Accelerator · Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

AlphaLab

AlphaLab is Innovation Works' six-month Pittsburgh accelerator for early-stage software, hardware, health and robotics startups. It invests up to US$100k on an uncapped SAFE plus 3% convertible equity.

Status unknown Run by Innovation Works

Apply on the programme's site Programme website

Verified 18 October 2026 · From the programme's own pages

Terms

Funding: not published Up to US$100k on an uncapped SAFE, paid as two US$50k tranches (the second at programme end once milestones are met), plus 3% via a fixed-percentage convertible equity instrument
Instrument: SAFE
Equity taken: 3% 3% via a fixed-percentage convertible equity instrument, in addition to the SAFE
Programme fee: not published No programme fee stated. Companies must keep employees and facilities in Pennsylvania for at least five years or owe a transfer fee equal to the investment, payable in cash or equity equivalents.
Duration: not published
Cohort size: not published
Cohorts: not published
Delivery: In person
Stages: not published
Sectors: B2B SaaS, Hardware, Health tech
Open to founders from: not published
Perks: Dedicated space at Tech Forge in Lawrenceville (software and gear) or office and lab space at Allegheny General Hospital's Suburban Campus (health)
Workspace access for six months after graduation
Production-grade prototyping shop and lab facilities
Mentors, workshops and a Demo Day
Consideration for follow-on funding from Innovation Works

The cohort runs about six months across software, gear, health and robotics tracks; robotics is run with the Robotics Factory. Gear is a track of AlphaLab on the same terms, not a separate programme.

Application dates

Status unknown

Dates not published. Applications are usually open for about two months; the call for the 2027 cohort closed on 17 July 2026.

Usual timing: Applications are usually open for about two months; the call for the 2027 cohort closed on 17 July 2026.

Who can apply

Legally incorporated entity in the United States
Founders authorised to work in the United States
Company owns or exclusively licenses its intellectual property
Founders able to commit six to eight hours a week and spend substantial time in Pittsburgh

Companies it names as alumni

Gridwise, Honeycomb Credit, BlastPoint, CorePower Magnetics, Arieca

What founders should check

It takes 3% equity. Work out what that stake costs you at your next round before you sign.
Fees: No programme fee stated. Companies must keep employees and facilities in Pennsylvania for at least five years or owe a transfer fee equal to the investment, payable in cash or equity equivalents.
It runs in person in Pittsburgh. Plan to be there for the length of the programme.
Dates for the next cohort are not published. Applications are usually open for about two months; the call for the 2027 cohort closed on 17 July 2026.

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