XchangeInnovation Week 2023

Calling all corporate innovators, industry experts, and prospective startup talent interested in the Pittsburgh life sciences and health tech ecosystem! Join LifeX, Innovation Works, Women in Bio, and Nucleate Pittsburgh for a showcase highlighting innovative startups in the healthcare space, then learn about opportunities to get involved as a collaborator, partner, advisor, or team member of the region’s exciting HealthTech startups.

Agenda
3:00-3:45 Registration and Networking

3:45-4:45 Showcase: Hear from LifeX, Innovation Works, Women in Bio, and Nucleate Pittsburgh about programs and initiatives supporting HealthTech and life science entrepreneurship, then learn about some of the featured companies from their portfolios. 

4:45-6:00 Networking and Connect: Team members from LifeX, Innovation Works, Nucleate Pittsburgh, and Women in Bio will be available to meet and discuss opportunities to get involved with Pittsburgh's HealthTech startup ecosystem.

Join XchangeInnovation Week attendees, track leaders, speakers, and sponsors for a special celebration including a networking event and hilarious contest for the title of Pittsburgh Lip Sync Battle Champion Extraordinaire!

7pm: Quick Thank You & Kick Off!
7:10pm - 8:30pm: Our MC for the Night, the multi-talented event host, stand-up comedian, and hip-hop artist, WAY will kick off The Lip Sync Battle - come prepared with your favorite song, or pick one on the spot to enter the Lip Sync Contest for cash prizes, and district-wide fame.

This week's special BioBreakfast event features an interactive discussion with some of the leading LifeSciences CEOs in our region, including:

• Teresa Whalen, RPh, CEO, CytoAgents
• Jean Pineault, Ph.D., President & CEO, BioHybrid Solutions
• Dietrich Stephan, Ph.D., NeuBase Therapeutics, Inc., CEO, Founder, and Director

BioBreakfast is a weekly gathering of leaders in the Pittsburgh life sciences sector from 8-10 AM every Tuesday at The Riviera Building at 350 Technology Drive in Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh’s Biomedical Sector has long been very siloed. The medical professionals and university researchers do not interact with private industry enough and vice versa. Big companies and small companies are often completely disconnected.

The BioBreakfast is an attempt to bridge the divides between the disparate groups that shape the regional biomedical sector. Most importantly, the Breakfasts try to spur informal networking so that people can build stronger networks and help identify opportunities and individuals they can work with to advance ideas.

Discover, connect with, and easily set up one-on-one meetings with hundreds of Midwest-based or Midwest-linked startup founders, VCs, angel investors, lenders, incubators, and accelerators - focused on Pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A stages.

• A virtual summit/online community that brings together Midwest-based and Midwest-linked startups, VCs, angel investors, and other resources, focused on Pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A stages
• Browse and connect with hundreds of attendees via detailed profiles and direct messages 
• Easily set-up optional private virtual 25-minute meetings directly on our platform based on mutual opt-in, or make connections via on-platform direct messages
• We typically facilitate 8,000+ connections between investors and startups every event, including numerous funding success stories

Who

• Founders: based in the Midwest or with ties to the region (Pre-Seed to Series A stage) 
• Funders: angel investors, VCs, venture lenders, and revenue-based financing options active in the Midwest
• Accelerators/incubators based in the Midwest, with ties to the region, or seeking startups from the region
• Select service providers that support early-stage companies

Join the ~700 startups and 200-300 investors participating, and Register Here.

Join the Circle of Intrapreneurs Co-Managing Director, Meg Trite as she sits down with Edwin Goutier, CEO of LaunchPath (and former United Way VP of Innovation) to discuss the latest trends in leveraging AI in intrapreneurship!

Join the Corporate Startup Lab and our sponsors as we celebrate this year's student teams and their successful semester. Hear them walk through what they learned about corporate innovation while working on their transformational product. These diverse teams of graduate students represent all six CU Colleges.

The event is free and open to all.

• A light reception with food and beverages begins at 5pm. 
• Presentations will begin promptly at 5:30pm.

Register here.

More info & to Register.

