Department of Innovation and Performance Unveils PGH Lab Cohort 10.0 Participants

“PGH Lab is a shining example of Pittsburgh’s dedication to innovation,” said Mayor Ed Gainey. “By offering a collaborative platform where startups can work directly with city departments, we’re not only cultivating homegrown solutions to civic challenges but also empowering our local businesses to grow and thrive.” 

Founded in 2016, PGH Lab provides a unique six-month paid program designed to support local startups as they pilot their products with the city government. In 2024, the program introduced a $25,000 stipend for each participating company, underscoring the city’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding the value of innovation. Participants benefit from invaluable feedback, access to municipal leaders, and the opportunity to contribute to the city's ongoing efforts to enhance government efficiency, transparency, sustainability, and inclusivity. 

“For nearly a decade, PGH Lab has supported local entrepreneurs in preparing their products and services for the public market,” said Heidi Norman, Director of Innovation & Performance. “Last year, we pivoted from being a public market test bed to a true ‘first customer’ program that incorporates an RFP procurement process, selection committee, legal contracts, and invoiced payments. This change ensures our participants gain a full vendor-partner lifecycle experience from day one. By doing so, we reinforce our local government’s commitment to fostering inclusive partnerships and meaningful collaborations that help local businesses successfully compete and expand.” 

The four companies selected for PGH Lab Cohort 10.0 were chosen from a competitive pool of 18 applicants. This year’s diverse cohort includes: 

• Ethos Collaborative: Partnering with the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure to develop an IoT-driven digital twin platform, fostering real-time engagement and stakeholder interaction. 

• Make it Home Safe: Collaborating with the Department of Public Safety to explore implementation options for safety-focused technology designed to enhance public well-being. 

• Reclamation Factory: Working with the Department of Public Works and the Office of Sustainability and Resilience to trace and process post-consumer plastic waste, promoting more sustainable recycling practices. 

• Vridian: Teaming up with the Department of Finance to enhance the Treasurer’s Sale process by leveraging digital twin technology to improve accuracy and transparency. 

Through the PGH Lab program, these startups will not only refine their products and services but also contribute to the development of innovative solutions that drive positive change in Pittsburgh’s government operations and communities. The city remains committed to cultivating impactful public-private partnerships that create meaningful, lasting improvements. 

For more information on PGH Lab and to stay updated on future cohorts, visit pittsburghpa.gov/innovation-performance/pghlab/index.html.