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Overview

 AlphaLab Robotics operates as the Robotics Factory Accelerate, a unique program that helps early-stage robotics company founders ready their products for market with design, manufacturing, supply chain, and go-to-market skills. The Robotics Factory Accelerate program also positions founders to scale their  technologies for production and distribution to large customer segments.

Robotics Factory operates alongside our AlphaLab accelerator program, leveraging resources and training while providing founders with specialized curriculum and expertise to bring robotics-based  solutions to commercialization. The six-month robotics accelerator program sets founders up for success, offering above-average capital investments and customized guidance from Innovation Works’ staff of successful entrepreneurs who have built, scaled and exited their own startups. Participating companies provide 3% common equity for the accelerator program and receive up to $100,000 invested via an uncapped SAFE.

KEY BENEFITS

  • Production-grade prototyping shop
  • DeepTech connections and mentorship
  • Access to engineers, technicians, and hardware staff
  • Access to local manufacturers

What Makes Us Unique

The Robotics Factory provides robotics startups with hands-on resources that go beyond traditional accelerator support. At the heart of our program is our dedicated prototype shop, where founders have access to specialized equipment and workspaces to bring their designs from concept to reality. Whether you’re refining a prototype or testing a production-ready product, our facilities enable startups to iterate quickly and efficiently. Additionally, the Robotics Factory connects founders with Pittsburgh’s extensive manufacturing network, helping them establish reliable supply chains and scale production with local partners. Through our programming, hardware startups gain both the practical tools and industry insights needed to create products that are built to last and ready for market.
Man holding box of product.

Who Should Apply?

Robotics Factory Accelerate seeks ambitious, driven, and coachable founders who are ready to take their startups to the next level. Founders who join Robotics Factory should be ready to fully commit to their startup’s success, engage deeply with our mentorship, and work within Pittsburgh’s vibrant tech community.

You’re a fit if for Robotics Factory Accelerate if you check these boxes:

  • Have a working prototype with identified customer demand and/or commitment to purchase
  • Have a team with product expertise and a basic understanding of robotics manufacturing and commercial business development
  • Have a company that has engaged early users to identify demand, use cases, and potentially as sales pipeline

Learn about the requirements.

Our Team

Kevin Dowling, Ph.D.
Managing Director, Hardware and Robotics Factory
Sara Longo
Senior Program Manager, AlphaLab
Matt Verlinich
Senior Program Manager, Manufacturing Program

Portfolio Highlights

Innovation Works offered an invaluable range of services, including education, design support, mentorship, fabrication facilities, and connections to external resources. Their guidance was instrumental in helping us navigate potential pitfalls and set a clear path toward success. Without their support, our startup would have struggled to overcome the many challenges we faced.
Dr. Lyman Petrosky
ForSight Assistive Devices
☆☆☆☆☆
Innovation Works offered an invaluable range of services, including education, design support, mentorship, fabrication facilities, and connections to external resources. Their guidance was instrumental in helping us navigate potential pitfalls and set a clear path toward success. Without their support, our startup would have struggled to overcome the many challenges we faced.
Dr. Lyman Petrosky ForSight Assistive Devices
Dr. Lyman Petrosky
ForSight Assistive Devices
“The Robotics Factory's Accelerate Program provided Humotech with invaluable strategic guidance, helping us prepare for investment while refining our processes, manufacturing documentation, and scalability. This support has been pivotal as we work to bring our innovative clinical application to market."
Candice Caputo, COO
Humotech
☆☆☆☆☆
“The Robotics Factory's Accelerate Program provided Humotech with invaluable strategic guidance, helping us prepare for investment while refining our processes, manufacturing documentation, and scalability. This support has been pivotal as we work to bring our innovative clinical application to market."
Candice Caputo, COO Humotech
Candice Caputo, COO
Humotech
Participating in the Robotics Factory was a major boon to our efforts to streamline and scale the manufacturing of our wearable robotics systems, as well as the development of our go-to-market strategy for clinical translation.
Josh Caputo
Humotech
☆☆☆☆☆
Participating in the Robotics Factory was a major boon to our efforts to streamline and scale the manufacturing of our wearable robotics systems, as well as the development of our go-to-market strategy for clinical translation.
Josh Caputo - Humotech
Josh Caputo
Humotech

Why Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh is recognized as the “Robotics Capital of the World”, making it the ideal location for early-stage robotics startups. With a rich ecosystem of artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous systems, and manufacturing expertise, founders gain unparalleled access to investors, world-class mentors, and specialized facilities in a city that offers affordability, culture, and fun. Coupled with AlphaLab, Pittsburgh’s dedication to supporting entrepreneurs is proven and founders can leverage expertise in software, hardware, and even healthcare in one program to ensure these complex systems move from prototype to commercial application. 

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