5-6 p.m. : Hors d'oeuvres, Networking, and an Innovation Showcase
6-6:30 p.m. : Awards Ceremony for the following:

• Emerging Innovator
• Student Innovator of the Year
• James “Chip” Hanlon Volunteer Mentor
• Startup of the Year
• Business of the Year: $1MM +
• Small Business of the Year:  <$1M
• Marlin Mickle Outstanding Innovator

We will select a Pitt faculty member to receive the Marlin Mickle Outstanding Innovator Award. This award is in recognition of a Pitt Innovator who has demonstrated consistent dedication to achieving societal impact through commercial application of his or her research.

We will also present the Chip Hanlon Volunteer Mentor of the Year Award to recognize the invaluable contributions that volunteer mentors provide to faculty and student innovators.

To celebrate student entrepreneurship across the entire University, a Student Innovator award will be given to student teams who exemplify the passion that Pitt students possess to bring their entrepreneurial dreams to life.
In addition to recognizing Pitt faculty and students and regional entrepreneurs who have achieved a major innovation milestone, such as submitting an invention disclosure, obtaining a patent, or launching a startup company, the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship will present two special business awards:

• Business of the Year: $1MM +
• Small Business of the Year:  <$1M

Come and celebrate our 10th Anniversary, meet the leadership of the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh, and learn what's next for the organization, including:
- TIP's Brand New Carpentry Space
- Social Enterprise
- Workforce Transportation

 

9:30 AM - 6:00 PM - Free Coworking Day at Ascender - Spend your day at Ascender. Grab a free coworking day pass and stop in anytime before our evening networking event to get work done.


6:00 PM - 6:15 PM - Registration & Lite Bites - Sharing a meal is a great way to connect. We'll provide light bites from a local restaurant starting at 6 PM.



6:15 PM - 6:30 PM - Welcome & Networking  - We'll break the ice with some quick introductions and networking questions.



6:30 PM - 7:30 PM - Lightning Talk- Guided by your questions and interests, we'll hear from local founder, Kim Garrett, on the topic of Retail and eCommerce.

PNC is both a top-tier U.S. bank and technology leader, deploying advanced technology across several areas of its business.

Hear three technology leaders discuss the importance of innovation and advanced technology, and how their teams are driving the future of the bank many in Pittsburgh use every day.

Founder Institute and Bunker Labs are partnering to give entrepreneurs an opportunity to pitch your startup ideas to experienced entrepreneurs and investors to recieve feedback. You will have 3 minutes to pitch. A digital presentation is optional.

We have limited pitch slots, so please email Randy Eager if you want to pitch: randy@silisiumtech.com 
Featuring the following Investors, Mentors, and Founders:

• Bob Delach, Bloomfield Robotics
• Mary Beth Green, Chief Innovation Officer, Sheetz
• Zach Malone, Partner at Magarac Venture Partners

Special Thanks to OneValley for sponsoring!

• The Founder Institute is the world’s most proven network to turn ideas into fundable startups, and startups into global businesses. Since 2009, our structured accelerator programs have helped over 6,500 entrepreneurs raise over $1.75BN in funding. Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 95 countries, our mission is to empower communities of talented and motivated people to build impactful technology companies worldwide.
• Bunker Labs is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) Veteran Service Organization (VSO) that serves Veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs in launching and growing their own businesses through a series of programs and workshops to provide education, networking opportunities, and capital access to our entrepreneurs.

What is Bunker Connect? Bunker Connect is designed to intentionally build meaningful connections with military-connected entrepreneurs, Veteran small business owners, local business organizations, and potential clients.
This event is for you if...
• You want to start and build a new business or grow your existing business
• You want to support local Veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs
• You want to learn about new local startups and businesses
• You want to be part of your local business community
• You want to invest in local entrepreneurs

This session is designed to help you imagine ways to do a new venture in our increasing complex data environment.

Agenda:
10am - 10:30am: Chat, Snacks & Networking
10:30am - 11:00 Intro to Venture Thinking
11:00am - Noon - Revealing Data Exhaust Activities
Noon: Lunch is served
Noon-1PM: Examining Data Exhaust Activities 
1pm - 1:30PM: Final Remarks

See where all of the magic happens at Millie's Pink Collar Ice Cream production facility in Homestead. Tours will last about 90 minutes in a factory setting. Close-toed shoes & approved waiver are required. Ages 8 and up only, please.

