Pittsburgh weekly roundup: Top tech neighborhoods; $1.3M for open-source devs; Nvidia’s plan for the city

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

PGH tech clusters in local neighborhoods

Pittsburgh’s biggest tech hubs cluster in its diverse neighborhoods, not downtown like other cities. As the city tries hard to “revitalize” its center, the commercial area lacks vibrancy compared to other locations. 

Different industries tend to gravitate towards certain neighborhoods due to the desire for third space, a sense of community and preferred amenities.

“A thriving startup community in Pittsburgh exists among many neighborhoods and should remain that way,” Jenny Sharpe, director of workforce development for the nonprofit Pittsburgh Robotics Network, told Technical.ly at an event last week. “There’s something for everyone in Pittsburgh.” 

➡️ Learn about which neighborhoods innovators love

Companies pledge $1.3M for open source

As modern digital infrastructure increasingly relies on free open-source software, the risks of developer burnout and urgent security incidents are also on the rise. 

In response, a new initiative called the Open Source Pledge is stepping up to address the “economic value vacuum” that it creates, said Chad Whitacre, Sewickley resident and leader of the pledge. 

Open source currently depends on corporate philanthropy, but the pledge seeks to change the status quo by creating systems that ensure fair compensation for maintainers. It launched earlier this week, attracting 20 companies to commit nearly $1.3 million.

➡️ Find out how the organization is distributing money back to programmers

The authoritative local tech economy resource

With so many regions leaning into the innovation economy, it’s not simple to get a clear picture of how your area stacks up. Each autumn, our newsroom corrals our resources to answer that question for Technical.ly’s markets and beyond.

Our State of the Local Tech Economy reports, led by Technical.ly CEO Chris Wink, give the authoritative analysis of the people, data and trends that make up our markets’ tech workforce and startup ecosystems — and your brand can be front and center. Check out available sponsorship and ad packages and contact sales@technical.ly for more info. It all supports our independent journalism.

➡️ Choose one region or get a discount for network-wide

News Incubator: What else to know

• Nvidia has announced plans to launch joint technology centers at CMU and Pitt to advance AI in robotics and medicine. The company will also partner with the Pittsburgh Robotics Network to boost local manufacturing. [Technical.ly]

• Head of securities finance technology at BNY, Christina Mackrell, shares her tips on how to land a promotion in a new field. [Technical.ly]

• Grants totaling $45 million will enhance access to reliable, high-speed internet for Pennsylvanians in community centers across 26 counties. The approved grants are made possible through funds awarded to the commonwealth in June 2022 under the American Rescue Plan Act. [Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority]

• A small handful of swing House and Senate seats in Allegheny County could decide who calls the shots in Harrisburg after the upcoming election. This series on local counties explores the candidates’ positions on key issues. [Public Source]

• The nonprofit Greenwood Plan is hosting its sixth annual conference this weekend in downtown Pittsburgh. The organization creates opportunities for Black entrepreneurs to grow and scale their businesses. [Technical.ly/Pittsburgh City Paper]

• The tech industry accounts for more than 23% of Southwestern PA’s workforce, according to the Pittsburgh Technology Council‘s recent TEQ State of the Industry report. [Pittsburgh Technology Council/Technical.ly]

 • Engineered solutions company Premier Automation launched Premier Labs, a corporate venture studio to advance companies that specialize in automation, robotics and AI. [Premier Automation]

 • CMU kicks off year two of its Robotics Institute Pathways Fellowship Program. The nine-month program features individuals from historically underrepresented communities and is made possible through the $62.7 million Build Back Better Regional Challenge award. [InnovatePGH/Technical.ly]

 • The Greater Pittsburgh Digital Inclusion Alliance and Pitt are partnering to combat PA’s low digital literacy. Preliminary proposals for the project suggest deploying Digital Navigators to provide one-on-one training to 36,000 households. [PittWire]

On the Calendar

• 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]

• Celebrate the intersection of technology and art with interactive workshops, demonstrations and exhibitions at CCAC’s Center for Education, Innovation and Training on Oct. 15. [Learn more]

• Unwind and connect with fellow tech enthusiasts at the YoungTechPGH Board Game Night on Oct. 15. Enjoy an evening of board games, pizza and friendly competition hosted by InnovatePGH. [Reserve a spot]

• Got a business idea you’re dying to share? Give your informal elevator pitch at Avenu Workspace’s Meyran office on Oct. 16 and learn about resources for entrepreneurs from hosts InnovatePGH and The CEO Strategy. [Details here]

• Explore AI through a critical lens with a diverse panel at getWITit Pittsburgh’s From Margins to Mainstream event on Oct. 17. Moderated by Ralph Crewe of Practical Engineering and Nerd Nite Pittsburgh, the discussion will include an audience-led Q&A, followed by a networking happy hour. [Get tickets]

• 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]