PITTSBURGH — April 21, 2025 — AlphaLab, the accelerator of Innovation Works helping entrepreneurs advance their path to market, has opened the application window for its next cohort of startups. AlphaLab offers founders the opportunity to build foundational growth skills and specialty support for software, hardware, life sciences, and robotics with a low-equity commitment. 

Unlike other accelerators, AlphaLab takes a multi-track approach, creating an environment where founders benefit from sector-specific resources but also collaborate across specialties, share insights, and gain access to a broad spectrum of mentors and investors. 

Companies selected for the 2026 cohort will receive up to $100,000 in investment, sector-specific expertise, intensive training in customer acquisition and founder-led sales, and hands-on fundraising preparation, in an immersive, on-site cohort experience.

“AlphaLab has a rich history of turning out strong cohorts and we can’t wait to see the companies we’ll be working with next,” said Aaron Tainter, Director of Accelerator Programs at Innovation Works. “Whether you’re building in AI, robotics, hardware, or life sciences, we have the mentors, lab space, and community to make it happen. Pittsburgh has always shown up for entrepreneurs, and AlphaLab continues to be a big part of that story.”

The next cohort will start in early 2026 and will follow the success of the program’s first unified class. That group includes 15 startups building solutions across digital health, life sciences, AI, clean tech, mobility, and consumer products, all selected for their potential to scale and their alignment with Pittsburgh’s innovation strengths.

Since its inception in 2008, AlphaLab has supported more than 250 startups and helped alumni companies raise more than $1.3 billion in follow-on funding. AlphaLab companies also have the opportunity for additional support after the accelerator experience ends through Innovation Works’ seed fund, continued mentorship, fundraising connections, and programs that provide access to physical space and industry experts. 

“AlphaLab’s programming was a game-changer for Admirra,” said Wendy McSparren, Co-Founder and CEO of Admirra, which was part of AlphaLab’s 2024 and 2025 cohorts. “It helped us grow our customer base, refine our marketing and sales process, and build monthly recurring revenue. The mentorship and workshops on marketing and financial planning were key to scaling our business.”

“Innovation Works invested in my first company, medSage, and without that investment, medSage never would have happened,” added William Kaigler, Founder and CEO of sovaSage, which was part of the inaugural AlphaLab Health cohort in 2021. “But it’s not as much about the capital as it is about the connections and networking. I don't think Pittsburgh would be the same community without Innovation Works. It has had a tremendous impact on the region.” 

Entrepreneurs can apply for AlphaLab’s 2026 cohort through July 18, 2025. 

Learn more about AlphaLab.

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About AlphaLab

AlphaLab helps startups find customers, capital, and community. Established by Innovation Works in 2008 as its first accelerator, AlphaLab offers six-month programs that include capital investments and customized guidance from a staff of entrepreneurs. Across its industry-specific programming, AlphaLab has invested in more than 250 companies, leading to $1.3 billion in follow-on funding, over 20 exits, and two unicorns. Learn more at alphalab.org.

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About Innovation Works

Innovation Works is one of the most active early-stage investors in the country and the most active in Pennsylvania. Since its inception of the seed fund in 1999, Innovation Works has invested in over 760 companies that have gone on to raise $3.3 billion in follow-on funding. Portfolio companies have generated and retained over 20,000 jobs in Pennsylvania. Innovation Works is part of the Ben Franklin Technology Partners network, which has catalyzed economic growth over the last 30 years by providing access to capital and networks that help foster innovation and technology-based economic development in Pennsylvania. Learn more at innovationworks.org.

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Contact

Jane Joseph

Innovation Works

jjoseph@innovationworks.org

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Lexie Capperella

Gregory FCA for Innovation Works

innovationworks@gregoryfca.com 

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