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Pittsburgh 2024: AI, community, resilience
Pittsburgh’s tech economy thrived this year, with significant investments fueling growth in AI, robotics and health tech.
The city’s potential as an AI hub is clearer than ever, with major companies looking to invest in the region and local startups raising millions in funding. Alongside AI, there’s a strong push for revitalizing downtown Pittsburgh, with a $600 million investment planned to attract businesses and bolster growth.
The year also brought challenges, including layoffs and VC struggles. However, lessons from these hardships are shaping Pittsburgh’s future.
➡️ Read more about Pittsburgh’s tech economy in 2024
Vote for the 2024 Technical.ly Awards
From cutting-edge AI tools to groundbreaking space exploration, 2024 is shaping up to be another exciting year for Pittsburgh’s tech and innovation scene.
Whether it was a startup making waves in robotics, an educator shaping the next generation of tech leaders or a new initiative driving economic growth, this year’s nominees are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
What people, products and programs made the biggest impact on our local ecosystem this year? With so much happening, we need your help to determine which innovators truly stand out before voting closes Nov. 18.
➡️ Read more about the nominees and cast your vote
News Incubator: What else to know
• VCs are finally tapping into women’s healthcare — and local startup Lotus Fertility Insurance hopes to take advantage of the “gold rush.” [Technical.ly]
• The Richard King Mellon Foundation invested $265,000 into the edtech music platform Conduction. The funds will help expand the platform into more Pennsylvania schools, enabling students to create and produce digital songs that are later brought to life by local musicians. [Conduction/Technical.ly]
• Governor Josh Shapiro announced a $1 million investment to support the growth of semiconductor solutions supplier Powerex Inc. The company’s Youngwood facility is one of the last vertically integrated power semiconductor facilities in the country. [Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development]
• Innovation Works announced open applications for its Scalable Grant Program, which offers $25,000 in reimbursements for hardware startups that collaborate with Pennsylvania-based manufacturers and suppliers on prototype design and production. [Technical.ly/Innovation Works]
• University of Pittsburgh’s School of Engineering received $3.3 million from the US Department of Energy to develop new transmission technology, aiming to integrate more renewable energy and cut transmission costs by 35% by 2035. [University of Pittsburgh Newsroom]
• Duolingo increased its daily active users by 3.1 million from the second to the third quarter of 2024. The company also increased its total revenue by 40% from the prior-year quarter. [Duolingo]
• North Shore-based train and equipment manufacturer Webtec Corp. announced a $110 million cash acquisition of two international firms: A Spanish electrical equipment manufacturer and a Slovakian company specializing in carbon and graphite materials. [Webtec Corporation]
• Strip District-based electronics manufacturer Excelitas Technologies Corp. announced plans to sell select aerospace and defense businesses to Teledyne Technologies Inc. for $710 million in cash. [BusinessWire]
• Agility Robotics, which develops human-like robots in Lawrenceville, announced an undisclosed minority investment from Schaeffler Group, a German-based manufacturer. The German company intends to deploy humanoid robots in its global network of 100 plants by 2030. [Agility Robotics]
What will Pittsburgh look like in 250 years?
As we get ready to celebrate the United States semiquincentennial, let’s look ahead another quarter millennium. Technical.ly’s editorial calendar theme for December will see us exploring optimistic visions for our cities and regions 250 years from now.
It’s guaranteed to be a fascinating and intense discussion, and if you want your company or brand in the mix, now’s the time to think about underwriting this work. Reach up to 75k+ social followers, 45k newsletter subscribers and upwards of 5k+ pageviews with your logo and message — while showing your support for local news.
➡️ Message sales@technical.ly or just book online
On the Calendar
• Interested in game development, 3D animation or product visualization? This six-month 3D graphics course at the Turkish Cultural Center begins Nov. 17 and offers classes, networking and portfolio building opportunities. [Register]
• Individuals from minority populations or facing financial hardship that struggle with digital literacy are encouraged to join this free class, hosted by the WIN Workforce Development Program on Nov. 19. [Details here]
• Join the chief data scientist at Allegheny County Department of Human Services for a talk on data science in mental health crises, hosted by PyData Pittsburgh at Code & Supply on Nov. 20. [Details here]
• Explore a showcase of cutting-edge robotics, automation and AI at Pittsburgh Robotics Discovery Day on Nov. 20. This free event will feature panels, presentations and over 130 exhibitors. [Get tickets]
• Attend InnovatePGH’s final free coworking day at Avenu: Meyran on Nov. 20. Enjoy a productive workday, networking and a lunch catered by Atarashi Sushi. [Reserve a spot]
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