Pittsburgh weekly roundup: Meet our new editor; Face scanners at the airport; PyCon 2024 schedule

A new market editor for Pittsburgh

I’m the newest member of Technical.ly’s editorial team, but I’m not new to the beat — nor to many of the markets we cover. I went to school in DC, lived for years in PGH, and just moved to Philly. Along with my devotion to community-focused journalism, I guess that makes me what our editorial director called “a perfect fit” for the newsroom.

I’ve worked at both national tech pubs and local news outlets. I’m excited to apply that experience to help tell stories that connect the people of Pittsburgh’s tech and startup scene.

➡️ Read more about my background and vision for my new role in this Q&A

Who’s speaking at the Builders Conference

Whether you’re a technologist or entrepreneur building and implementing new technology, an ecosystem builder supporting technologists and entrepreneurs, a brand builder trying to reach them, or a company culture builder growing with them, you play a crucial role in creating and maintaining the overarching community.

That’s why we organize the annual Technical.ly Builders Conference, which this year takes place Thursday, May 9 in Philadelphia. The agenda is set — and some tickets are still available.

➡️ Find out who’s speaking at the 2024 Builders Conference

News Incubator: What else to know

• 70% of electricity used by Saxonburg-based Coherent comes from renewable sources. The semiconductor manufacturer said it aims to stop using fossil fuels entirely and meet net zero emissions goals by 2040. [Pittsburgh Business Times/Technical.ly]

• TSA has implemented face scanners at the Pittsburgh International Airport. The biometric tech — already implemented in other airports, including Philadelphia — verifies that a traveler’s face matches their ID, but so far its not clear whether it’ll make security lines go any faster. [WTAE/Technical.ly]

• PennDOT’s next round of electric vehicle infrastructure funding opens for proposals on May 13. The department gets $171.5 million in federal funding to give out to organizations building EV charging configurations. [PennDOT/Technical.ly]

• Pitt has launched a new medtech hub focused on developing smart tech for people experiencing paralysis. The tech will be used to promote bodily independence, while the researchers work to develop new AI-based tools for people with paralysis. [University of Pittsburgh]

• PA households with lower incomes are bracing for a spike in their internet bills. Despite some new Pennsylvania’s funding for broadband expansion, the federal Affordable Connectivity Program subsidy ends this month. [Spotlight PA/Technical.ly]

• Non-profit 412 Food Rescue hired Alyssa Cholodofsky as its new CEO. The food recovery organization touts its roots in Pittsburgh’s “innovative tech hub.” [412 Food Rescue/Technical.ly]

• Who are the most connected people in your industry? The ones who seem to know everyone and how to make action happen. Those are the folks we highlight each year as RealLIST Connectors, and we’re seeking your nominations now. [Technical.ly/Google Forms]

🗓️ On the Calendar