Sophie Burkholder

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Sophie Burkholder was Technical.ly’s reporter in Pittsburgh from June 2021 to June 2022. The Pittsburgh native spent the previous five years studying bioengineering and entrepreneurship in Philadelphia, where she also interned as a reporter on the health and business desks at Philadelphia Magazine and The Philadelphia Inquirer. She has covered the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on small businesses and startups, particularly in health and biotech, for outlets like TechCrunch. She also covered local health stories on vaccine rollout for homebound patients and the effect of opioid-related legislation for the Pittsburgh-based nonprofit newsroom PublicSource.

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‘Move fast and break things’ is over, but responsible innovation for AI has a long way to go

Jun. 21, 2022 12:00 pm

‘Move fast and break things’ is over, but responsible innovation for AI has a long way to go

By Sophie Burkholder /

Two artificial intelligence experts from CMU's Software Engineering Institute discussed challenges for ethical innovation in the field — including that AI engineers need to be more public about their failures.
Robotics can ease healthcare’s challenges. But first, there’s red tape to navigate

Jun. 17, 2022 4:06 pm

Robotics can ease healthcare’s challenges. But first, there’s red tape to navigate

By Sophie Burkholder /

Execs from Omnicell, ST Engineering Aethon and Humotech discuss the difficulties of breaking into the staid industry, the long lead time in developing marketable high-tech products, and the opportunity presented by the region's particular prowess.
Renée Cummings: Want your tech inclusive? Develop it collaboratively

Jun. 16, 2022 5:06 pm

Renée Cummings: Want your tech inclusive? Develop it collaboratively

By Sophie Burkholder /

In a keynote address at PART's Responsible Tech Summit, the data activist talked algorithms, DEI and artificial intelligence.
In fighting disinformation, what could ‘responsible’ uses of technology look like?

Jun. 15, 2022 6:05 pm

In fighting disinformation, what could ‘responsible’ uses of technology look like?

By Sophie Burkholder /

At Pittsburgh's inaugural PART Responsible Technology Summit, local experts discuss the root cause and potential solutions for rampant disinformation, on social media and beyond.
Why Allegheny Conference is calling for Pittsburgh orgs across sectors to adopt these ‘inclusive growth principles’

Jun. 15, 2022 3:52 pm

Why Allegheny Conference is calling for Pittsburgh orgs across sectors to adopt these ‘inclusive growth principles’

By Sophie Burkholder /

With a goal of creating a more equitable local economy for all, the principles encompass three main categories of recommendations: employment, business growth and community wealth.
Gridwise will provide gig economy drivers with gas subsidies of 50 cents per gallon

Jun. 14, 2022 11:00 am

Gridwise will provide gig economy drivers with gas subsidies of 50 cents per gallon

By Sophie Burkholder /

The announcement from the Pittsburgh startup comes shortly after its $12.7 million Series A, and amid record-high gas prices in the United States.
Pittsburgh jumps to 13th place on Startup Genome’s list of top emerging startup ecosystems

Jun. 14, 2022 8:32 am

Pittsburgh jumps to 13th place on Startup Genome’s list of top emerging startup ecosystems

By Sophie Burkholder /

The latest report from Startup Genome puts Pittsburgh in the top five of emerging ecosystems in the United States.
Duolingo is 10 years old. Here’s what CEO Luis von Ahn is most proud of

Jun. 13, 2022 3:43 pm

Duolingo is 10 years old. Here’s what CEO Luis von Ahn is most proud of

By Sophie Burkholder /

From building its brand on TikTok to using machine learning for product improvement, here are some notable points of pride for the edtech company's cofounder.
Bloomfield Robotics won the top spot at Akamai Technologies’ Future of Life Online Challenge

Jun. 13, 2022 6:30 am

Bloomfield Robotics won the top spot at Akamai Technologies’ Future of Life Online Challenge

By Sophie Burkholder /

The win gives the South Side agtech startup increased exposure to new customers, plus $1 million worth of products and services through Akamai.
For Pittsburgh Passport’s fourth year, the goal remains: Retain local talent

Jun. 9, 2022 5:08 pm

For Pittsburgh Passport’s fourth year, the goal remains: Retain local talent

By Sophie Burkholder /

The Allegheny Conference on Community Development program has been found to increase the local offer-to-hire ratio by 30%, indicating its engaging programming for students and recent graduates works.