AlphaLab Accelerator

AlphaLab Accelerator

Funds Pittsburgh startups through accelerator tranches that combine milestone-based investment and modest equity participation.

AlphaLab is the flagship accelerator operated by Innovation Works, a Ben Franklin Technology Partners member organization serving southwestern Pennsylvania since 1988. The program runs four parallel tracks — Software (launched 2008), Gear for hardware companies (launched 2013), Health for life sciences ventures with clinical partnerships (launched 2020), and Robotics via the Robotics Factory Accelerate program — making it one of the most structurally differentiated regional accelerators in the United States.

Each accepted team receives $100,000 structured as an uncapped SAFE note, deployed in two equal tranches: $50,000 at program start and $50,000 upon milestone completion. In exchange, Innovation Works takes 3% equity via a convertible equity instrument. Eligibility requires U.S. incorporation (LLC, C-Corp, or S-Corp), legal U.S. work authorization, ownership or exclusive licensing of relevant intellectual property, full-time founder commitment, and the ability to be physically present in Pittsburgh during the program. The program runs on a cohort basis and applications are accepted on an inquiry basis with no fixed public deadline.

AlphaLab is a strong fit for early-stage Pittsburgh-area technology founders who want institutional backing alongside capital. Graduates gain access to follow-on investment from Innovation Works' Seed Fund (initial checks of $150,000–$250,000, up to $800,000 total) and from co-investor Riverfront Ventures. Innovation Works has deployed over $120 million across more than 780 companies since inception, with portfolio companies collectively raising $3.54 billion in follow-on funding and achieving 77 exits. The 3% equity ask is low relative to the capital and network provided, and the uncapped SAFE structure is founder-friendly.