Innovation Works

AlphaLab Gear is one of the longest programs of its kind around because we know what it takes to get a hardware startup off the ground. We get hardware.

And whether you come to us with a design or a working prototype, we’re thinking about what it takes to build it reliably, at scale and at a price your customers are willing to pay. 

The AlphaLab Gear hardware accelerator provides investment and guides you through a bespoke program and an optional manufacturing-focused module. Access an instant network of on-site technical experts, investors and customers and grow your startup in Pittsburgh, the center of hardware and robotics.

There are two points in time when hardware companies are best equipped to fundraise and scale successfully:

  1. Identifying their first target market, and 
  2. Proving that customers will pay to use their product, and when they’re ready to manufacture at scale.

The AlphaLab Gear program helps companies reach these points faster. Our model works. Over 85% of our alumni raise follow-on funding. And as a program of Innovation Works, the 8th most active seed-stage investor in the country, there are opportunities for seed and follow-on funding, support from our Executives in Residence, and connections to a huge network of investors and corporate partners. We’re at the center of hardware and robotics in our region. Whether you want to manufacture locally, regionally or globally we’ve got the connections and expertise to get you there.

Throughout and after the program, AlphaLab Gear provides:

  • $50K in funding and the opportunity to raise money from the Innovation Works seed fund post-program
  • Bespoke programming by industry leaders to get from innovation to commercialization;
  • 1:1 interactions with us and the extended Innovation Works team
  • Additional connections to our network of mentors, investors, and industry leaders as well as access to GAN perks. 
  • Community with our robust network of alumni through various interactions
  • Workshop space
  • Office space in a collaborative work environment filled with snack and drinks to fuel you and your business

Want to learn more about AlphaLab Gear? Check them out at alphalabgear.org.

Scalable

Scalable connects hardware entrepreneurs with forward-thinking manufacturers in Southwestern Pennsylvania to create long-lasting relationships that fuel innovation in our local economy.

We provide hardware entrepreneurs with support in design for manufacturability, finding the right manufacturer, growing your supply chain, and scaling products while cutting costs.

Funding to work with local, forward-thinking, manufacturers

The Scalable Innovation Grant is designed to encourage hardware entrepreneurs to form strong relationships with local manufacturers; no more long-distance partnerships or precarious supply chains. Our model empowers entrepreneurs to advance from the prototyping stage into production by providing startups with up to $15,000 as an incentive to build lasting relationships with local manufacturers.

Learn more about Scalable!