Pittsburgh weekly roundup: Innovation Works restructures; $2M in scrapped grants; Craig Street upgrades

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This week in Pittsburgh, see how PRT cuts would impact your commute, low-cost advanced manufacturing classes and more.

Read on for Technical.ly’s weekly roundup of top news in the region.

📰 News Incubator: What else to know

• Innovation Works has eliminated its portfolio executive role, cutting three team members. Based on founder feedback, Innovation Works says it updated its service model to give portfolio companies direct access to managing directors, a mentor network and a new service desk to route, track and manage requests. [Inbox]

• The Pittsburgh Innovation District received a $213,000 state grant to enhance the Craig Street business corridor, where Pitt and CMU campuses meet. The funding will support public space improvements to boost safety, enhance aesthetics and benefit local businesses. [LinkedIn]

• Local startup Journey Robotics demoed its automated baggage handling system at the Pittsburgh International Airport this week. The prototype, capable of lifting bags up to 50 pounds, is one of 30 different technologies being tested at the airport as part of the XBridge program. [WTAE/Technical.ly]

• As part of DOGE cuts, the EPA has scrapped at least $2 million in grants for over a dozen Pittsburgh-area organizations. Some of the funds would have gone to economic and cultural community development, like a regional food hub to train entrepreneurs. [Axios] 

• Legislation passed yesterday in the state House would reform and expand a tax credit program for semiconductor manufacturing, sustainable aviation fuel, clean hydrogen hubs and geothermal energy. The bill, H.B. 500, now moves to the Senate for consideration. [PA House Dem Caucus]

• Thinking about selling your company? A recent blog from They Got Acquired breaks down why many founders make the mistake of waiting until burnout hits to sell and offers tips for navigating the sale process more strategically. [Technical.ly] 

• Allegheny County exports more than $1 billion in goods and services to Canada each year, and officials are worried Trump’s tariffs could hurt Canada’s economy, impacting its ability to buy from the Pittsburgh area. [Axios]

🗓️ On the Calendar

• Get your sweat on and connect with Pittsburgh’s startup community at Pitch and Walk PGH, kicking off Saturday, May 17 at 9 a.m. at StretchLab. [Register] 

• Attend ProductCamp Pittsburgh, a free event for product pros, innovators, designers and engineers to connect, share insights and discuss best practices on May 17 at La Roche University. [Sign up]

• Don’t miss AMA Pittsburgh’s Coffee Connections on May 21 at COhatch Shadyside. 2025 RealLIST Connector Benjamin Kostenbader will present “What Every Website Needs in 2025 (and what you’ll regret ignoring).” [Get tickets now]

• What’s Your Business Idea? returns May 21 at Avenu: Meyran. Pitch your business idea in a low-pressure setting, get feedback, connect with others and discover local startup resources. [More info]

• Join the Moonshot Museum’s executive director and a senior Google product manager for an evening of product insights and networking at ProductTank Pittsburgh’s May 22 meetup. [Details here]