Pittsburgh weekly roundup: Immersive history app; Small business spotlight; $200k for transit tech

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An immersive app’s new POV on Black history

Launched in June, the Looking Glass app blends augmented reality with historical archives to connect the past, present and imagined futures. Users can travel through Pittsburgh and, along the way, uncover memories that shaped the city’s neighborhoods.

For now, the app primarily spotlights East Liberty’s rich history to document gentrification and change in the area over time. 

➡️ Learn how founder Adrian Jones combined art and tech to create his app

Entrepreneurial spirit shines in small shops

The region’s entrepreneurial spirit dates back to well-known names like Andrew Carnegie, Henry Clay Frick and Henry John Heinz. Manufacturing and steel were the significant forces back then, versus tech and tourism today — but the ethos behind building a business hasn’t changed, entrepreneurs told Technical.ly. 

Local biz owners start companies to gain independence and follow their passions. Said one proprietor: “I wanted to be able to spend more time with my dog.”

➡️ Here’s what drives local biz owners, from a hot sauce maker to a pet store

Social media as news platform

More people than ever are getting local news from social media. About 23% of Americans say it’s their primary source, per the latest Pew survey, up from 15% half a decade ago — and the younger you are, the more likely that is. That’s one reason Technical.ly is on these platforms. At least some of them.

Our latest move is to start posting regularly on Threads — follow us at @technical_ly — but we’re also heavily active on LinkedIn, which makes sense as the innovation ecosystem’s platform of choice, since it’s so heavily business-focused. We’re rethinking our strategy for Instagram (if you have suggestions, let us know) and are also still posting on Facebook. Last note: As of this week, we’re moving all X posts to our main account instead of market-specific feeds, so if you’re still there, give that a follow. 

➡️ Thanks for reading — see you on LinkedIn?

News Incubator: What else to know

• The Department of Transportation awarded $200,000 to local startup Velo AI, a 2024 RealLIST Startup. The funds will go toward sensors that collect data on bicycle-car safety. [DOT/Technical.ly]

• Pittsburgh still places fourth – after Chicago, Minneapolis and Indianapolis – on the Best of the Midwest startup city rankings. Major funding rounds by Skild AI and Abridge this year helped it stave off Columbus’s climb. [Midwest Startups]

• The ARM Institute and Manufacturing USA are pitching two panels for SXSW, one on women in manufacturing and another on the future of factories. You can vote between now and Aug. 18 if you want to see them take the stage in Austin. [ARM]

• The Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center landed a $4.9 million grant from the National Science Foundation. It’ll fund major upgrades to its flagship Bridges-2. [PSC/Technical.ly]

• The Baldwin-Whitehall School District will use AI to design its bus routes next school year. In a partnership with tech company HopSkipDrive, so-called “CareDrivers” will supplement bus drivers on smaller routes. [KDKA]

• Efforts to expand online connectivity in Westmoreland County are about 60% complete, commissioners said. The $3.5 million project aims to provide reliable broadband to 3,500 homes and businesses. [TribLIVE]

• Twenty local companies made the Inc. list of 5,000 fastest-growing companies. The names include gift card e-commerce company Wolfe, fintech firm IRALOGIX and cybersecurity business GreyMatter. [Inc.]

• We’re hiring! Help me find a stellar journalist to join the Technical.ly team covering the Pittsburgh innovation economy. [Technical.ly]

On the Calendar

• If you know a thing or two about quantum, Professor Georg Schmidt from the University of Halle will be at CMU for a talk on 3D YIG nanoresonators on Aug. 16. [Find out more]

• Bring a board, card or computer game to HackPGH on Aug. 16 to play and fraternize with local technologists. [Details here]

• Join Pitch and Run PGH to start your Friday morning off with a jog. The next weekly event will be on Aug. 16. [Sign up]

• Meet up with other game developers IRL, professionals or hobbyists, for a relaxed networking event on Aug. 17. [Learn more]

• Leave your work brains behind for a night at Pitt Tech Council’s Summer Slam Mixer. The Aug. 21 event at Kingfly encourages social connections and casual conversation. [Register]