AlphaLab, the accelerator program run by Innovation Works, has selected 20 startups to join its 2026 cohort—the largest group in the program’s history. The cohort spans artificial intelligence, robotics, health innovation, energy, and advanced manufacturing, highlighting a growing trend of embedding intelligence into both digital platforms and physical systems to transform how industries operate. The selected companies are focused on modernizing outdated workflows, developing adaptive hardware, and building resilient infrastructure for real-world environments. Each startup will receive up to $100,000 in investment and access to a comprehensive support program centered on customer acquisition, founder-led sales, fundraising readiness, and achieving product-market fit. The six-month, on-site experience emphasizes collaboration, mentorship, and rapid execution across industry-specific tracks: AlphaLab Software, AlphaLab Health (in partnership with Allegheny Health Network), AlphaLab Gear, and Robotics Factory. “This cohort reflects how quickly technology is moving from concept to real-world impact,” said Aaron Tainter, Director of Accelerator Programs at Innovation Works. “These founders are building intelligent systems that people and businesses depend on daily—whether in healthcare delivery, energy management, robotics, or industrial operations.” The 2026 cohort includes companies tackling complex challenges in regulated, capital-intensive fields such as healthcare, energy, and advanced manufacturing—areas where AlphaLab has deep expertise in guiding startups from pilot stage to scalable operations. Mitch Gilbert, Founder and CEO of Oya Apparel, praised the program’s impact on his company’s growth. “Pittsburgh has created a wonderful technical community that has made us feel at home,” he said. “The opportunity to work with the AlphaLab team to streamline our manufacturing processes and implement new systems for scale was very attractive—and it can help us reach a new level.” Tyler Minonuk, CEO of Medmiro, a MedTech startup, highlighted the unique advantage of AlphaLab Health’s partnership with Allegheny Health Network. “Having experienced several accelerators as a second-time MedTech founder, AlphaLab Health stands apart,” he said. “Its immediate connection to a strategic healthcare partner accelerates milestones most founders don’t reach until the end of a program. That advantage made moving Medmiro from Denver to Pittsburgh an easy choice, and we’re thrilled to be part of the 2026 cohort.” Since its launch in 2008, AlphaLab has invested in more than 250 companies, helping them secure $1.3 billion in follow-on funding, achieve over 20 exits, and produce two unicorn companies. Innovation Works, the organization behind AlphaLab, is one of the most active early-stage investors in the U.S. and the leading investor in Pennsylvania. Since 1999, it has backed over 780 companies that have raised $3.3 billion in additional funding and helped generate and retain more than 20,000 jobs in the state. As part of the Ben Franklin Technology Partners network, Innovation Works continues to drive innovation and technology-based economic development across Pennsylvania.