*Only 1remaining tour time (Noon) is now available, so register asap.

KEF Robotics invites you to an exhilarating, interactive experience centered on the revolutionary advancements in computer vision technology for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Join us for a captivating talk led by our two distinguished engineers, Paul Frivold and Denny Loevlie.

Dive into the intricacies of state of the art stereo depth prediction models and semantic segmentation models in order to gain a better understanding of the 3D world from a 2D image. The presentation will show how KEF uses simulated and real-world data to improve and evaluate these deep learning models, and how their outputs are used by mapping and planning algorithms to help UAVs avoid hazards.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn and participate in stimulating discussions and live demos. The first 10 in-person signups will have a chance to operate our tethered drone and ground vehicle in simulation.

• 4:30pm: Hard Tech Happy Hour
• 4:35pm: UAV Demonstrations with KEF Robotics
• 6pm: Opening Remarks from Thoro.ai CEO, Patrick Mondi
• 6:15pm: Keynote event with Eliot Horowitz
• 7:30pm: Reception

Register for the UAV Demos, Hard Tech Happy Hour, and. Keynote from Viam Robotics (and MongoDB) Founder, Eliot Horowitz here.

Join us for this year's Hard Tech Happy Hour, sponsored by Camber Road and hosted at Thoro.ai's HQ, where you'll have the chance to connect with national leaders in hard tech innovation right here in Pittsburgh.

Mingle with top talent from our region's renowned research institutions, deep tech startups, and corporate innovators to celebrate the city's thriving hard tech ecosystem. This exclusive gathering offers access to groundbreaking projects, and the chance to engage with industry leaders driving advancements in robotics, autonomy, advanced materials, and more.

• 4:30pm: Hard Tech Happy Hour
• 4:35pm: UAV Demonstrations with KEF Robotics
• 6pm: Opening Remarks from Thoro.ai CEO, Patrick Mondi
• 6:15pm: Keynote event with Eliot Horowitz
• 7:30pm: Reception

Attendees are encouraged stay for the Keynote from Viam Robotics (and MongoDB) Founder, Eliot Horowitz and explore the UAV Demos from KEF Robotics.

• Beer from Brew Gentleman in Braddock
• Snacks on the Double Decker Bus from Blanket & Board

Please register for the Hard Tech Happy Hour, UAV Demo & Keynote interview with Eliot Horowitz here

Pgh Innovation District + PDMA Present Conduction Concert + F.U.N. VOL VII

An incredible live performance by Conduction followed by Pittsburgh’s bravest humans share their biggest failures in short, sweet speeches that bust the BS of business events & networking.

“If you’re not failing every now and again, it’s a sign you’re not doing anything very innovative.” Woody Allen

Pittsburgh Innovation District and Product Development and Management Association of PGH have partnered with F-Up Nights PGH for an Innovation Week Pop-Up Volume VII on 4/26/23 in Oakland!

Come hear some of Pittsburgh’s bravest humans share their biggest business failures in short, sweet speeches.

There will be FUN, Failure, F-Ups, Flabergasts, and of course Firsts at our special pop-up partnership with PID and PDMA. SO don't F-up and miss this opportunity to connect and disrupt with great innovators and leaders in our region for PGH FUN VOL. VII.

EVENT TIMELINE
5:30 pm Doors Open - Welcome & Mingle
6:00 pm Conduction Concert
7:30: Speakers: A panel of inspirational leaders will courageously share their biggest business failures in 7 mins with 10 images (Check out our social for more details as we announce the speakers: IG @fuckupnightspgh (https://www.instagram.com/fuckupnightspgh) LI @F*ckup Nights Pittsburgh)
8:30 pm - Open Mic: The event will close with an Open Mic Opportunity (we love our brave friends!)
8:30 pm - Wrap-Up or Party-time: Head out or Continue the FUN with drinks and connecting with the most REAL humans in PGH

F-Up Nights is a global movement where stories of failed businesses, projects, and careers are told, questioned, and celebrated. In events across the globe, business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders get on stage to acknowledge their work-fuckup in a room full of strangers (ish since this is Pgh with 1-degree of separation).

