Innovation Works

Overview

Pittsburgh's most active early-stage seed investor (since 1999). $93M deployed across 372 companies. Operates AlphaLab and Robotics Factory accelerators.

Part of the Pittsburgh ecosystem

Related

• AlphaLabInnovation Works' flagship Pittsburgh accelerator (since 2008). Software, hardware, life sciences, robotics tracks; up to $100K funding per cohort. 250+ alumni, $1.3B follow-on raised.
• AstroboticAstrobotic develops lunar landers, rovers, spacecraft navigation, machine vision, and computing systems to carry payloads, instruments, and experiments to the Moon.
• Aurora Innovation ($AUR)Aurora develops self-driving technology for freight-hauling trucks and ride-hailing vehicles, aiming to improve road safety, supply chain efficiency, shipping costs, accessibility, and transportation reliability.
• Bloomfield RoboticsBuilds vehicle-mounted camera and deep learning tools that give growers, plant breeders, and scientists plant-level crop health and performance assessments across seasons.
• Carnegie MellonProvides higher education and research for students and partners, developing creators, inventors and leaders while engaging beyond campus on societal challenges.
• Gecko RoboticsBuilds robots, sensors, and software that collect infrastructure condition data and turn inspections into insights for defense, energy, oil and gas, and manufacturing customers.
• International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS)Convenes robotics researchers, engineers, and industry leaders for technical presentations, workshops, tutorials, competitions, and sessions on robot perception, learning, control, and human-robot interaction.
• Near Earth AutonomyBuilds autonomous pilot systems that let aircraft take off, fly, and land for commercial and defense aerial mobility missions, from drones to helicopters.
• Pittsburgh Robotics & AI Discovery DayShowcases robotics, automation, and AI through demos, exhibits, and career activities for business leaders, job seekers, technologists, and curious attendees.
• Pittsburgh Robotics NetworkConnects robotics, autonomy, and AI companies with capital, business development, supply chain, mentorship, education, recruiting, and job resources to support regional commercialization and growth.
• Skild AIBuilds general-purpose robotic intelligence to control robots across tasks, helping inspection, security, and packing customers automate work in unstructured or dangerous environments.
• Stack AVDevelops AI-powered autonomous trucking systems for freight operators, addressing trucking industry challenges around safer, more reliable operations and smarter supply chains.