Pittsburgh weekly roundup: Meet Technical.ly’s new reporter; Assistive technology awareness; Local climate leaders

Welcome to the weekly roundup of the latest from Pittsburgh's tech and entrepreneurship scene. Want this in your inbox? Subscribe for free.

Local community reporter joins Technical.ly

We scoured Pittsburgh for weeks to find the right journalist to cover the nearby innovation economy — and, reader, we did it.  

Alice Crow will be your new go-to person for local news on tech, entrepreneurship, economic mobility and workforce issues. A Pittsburgh native, Alice attended Chatham University and has worked closely with local publications like the Pittsburgh City Paper and the now-defunct Gazette 2.0. 

“Despite our technological connectivity, we often lack true community, and local journalism is essential for bridging that gap,” Alice writes about her approach to the market.  

➡️ Get to know Alice and send her a note

Growing awareness on assistive technology

Technology is more than just an exciting tool to make lives better, faster and more convenient. In some cases, it also makes lives possible. 

Assistive technology empowers independence, from software enabling voice-activated website capabilities to 3D-printed utensils that operate on a pivot for people who cannot turn their wrists. 

Its vast scope can make everyday tasks easier, safer and even improve health outcomes, but affordability is key to making that happen, Charles Sammartino, director of the assistive technology program at Inglis, writes in a guest post. 

➡️ Find out how to take a proactive approach to accessibility

The year’s major investing trends

How will investors and venture capital markets react to the presidential election? J.P. Morgan’s midyear outlook has insights on what it will mean for the innovation economy. It’s one factor among several that are interrelated — including interest rates and other economic indicators.

See how they all come together for venture fundraising, investment, valuations and the exit environment in the report by J.P. Morgan’s co-heads of innovation economy, John China and Melissa Smith, who is also head of specialized industries at the global firm’s commercial banking division. 

➡️ Read the innovation economy report from startup banking experts

This sponsored blurb supports our journalism. Want to see your message here? Get details and book online

News Incubator: What else to know

• The electric RV roadshow stopped in Pittsburgh recently. Its goal? To jumpstart the local innovation ecosystem for climate tech at a pivotal time to make a difference. [Technical.ly]

• Code and Supply will close its physical location, Workspace, on Dec. 1. But not to fear: You can still sign up for a membership until Nov. 1 and it’ll still hold its frequent meetups and events going forward. [Leaky Abstractions/Technical.ly]

• A Western Pennsylvanian technology could help firefighters extinguish wildfires around the globe. Former Greensburg deputy chief developed a new “foam” to tamper down the flames. [WPXI]

• Educators at the University of Pittsburgh coauthored a paper on online violence against women of color political candidates. Published by the Center for Democracy and Technology, the research found that this group is subject to more hate speech than others. [CDT]

• Investors gathered at the AI and Robotics Venture Fair to discover new local startups to fund. Featured companies included Velo.AI, Fluid Reality and more. [NEXTPittsburgh/Technical.ly]

 • Economic development agency Catalyst Connection landed a $700,000 grant from the federal government. The money will go toward boosting its efforts to land more women in manufacturing roles. [Pittbsurgh Union Progress/Technical.ly]

On the Calendar

• Struggling to keep up with the fast pace of emerging technology? The Red Hat Tech Day event on Oct. 9 features a full day of talks on AI and more. [Sign up]

• Celebrate National Coming Out Day with Out in Tech on Oct. 9 in Bakery Square. The 21+ event will celebrate the resilience of the local LGBTQ+ community. [Find out more]

• Connect with women in tech at the 10th annual RedChairPGH SitWithMe. The Oct. 10 event at BNY Innovation Center costs $35. [More information]

• If you or someone you know needs to upskill their digital literacy expertise, the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce and WIN Workforce Development Program are holding a class on Oct. 10. [Details here]

• Partner event: Attend the AI Horizons Summit on Oct. 14 in Bakery Square. The $275 event will feature high-profile speakers like Gov. Josh Shapiro and former CNN Tech Correspondent Laurie Segall. [Register]

• Partner event: Get up to speed on the Attorney General candidates at an Oct. 23 forum hosted by Spotlight PA. The event will feature local journalists quizzing the three frontrunners on the issues. [Learn more]