In a world of obstacles and posturing, F-Up Nights Pittsburgh plans to change the stigma around failure and inspire our brilliant innovative community as we come together and highlight entrepreneurial journeys from some of our very own change-makers.

Hear from Pittsburgh's top entrepreneurs, CEOs and leaders as they share their stories of a time when a business deal went sour, a product got recalled, or life took a turn for the worse. Join our F-Up Nights Pittsburgh community for our 7th event on April 26th at 5:30 pm for drinks, food, laughs and some effed up FAILURES!

Important:
By registering for this event, you agree to receive information and promotions related to Fuckup Nights Inc.
All your personal data is processed in accordance with the applicable legislation in force in the corresponding country. You have at all times the right to access, rectify, cancel or oppose the treatment we give to your personal data. This right can be asserted through direct communication with the organizers.  You can learn more at https://fuckupnights.com/privacy-policy/

What would happen if people could build robots as easily as web apps? Founded in 2020 by Eliot Horowitz (who previously co-founded MongoDB), Viam enables just that.

Viam vastly simplifies the software side of robotics so that anyone, from entrepreneurs to builders, can bring their robotics ideas to market faster than ever before. With Viam, it’s finally possible to configure, program, control, and scale robotics solutions—all from one platform. By making robotics more accessible and affordable, Viam is empowering the next generation of products and services that improve our world.

Join us for a candid conversation about Eliot’s entrepreneurial journey, lessons learned along the way, and visions for what comes next in robotics and automation.

• 4pm: Hard Tech Happy Hour
• 4:30pm: UAV Demonstrations with KEF Robotics
• 6pm: Open Remarks from Thoro.ai CEO, Patrick Mondi
• 6:15pm: Keynote event with Eliot Horowitz
• 7pm: Audience Q&A
• 7:30pm: Reception

A late-night casual and interactive conversation with global corporate innovation land intrapreneurship leaders in our region, including:

- Meg Trite, Co-Managing Director for the Circle of Intrapreneurs
- Mark Lancia, former Head of Global Marketing at Philips
- Megan Guidi - Founder, Venture-in-a-Box
- Josh Gould, Dir. of Innovation, Duquesne Light
- Rajesh Ranjan,MS Candidate in Product Management at Tepper / Gold Medalist in IIM Calcutta

Come and learn, and include your voice in the conversations and libations at Acacia.

Get ready for an exhilarating morning of networking, learning, and friendly competition at Dinks and Deals: A Startup Founders & Investors Pickleball Clinic

This unique event is designed to bring together entrepreneurs and investors from the regional startup community for a morning filled with pickleball fun and valuable connections.

This event is suitable for players of all skill levels, from complete beginners to seasoned pros.
Schedule:
7:00 AM - 7:15 AM: Registration and Welcome - Grab a coffee, check in, and mingle with fellow attendees while gearing up for an action-packed morning.
7:15AM - 7:45 AM: Pickleball Basics and Warm-up Our experienced coaches will guide you through the basics of pickleball, including rules, scoring, and essential techniques. Then, get your blood pumping with a dynamic warm-up session.
7:45 AM - 9:15 AM: Rotating Doubles Tournament Put your newfound skills to the test in our rotating doubles tournament. You'll have the opportunity to play with and against different partners, maximizing your networking opportunities and building lasting connections on and off the court.
9:15 AM - 9:30AM: Awards Ceremony and Deal-making Session - Connect with fellow founders and investors to explore potential collaborations and investment opportunities.

Why You Should Attend:

• Engage in a fun, low-pressure environment where you can build relationships with like-minded individuals.
• Learn a new sport or refine your existing skills while getting some exercise and fresh air.
• Tap into the local startup ecosystem and discover exciting investment opportunities.
• Experience a unique, memorable event that stands out from typical networking gatherings.

What to Bring:

• Comfortable athletic attire and sneakers with non-marking soles.
• A water bottle to stay hydrated.
• Business cards or a digital contact-sharing method to connect with your new acquaintances.

