AlphaLab Gear

AlphaLab Gear is a prominent hardware accelerator and early-stage venture fund based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Established in 2013 as a spinoff of AlphaLab, it focuses on supporting hardware, robotics, and other physical product startups. The program offers investments up to $100,000 in exchange for equity, along with tailored mentorship, access to a dedicated prototyping shop, and connections to local manufacturers. This comprehensive support aims to help startups refine their products, strengthen their supply chains, and successfully enter the market.

The accelerator's curriculum is built around three core principles: customers, capital, and community. Founders engage in hands-on workshops, one-on-one sessions, and expert-led discussions to define their market, prepare for customer acquisition, and build lasting connections within Pittsburgh's tech ecosystem. The program also emphasizes preparing startups for fundraising by providing guidance on investor pitches, financial projections, and creating investor-ready data rooms.

AlphaLab Gear's unique approach combines financial investment with practical resources, including access to specialized equipment and workspaces, to help hardware startups bring their designs from concept to reality. By connecting founders with Pittsburgh's extensive manufacturing network, the program assists in establishing reliable supply chains and scaling production with local partners. This holistic support system enables startups to develop products that are built to last and ready for market, fostering innovation and growth in the hardware sector.