal is to help startups achieve their next growth stage. As a founder, you interface with team members who have been co-founders, venture capitalists, product managers, and operations experts. You learn from those who know what it’s like to raise funds, launch products, and win over customers’ hearts.

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Where Early Start-ups Get the Help they Need

Founders in the early part of their journey can get the resources they need to help with product development, process refinement, securing funding, and finding mentors and a community network that supports their growth. Innovation Works offers target programming and funding opportunities designed to provide just that — community, customer readiness, and capital for early stage companies building in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Investors recognize our work too, after supporting hundreds of entrepreneurs at various stages in their growth. From budding students to unicorns, a wide range of programming is available to support your growth in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Founder's Journey

From First Steps to Future Success

At Innovation Works, we meet founders where they are—helping them navigate the startup and early-growth stages with the right mix of accelerator programming, expert mentorship, and targeted funding. By reducing risk and building momentum early, we help position companies for the milestones and opportunities that lie ahead.

Our Programs

AlphaLab logo

AlphaLab

AlphaLab is a nationally ranked accelerator program that provides startups with the mentorship, funding, and resources they need to accelerate their path to market. With tracks dedicated to software, hardware, life sciences, and robotics, AlphaLab combines a core curriculum with industry-specific guidance to ensure startups are equipped for success. Whether you’re refining your prototype or preparing for your first customer, AlphaLab is designed to help you reach your next milestone.

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Robotics Factory logo

The Robotics Factory

The Robotics Factory capitalizes on Pittsburgh’s global leadership in robotics and automation to support startups innovating in these fields. Its Create, Accelerate, and Scale programs provide tailored support at every stage, from concept development to prototyping and scaling manufacturing. Entrepreneurs in this program gain access to cutting-edge facilities, industry partnerships, and the guidance needed to commercialize their robotics solutions.

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Seed Fund

The Innovation Works Seed Fund is an early-stage investment program that provides capital, business expertise and resources to companies growing in the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. It serves to bridge the gap between concept and early-stage growth to ensure more companies can continue the important work that enables them to accelerate.

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Manufacturing Assistance

For hardware startups, Innovation Works provides the resources needed to navigate production and scaling challenges. With options like Scalable grants and residency programs, we connect entrepreneurs to regional manufacturers, supply chain partners, and expert guidance. Whether you’re moving from prototype to production or expanding your capabilities, these programs are tailored to help hardware startups succeed.

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Founder Highlights

Ryan Green, CEO - Gridwise
AlphaLab was where I wanted to be. They were a top accelerator based in Pittsburgh and had all of the resources and network access that I could have hoped for. My only ask was that I needed help finding a technical co-founder. Eventually, they were the ones who introduced me to Brian Finamore, Gridwise’s co-founder and now CTO.
Ryan Green, CEO
Gridwise
☆☆☆☆☆
AlphaLab was where I wanted to be. They were a top accelerator based in Pittsburgh and had all of the resources and network access that I could have hoped for. My only ask was that I needed help finding a technical co-founder. Eventually, they were the ones who introduced me to Brian Finamore, Gridwise’s co-founder and now CTO.
Ryan Green, CEO - Gridwise
Ryan Green, CEO
Gridwise
Candice Caputo, COO Humotech
“The Robotics Factory's Accelerate Program provided Humotech with invaluable strategic guidance, helping us prepare for investment while refining our processes, manufacturing documentation, and scalability. This support has been pivotal as we work to bring our innovative clinical application to market."
Candice Caputo, COO
Humotech
☆☆☆☆☆
“The Robotics Factory's Accelerate Program provided Humotech with invaluable strategic guidance, helping us prepare for investment while refining our processes, manufacturing documentation, and scalability. This support has been pivotal as we work to bring our innovative clinical application to market."
Candice Caputo, COO Humotech
Candice Caputo, COO
Humotech
Teresa Whalen, RPh, CEO - CytoAgents
AlphaLab Health provided early stage capital, industry connections, the expertise of a top research institute and access to highly regarded clinicians. All of these resources propelled our research and development program forward.
Teresa Whalen, RPh, CEO
CytoAgents
☆☆☆☆☆
AlphaLab Health provided early stage capital, industry connections, the expertise of a top research institute and access to highly regarded clinicians. All of these resources propelled our research and development program forward.
Teresa Whalen, RPh, CEO - CytoAgents
Teresa Whalen, RPh, CEO
CytoAgents

Get Started

Need help finding the program that’s right for you? Let’s start a conversation and identify the best fit.

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