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Empowering Hardware Startups to Innovate, Grow, and Succeed.

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Overview

AlphaLab Gear helps hardware startups refine their products, strengthen their supply chain, and go to market. It was one of the first three dedicated hardware accelerators in the world, established in 2013 as a spinoff of AlphaLab to address the 75% of the economy devoted to physical goods.

The six-month 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
  • Manufacturing educational series
  • Access to engineers, technicians, and hardware staff
  • Access to local manufacturers

What Makes Us Unique

AlphaLab Gear provides hardware 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, AlphaLab Gear 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?

AlphaLab Gear seeks ambitious, driven, and coachable founders who are ready to take their startups to the next level. Founders who join AlphaLab 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 for AlphaLab Gear 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 hardware manufacturing and commercial business development
  • Have a company that has engaged early users to identify demand, use cases, and potentially a 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

Alphalab helped us get in the door with our first pilot customer. That kicked off the company where we were then able to close other larger logistics contracts.
Andy Chan, Founder
Vigilant Technologies
☆☆☆☆☆
Alphalab helped us get in the door with our first pilot customer. That kicked off the company where we were then able to close other larger logistics contracts.
Andy Chan, Founder
Andy Chan, Founder
Vigilant Technologies
AlphaLab Gear was instrumental in bringing our product to life, providing Lead-In with a wealth of manufacturing assistance via the in-house manufacturing team. The program was also invaluable in connecting us with mentors with industry insights in manufacturing. For example, after getting denied by 15+ domestic contract manufacturers, one of our mentors connected us with a local supplier that got the job done for us. I would absolutely recommend Gear to other founders that are building physical products or processes. The program truly accelerates time to market.
Maximillian Obasiolu, Founder
Lead-In Records
☆☆☆☆☆
AlphaLab Gear was instrumental in bringing our product to life, providing Lead-In with a wealth of manufacturing assistance via the in-house manufacturing team. The program was also invaluable in connecting us with mentors with industry insights in manufacturing. For example, after getting denied by 15+ domestic contract manufacturers, one of our mentors connected us with a local supplier that got the job done for us. I would absolutely recommend Gear to other founders that are building physical products or processes. The program truly accelerates time to market.
Maximillian Obasiolu, Founder, Lead-In Records
Maximillian Obasiolu, Founder
Lead-In Records

Why Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh’s long-standing manufacturing heritage and network of industry experts make it an ideal base for hardware startups. The city’s rich ecosystem includes a range of manufacturing resources, supply chain partners, and affordable facilities, providing startups with everything they need to produce hardware at scale. We even have a hardware meetup!

With Pittsburgh’s unique combination of resources and support, AlphaLab Gear founders can focus on what matters most: creating products that make an impact.

Bridge in Pittsburgh
Pittsburg Skyline