Innovation Works & AlphaLab Health: Bolstering a Thriving Life Sciences Ecosystem in Southwestern Pennsylvania
Often, when discussing Pittsburgh’s success and our region’s renaissance, world-class hospitals take center stage. Allegheny Health Network (AHN) and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) are powerhouses of world-changing medical research and state-of-the-art healthcare. Yet, crucial to the success of these medical systems are our region’s risk-taking and innovative startups.
These startups, some led by serial entrepreneurs, others by first-time founders, are at the helm of innovation in life sciences, including in drug discovery, diagnostics, medical devices, and Health IT (HIT). Many life science company founders are drawn to Pittsburgh for opportunities to study, research, and earn advanced degrees at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh — among many of southwestern Pennsylvania (SWPA)’s world-renowned research institutions. These universities serve as feeders for established life science companies in SWPA looking to build their teams as well as for accelerator programs empowering tech entrepreneurs and economic development organizations fostering small businesses.
Innovation Works (IW), the largest seed stage investor in the Southwestern Pennsylvania region, and one of the most active in the country, works hand-in-hand with these institutions to reach tech entrepreneurs at every stage of their companies’ development. Early-stage startups may access our signature accelerators, AlphaLab, AlphaLab Gear, and (newly launched) AlphaLab Health, to develop their tech innovations into customer-ready companies across IW’s three sectors — software, hardware, and life sciences, respectively. Those looking to advance to the Next Stage of development have the opportunity to access seed capital through IW’s Seed Fund. By way of these signature programs, IW offers our portfolio companies investment, mentorship, sector-specific expertise, network connections, and office and wet lab space.
Innovation Works has a strong track record in supporting life sciences companies. Since our organization’s start in 1999…
With the launch of our newest accelerator, AlphaLab Health, we are thrilled to continue to contribute to the thriving life sciences ecosystem in SWPA. With clinical expertise, robust databases, and research innovation experience of our program partner, AHN, we provide life science tech startups with the resources they need to build successful businesses in our region. These startups will lead to pivotal healthcare innovations and increase job opportunities for SWPA’s endless pool of talent.
If you’re ready to take your life science tech startup to the next stage, applications are now open for AlphaLab Health’s inaugural cohort. Apply by October 25 to join our region’s world-class life sciences ecosystem.
