Empowering Startups in Southwestern Pennsylvania

Innovation Works is one of the most active early-stage investors in the country. We help tech entrepreneurs go further faster with our unique combination of capital and a continuum of resources tailored to each startup’s needs, led by experienced entrepreneurs.

We’ve been nurturing the region’s tech scene since 1988.

780+

companies supported

$3.54B

in follow-on funding raised by portfolio companies

77

successful exits

Programming Snapshot

Our programs are tailored to meet entrepreneurs at every stage of growth. From youth programs to one of the top accelerators in the country to grants that help manufacturing startups scale, we provide resources, mentorship, and funding to help founders thrive.

AlphaLab

Among the first 10 accelerators in the U.S. and Founding Charter member of the Global Accelerator Network, AlphaLab knows what it takes to go from idea to impact and catalyze a startup’s path to market. With tracks in software, hardware, life sciences, and robotics, AlphaLab offers a core curriculum with resources tailored to each startup’s industry.

Robotics Factory

The Robotics Factory capitalizes on Pittsburgh’s unparalleled strength of building robotics and automation companies. Its Create, Accelerate, and Scale programs give founders the tools they need to go from concept to commercialization by providing guidance on business, building prototypes, and scaling manufacturing.

Seed Fund

Since 1999, the Innovation Works seed fund has been the bedrock of support for Pittsburgh’s tech startups, investing $93 million in 372 companies.

Manufacturing assistance

From grants that subsidize prototyping and production costs to hands-on engineering support and access to state-of-the-art facilities, we help founders navigate the complexities of manufacturing. Programs like Scalable Grants, Technical Assistance Projects (TAP), and the Residency Program connect startups with local manufacturers and resources, empowering them to take their products from prototype to production.

Startable

Startable is a free youth program that creates a learning experience to promote entrepreneurship as a viable career path. The program provides students with the tools, resources, and mentorship needed to transform their ideas into tangible products, fostering the next generation of innovators.

WHAT FOUNDERS ARE SAYING

AlphaLab was our landing place. It helped me think like a startup. It framed my dream into something scalable and gave me permission to evolve.
Cristina Ramirez, Founder
Dashstrom
AlphaLab was our landing place. It helped me think like a startup. It framed my dream into something scalable and gave me permission to evolve.
Cristina Ramirez, Founder - Dashstrom
Cristina Ramirez, Founder
Dashstrom
With the amazing support from Innovation Works and their AlphaLab Health accelerator, DermaBio is now truly equipped with the best partners to move forward.
Maura Rosenfeld, Chief Business Officer
DermaBio
With the amazing support from Innovation Works and their AlphaLab Health accelerator, DermaBio is now truly equipped with the best partners to move forward.
Maura Rosenfeld, Chief Business Officer - DermaBio
Maura Rosenfeld, Chief Business Officer
DermaBio
Being part of the IW cohort has been a pivotal moment for our company. The team has provided us with incredible resources that we have put to use and made the most of. We have gained knowledge and experience that are invaluable for our journey. Our confidence as startup founders has grown exponentially and we owe a big part of it to the exposure IW has provided us with!
Carolina Espinosa
iTruckr
Being part of the IW cohort has been a pivotal moment for our company. The team has provided us with incredible resources that we have put to use and made the most of. We have gained knowledge and experience that are invaluable for our journey. Our confidence as startup founders has grown exponentially and we owe a big part of it to the exposure IW has provided us with!
Carolina Espinosa - iTruckr
Carolina Espinosa
iTruckr
Everyone here is pushing for your success.
Adithi Aji, Founder
Adrich
Everyone here is pushing for your success.
Adithi Aji, Founder, Adrich
Adithi Aji, Founder
Adrich

News & Announcements

June 10, 2026

From the Ecosystem: Spotlight on Brac Webb

Inside the Ecosystem: Spotlight Series · Innovation Works He left San Francisco to build in Pittsburgh. Now he’s teaching the next generation how to start strong. Brac Webb raised $85M, […]
June 5, 2026
Podcasts

AlphaLab Demo Day Returns With 21 Pittsburgh Startups

What happens when 21 startups spend five months getting sharpened, challenged and prepared for the real world? Innovation Works’ AlphaLab Demo Day is back for the first time since COVID, […]
June 1, 2026
IW News

Our Region’s Business – Innovation Works

Ven Raju joins Bill Flanagan on “Our Region’s Business” highlighting the state of capital for Pittsburgh’s startup community.  

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.