Two weeks ago, we asked you to show your support for the best products, projects and people in our ecosystem, and so many of you showed up.
More than 4,000 people cast their votes in this year’s Technical.ly Awards. Since we began organizing these in Pittsburgh back in 2021, we’ve seen the community’s support grow every year.
While now’s the time to celebrate the winners, it’s not the only time you can hear about wins in Pittsburgh.
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Now, it’s time to meet Pittsburgh’s 2025 Technical.ly Awardees.
Product of the Year: DashStrom
DashStrom has already connected with more than 12,000 kids across 41 states – and its momentum is growing.
The platform brings together schools or community groups with vetted coaches who can offer after-school programs centered on physical activity, mentorship and social-emotional learning. It secured over 15 contracts this year, according to cofounder and CEO Ketaki Desai.
Plus, the startup was selected for AlphaLab’s 2025 accelerator cohort, completed the Anvil Founder Coaching Program and won second place in the UpPrize Social Innovation Challenge pitch competition.
Next year, the startup will continue to work on building its brand recognition by partnering with more parents and educators to impact thousands of kids in the region, Desai told Technical.ly.
Programming of the Year: ARM Institute’s Robotics Manufacturing Hub
The ARM Institute’s Manufacturing Hub is helping put robotics into the hands of local manufacturers who otherwise wouldn’t have the necessary resources, funds or time to adopt this tech.
“Only 12% of small and medium-sized manufacturers globally have adopted robotics in any form. That’s not for a lack of interest,” Livia Rice, the institute’s director of outreach and engagement, told Technical.ly.
By providing these manufacturers with free expert guidance, testing space and technical resources, the hub allows these business owners to test whether robotics is right for them without requiring a commitment to install or purchase the equipment. The hub helped 12 manufacturers with technical robotics work this year and had about 100 participants in its spring workshop
Next year, it plans to scale more of that programming.
“Not only is this service making businesses stronger, but it’s also leading to job creation and higher job satisfaction as robots are automating the dull, dirty and dangerous tasks that humans were doing manually,” a nominator said. “This frees up the human workers to take on more engaging and safer roles operating, repairing and programming the robots.”
Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year: Sophia Fang
Sophia Fang has had a huge year.
As the founder of the migraine-care startup Peachy Day, Fang has turned her own struggles with the debilitating condition into a platform that helps patients get a diagnosis and treatment support.
This year, Fang launched the Peachy Day headache tracker and Peachy Forecast, a first-of-its-kind AI-powered tool that helps users plan in advance to handle headaches. Meanwhile, Fang’s been working on her startup’s team this year, which now includes clinical advisors from Stanford Headache Clinic and Allegheny Health Network.
Peachy Day has no plans to slow down in 2026.
“I’m excited to deepen the impact of our technology, build more disability-inclusive tools, and continue growing our community,” Fang told Technical.ly. “We’re proving that accessible migraine care shouldn’t be a luxury but a right.”
Thought Leader of the Year: Jane Joseph
As director of communications and community development at Pittsburgh’s Innovation Works (IW), Joseph has used her extensive network and knowledge of the ecosystem to help amplify the stories of numerous local founders.
This year, Joseph forged new partnerships and worked closely with the IW team to produce some of the most interesting events and storytelling in Pittsburgh’s startup ecosystem. Some examples include AI & Robotics Venture Day at Carnegie Mellon University, EXPlore: Pittsburgh Tech Week and IW’s partnership with Adam Conner’s Thought Liters series.
Next year, Joseph said she plans to take advantage of major events like the NFL Draft and the country’s 250th anniversary to spotlight Pittsburgh’s innovation ecosystem in unique ways, connecting with new partners, investors and talent while exploring how community storytelling can become more accessible.
“There is power in connection,” she said, “and I plan to keep showing up, listening and making space where it matters most.”
Power Move of the Year: Pittsburgh Robotics Network launches Deep Tech Institute
When the Pittsburgh Robotics Network (PRN) launched its Deep Tech Institute for Leadership and Innovation in June, it set out to address the city’s tech talent gap.
By offering training to emerging and established leaders in Pittsburgh, the institute is connecting local talent with job opportunities, closing knowledge gaps and creating space for the city’s deep tech scene to grow.
In its first few months, the institute has linked early-career professionals with robotics companies through its Emerging Leaders pilot, organized expert panels at Robotics and AI Discovery Day and partnered with Cybernetix Ventures to strengthen its training opportunities.
More is planned for next year, with new events and collaborations in the works.
“We’re excited to deepen our work with regional and national partners,” PRN’s Ryan Haggerty said, “roll out new programming that supports both early-stage employees at established robotics and AI companies,” and formalize our efforts to offer expert-led professional development for technical talent.”
Money Move of the Year: $90B in private sector investments for PA
News of Sen. Dave McCormick’s Energy and Innovation Summit at Carnegie Mellon University sparked controversy in Pittsburgh this summer, but also drew national attention to the city as a rising AI and energy hub.
During the event, several billion-dollar energy and infrastructure investments were announced, with President Donald Trump and prominent tech leaders in attendance. The summit set a new record for private sector funding in the commonwealth.
While some of the headline-grabbing claims didn’t match what companies actually pledged, others have made moves to secure permits and begin work. Some projects will become operational in 2026, with others continuing to be developed over the next few years.