Join us for a morning of insightful investor-led panel discussions, an afternoon of curated one-on-one meetings with investors and regional stakeholders, top off the evening at this year's RustBuilt Startup Showdown featuring some of leading startups from Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit, Cincinnati, Columbus & Pittsburgh.

9-10:15am: Investor Networking (Invited Investors)
10:30-11:30am: Investor-Led Workshops (Invited Founders & Investors)
11:30am: Break
Noon: Investor Lunch (Sponsored by 412 Venture Fund) (Invited Investors)
1-5:30pm: One-on-One Investor Meetings (Invited Founders & Investors)
5:30-6pm: Break
6-8pm: RustBuilt Startup Showdown at Alphalab Gear (All Welcome)

Participating Investors Include:
- 412 Venture Fund
- BlueTree Capital
- Chicago Ventures
- CincyTech
- Detroit Venture Partners
- Endeavor
- FarOut Ventures
- Fitt Capital
- Grouse Ridge Capital
- Hyde Park Venture Partners
- Magarac Venture Partners
- M25
- Northcoast Ventures
- Platform Capital Management
- Pride Fund
- Plymouth Growth
- StartFast Ventures
- The Fund XX
- Valley Capital Partners
- More TBA

Network with fellow Pittsburgh Technology Council members at Pittsburgh's new COhatch location in the Waterfront! Enjoy light appetizers and beverages, a tour of the facility, and meet new colleagues in the community.

Located in Pittsburgh’s Homestead neighborhood, this site is home to 11,000 square feet of creative and collaborative work and meeting space! When you aren’t tackling your workday in our variety of private offices, or networking in our strategically arranged coworking seats, be sure to explore our neighbor…The Waterfront shopping center!

PTC Members Only*
Cost - Early Bird $10 after March 31st, $15

The inaugural RustBuilt Startup Showdown features some of the most promising startups from Pittsburgh, Detroit, Cleveland, Buffalo, and Columbus and leading venture funds, family offices, and investors from around the region.

Each startup has 5 minutes to present their company to a dais of experienced investor judges. There will also be an audience vote, so be sure to vote for your favorite founders.

Participating Investors Include:
- 412 Venture Fund
- BlueTree Capital
- Chicago Ventures
- CincyTech
- Detroit Venture Partners
- Endeavor
- FarOut Ventures
- Fitt Capital
- Grouse Ridge Capital
- Hyde Park Venture Partners
- Magarac Venture Partners
- M25
- Platform Capital Management
- Pride Fund
- Plymouth Growth
- StartFast Ventures
- The Fund XX
- Valley Capital Partners
- More TBA

Pittsburgh's bigger than life personalities compete in a once-in-an-XchangeInnovation Week karaoke battle while taking in Pittsburgh's better than life vistas and getting more connected.

Register here. 

In this hands-on workshop, we will collaboratively identify societal risks caused by ChatGPT and consider potential solutions. We will use a method called "RightsWise Thinking". In addition to deepening your understanding of ChatGPT's impact, this activity will teach you how to evaluate the social responsibility of tech companies.

If you are an employer or investor, this workshop will help you make more informed hiring and investment decisions. If you are a prospective employee of a tech company, this workshop will help you choose an employer that is aligned with your values. If you work at a tech company, this workshop will help you protect your stakeholders as well as your business, including decreasing reputational risks and improving talent attraction.

Join us for Coffee from Millie's Homemade starting at 7:55am
Session starts at 8:05am sharp.

Today's panel discussion features a diverse group of leaders from the regional apprenticeship programs on the critical role of apprenticeships in ensuring a more equitable workplace now and in the future. The panel will explore how industry-driven, high-quality apprenticeship opportunities help close the skills gap and create a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

The panelists will share their insights on the skills and competencies that will be in high demand in the future workplace, and how apprenticeships can help build these skills in a more equitable workforce. They will also discuss the role of technology in apprenticeships, and how it can be used to enhance the learning experience for apprentices.

This session is essential for employers, workforce development professionals, educators, policymakers, and community leaders.

