AlphaLab by Innovation Works
3% fixed-percentage convertible equity plus $100k uncapped SAFE · Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US · Checking status
AlphaLab is Innovation Works' multi-track Pittsburgh accelerator for early software, robotics, life-sciences, and hardware companies. Current terms are 3% through a fixed-percentage convertible equity instrument plus a $100,000 uncapped SAFE deployed in two $50,000 tranches, with the second tranche contingent on end-of-program milestones.
Tier 2 · ranked #30usregional
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Program intake
We are checking the program's authoritative source for the current application status.
Key facts
| Check size | $100k uncapped SAFE in two $50k tranches |
| Terms | 3% fixed-percentage convertible equity plus $100k uncapped SAFE |
| Stage | early software, robotics, life sciences, hardware |
| Applications | Checking status |
| Program dates | 6 months in recent official cohort description |
| Location | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US |
| Remote friendly | No |
| Warm intro needed | No — open application |
| Sectors | saas, generalist |
| Status | open |
Always confirm on the official page before applying — dates and terms change.
Background
The program requires substantial in-person Pittsburgh participation and six to eight hours per week of programming. Innovation Works reports more than 250 AlphaLab companies and $1.3 billion in follow-on funding in its recent cohort announcement, while the current program page advertises a community of more than 500 alumni across its tracks.
How the application really works
Apply through AlphaLab, document US entity/work authorization and IP ownership, and plan for substantial Pittsburgh presence and six to eight program hours weekly.
Tips
- Read the cited current official page before applying because program dates and terms are volatile.
- State fit with the documented stage, geography, and attendance model; do not rely on an aggregator's old terms.
- Ask for the complete investment, fee, and follow-on documents when the public page does not publish them.
Watch out for
- 3% fixed-percentage convertible equity plus a $100k uncapped SAFE in two $50k tranches; second tranche depends on milestones.
- Current core terms are 3% plus two $50k uncapped SAFE tranches; the second tranche requires end-of-program milestones. Significant Pittsburgh presence is required.
Track record
- Innovation Works reports 250+ AlphaLab companies, $1.3B follow-on funding, 20+ exits, and two unicorns in its official cohort announcement.
Twenty companies in the 2026 cohort; application volume and acceptance rate are not published.
Frequently asked questions
- Is this program currently accepting applications?
- Apply through AlphaLab, document US entity/work authorization and IP ownership, and plan for substantial Pittsburgh presence and six to eight program hours weekly.
- What are the current economics?
- 3% fixed-percentage convertible equity plus a $100k uncapped SAFE in two $50k tranches; second tranche depends on milestones.
- How large and long is the program?
- Recent 2026 cohort selected 20 startups; program runs six months. Six-month, multi-track cohort with curriculum, 1:1 mentorship, workspace, labs/prototyping, customers, and fundraising support.
- Can founders participate remotely?
- Significant in-person Pittsburgh presence is required.
- What happens after the program?
- Connections to Innovation Works and Riverfront Ventures for follow-on; no guaranteed later check.
Related accelerators
Sources
- www.innovationworks.org/founders/alphalab — Current investment/equity terms, milestone tranche, eligibility, in-person requirement, curriculum, workspace, and alumni community (checked 2026-08-10)
- www.innovationworks.org/about/news/alphalab-opens-application-window-for-2026-cohort — Official six-month duration, historical portfolio outcomes, 2026 offer context, and public media contacts (checked 2026-08-10)
- www.innovationworks.org — Official current organization-wide portfolio scale and 2026 AlphaLab cohort status (checked 2026-08-10)