About this programme
AlphaLab is a Pittsburgh accelerator run by Innovation Works. It runs for six months and asks participants to commit six to eight hours per week to accelerator activities on top of building their company.
AlphaLab splits into four tracks depending on what a startup builds: Software (launched products with active users and demonstrated customer demand), Gear (hardware startups with working prototypes and identified customer interest), Health (diagnostics, therapeutics, medical devices, and digital health), and Robotics Factory (robotics startups with functional prototypes and a plan to scale commercially).
Who can apply
The startup must be incorporated in the US as an LLC, C-Corp, or S-Corp, and founders need legal work authorization.
Founders must commit to substantial time in Pittsburgh and participate in person.
The company must own or exclusively license its intellectual property, and must have already validated the problem through customer discovery, with a working prototype, proof-of-concept, or MVP in hand.
The company needs a large potential market, defined as $1 billion or more.
How to apply
- Review the eligibility requirements and pick the track that matches your startup (Software, Gear, Health, or Robotics Factory).
- Create an F6S account and complete the application there.
- Applications go through a two-week review period.
- Selected applicants are invited to and scheduled for an interview.
- After interviews, AlphaLab deliberates for up to two more weeks.
- Finalists go through legal and business diligence before AlphaLab issues an offer letter.
Frequently asked
How long is the AlphaLab program?
Six months, with participants expected to commit six to eight hours per week to accelerator activities.
What track should I apply to?
It depends on your product: Software for launched products with active users, Gear for hardware with a working prototype, Health for diagnostics, therapeutics, medical devices or digital health, and Robotics Factory for robotics startups with a functional prototype.
Do I need a big market to qualify?
Yes, AlphaLab lists a large potential market size, $1 billion or more, as a baseline eligibility requirement.
When is the next application deadline?
The application deadline is July 17, 2026.
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.