We're excited to invite all innovators, disruptors, and changemakers to join the City of Pittsburgh for a fun and informative event featuring the PGH Lab program.

The City of Pittsburgh has a unique testing lab that supports its innovation ecosystem while finding new solution to the city’s challenges. Come hear from local government workers and small businesses currently participating in this collaborative process to transform the city’s work and give companies new insight into their products and services.

Whether you're a startup founder, an entrepreneur, a city employee, or simply someone passionate about innovation, we welcome you to come and join us on the 6th Floor Learning Lab at the City-County Building. 414 Grant Street, take the elevators up to the 6th floor and follow the signage!

Mark your calendars and don't miss out on an afternoon of inspiration and innovation on Friday, April 28th, at 2pm!

Bring yourself to the way you do business. This panel will cover how to align the way you operate your company with your core values. We will consider how you can leverage business models to realize your principles. We will discuss in concrete detail what doing business the way you believe may look like in practice.

We’re meeting in Conference Room 1 on the second floor of Field Day (take the elevator at the back of the cafe).

Join us on the rooftop of Field Day to mix and mingle with Pittsburgh’s most exciting founders, entrepreneurs, and all-purpose instigators. Enjoy lite bites and refreshments while you chat and network with like-minded movers and shakers. All are welcome, women and allies alike!

Register here.

Join this interactive virtual session that will offer valuable insights and candid experiences from several early-stage founders from Pittsburgh and across the region, including:

- Adskate Cofounder, Akaash Ramakrishnan
- Agni Founder, Manish Agnihotri

In this engaging discussion, the panel of early stage founders will share their personal journeys, emphasizing the challenges they face, and the strategies they employ to secure vital seed capital.

The session promises to be a treasure trove of information, with participants offering practical advice and hard-won wisdom on navigating the complex and competitive world of early-stage funding. Attendees can look forward to leaving the virtual event armed with an enhanced understanding of how to turn their ideas into reality.

Join us for the Web3Pgh Happy Hour that unite developers, designers, entrepreneurs, and other forward-thinking professionals who are shaping the next generation of decentralized platforms and protocols. Immerse yourself in lively discussions on cutting-edge topics, such as DeFi, NFTs, DAOs, and much more. Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to foster collaborations, expand your knowledge, and stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving world of Web3. Register today, and let's toast to the decentralized future together!

Conversation led by owners and operators of seasoned and new STRs in Millvale - Heather Mallak, Juniper Place and Danielle Spinola, Chez Millvale.
These two women led massive undertakings, renovating underutilized spaces and now welcome guests who spend their dollars with local businesses in Millvale.
For many years, Danielle has been building communi-tea through Abeille Voyante Tea Co. on Grant Avenue.
Join us and enjoy light bites and some unique tea blends mixed with love by hand in Millvale, PA.Stay Good open house, brief presentations followed by open discussion on topics including:

• Addressing the airbnb ick
• Combating questionable community impact
• Adopting an orphaned space for hospitality
• Transparency as hosting
• Mindful operations, considerate of neighbors
• Utilizing and incorporating local talent
• Engaging community stakeholders
• Welcoming guests, encouraging appreciation and exploration of the neighborhood
• Bolstering the business ecosystem through guest spending on main streets
• Sharing insights and opportunities for hosts to stay good, fostering a community of like-minded operator

Stay Good believes that success is measured by positive numbers and neighborhood positivity.
https://thestaygood.com/Stay Good was incubated at Innovation Work's program Test Kitchen.

Heather's Millvale Property: airbnb.com/h/juniperplace https://juniperplace.carrd.co/Stay Good:
Danielle's Millvale Property: airbnb.com/h/chezmillvaleTea Shop: https://www.abeillevoyanteteaco.com/

For the sixth year, Carnegie Mellon University and Innovation Works are teaming up to showcase some of the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions’ top artificial intelligence and robotics startups ranging from early-stage to growth-stage companies in a pitch event. 

• Featuring selected seed stage companies in the AI/Robotics sectors
• 300+ investors focused on RAAI including early stage, angel, pre-seed and seed level investors

Accredited Investors are invited to learn more and register.