Innovation Works

Join us for Outside In: Hyde Park, a relaxed evening connecting founders, investors, and tech leaders with the team at Hyde Park Venture Partners. We’ll gather for light networking, fresh perspectives, and a beautiful summer evening — all with a view. Hear quick insights from: Allison Lechnir, Partner at HPVP & former operator Carlos Covarrubias, VP at HPVP & Co-Founder of Angeles Investors Whether you’re building, investing, or just startup-curious — come hang. 📍 Outside In: Hyde Park 📅 August 26 🎟️ Space is limited — register early https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/e3Mh4aeV Thanks to our generous sponsors: Fox Rothschild LLP, Faros Properties, Sisterson & Co. LLP & Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC.

TiE Pittsburgh and Innovation Works are launching Open Mic Nights, a high-energy event where founders, researchers, and curious minds take the stage. In 3 to 10 minutes, participants pitch an idea, share research, or spark conversation — followed by open Q&A and lively discussion. Expect a mix of startup pitches, research spotlights, bold opinions, and fresh ideas. Whether you’re presenting or just listening in, you’ll leave inspired (and well-fed). 📅 August 21 | 🍕 Food & drinks included | 🧠 Curiosity required Register now: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/gnpj7c4p

In 2024, Innovation Works backed 116 companies that generated $677M in revenue, created 363 new jobs, and helped define Pittsburgh’s future in AI, robotics, and life sciences. Our new Community Impact Report shows the power of early investment, mentorship, and regional collaboration—including the launch of a life sciences fund with Highmark and Allegheny Health Network, and the scaling of impactful startups like Peoples Energy Analytics. This momentum is more than numbers—it’s a reflection of a growing, inclusive innovation ecosystem. Read the full press release https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/e77erRzi

When you have a small team, learning how to harness AI to increase capacity is crucial! At Smart Grant Solutions, we are thankful for the opportunity provided by Innovation Works in collaboration with Rex Harris and Adam Paulisick to do just that. Creating and utilizing AI Agents, automations, and leveraging OpenAI to do more with little time while enhancing our strategy and analytical capabilities has been a game changer! It’s also always great to spend the day with our fellow founders like Wendy McSparren CEO of Admirra! Great to see you, Wendy!

Great opportunity for regional founders!

Last week, nine dynamic founders from the Anvil Founder Coaching Program climbed the stairs of Avenu Workspace in Oakland—not just for the view, but to pitch their world-changing startups. Among the companies, Reclamation Factory, a 2024 cohort alum, is tackling America’s plastic crisis with high-tech recycling micro-factories that are as easy to use as a dumpster—and way more elegant. And Beyond Reach Labs, Inc., is rethinking deployable infrastructure for disaster zones and even outer space, using designs inspired by origami. These startups, and others, are redefining what’s possible—one pitch at a time. Read the full article https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/evv3ns74

Your front-row seat to market-defining innovation from the cradle of AI. AI & Robotics Venture Day is back on September 24 at Carnegie Mellon University—and applications are now open for accredited investors. Join us for a one-day, highly curated showcase of 30 investor-ready startups applying AI, robotics, and deep tech across sectors like health, automation, and energy. You won't want to miss this event during CMU's Start-Up Week. Built here. Scalable everywhere. Apply to attend: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.phubs.ly/Q03zRhXn0 Hosting by Innovation Works, Carnegie Mellon University, Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship, Project Olympus CMU, and CMU VentureBridge #BuiltInPittsburgh #VentureDay #StartupInvesting #VentureCapital

Once a steel town. Now, the launchpad for AI deployment. Innovation Works is a proud sponsor of the AI Horizons Pittsburgh Forge AI Pitch Challenge. Pennsylvania’s first statewide AI challenge, rewarding deployment-ready innovation with $100K. From robots that inspect power plants to AI in drug discovery, our startups are reshaping the industries that built America. 📍 Live pitch on Sept 10 at Bakery Square, Pittsburgh 📝 Apps Due Aug 8 🔗 Apply now https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/eYTUnHxA #ForgeAIPitch #PittsburghAI #AIHorizons2025 #RustBeltRevival #AIforImpact

Venture investment in Pittsburgh more than doubled in Q2 — and that’s without counting Skild AI’s $500M raise. With deals like Abridge, Gecko Robotics, and Noveome Biotherapeutics, Inc. leading the way, our region is proving that we don’t just build startups — we build companies that tackle hard problems and shape the future. As President & CEO Ven Raju told Technical.ly: “The region is well-positioned to harness global sector tailwinds in AI and autonomy.” From early-stage founders to billion-dollar breakthroughs, Pittsburgh is showing the world what’s possible when we invest in bold ideas. Read the full article: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/eqwwDVqB #PittsburghStartups #VentureCapital #InnovationWorks #AI #Robotics #DeepTech #FounderFocused #TechThatMatters

Pennsylvania’s AI economy is heating up—and now we’re putting it on stage. The AI Horizons Pittsburgh Forge AI Pitch offers $50,000 to the state’s most deployment-ready AI and AI-adjacent startups. The goal? Spotlight real implementation across sectors like energy, defense, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. 🗓️ Apply by August 8 🏆 Final pitch: September 10 @ Bakery Square Pittsburgh 🔗 Visit https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/eYTUnHxA to apply Supported by Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, and more. #AIHorizons2025 #ForgeAIPitch #AIeconomy #PittsburghInnovation