VENTURE expo

Where Capital Meets What’s Next.
Don't miss out on the most exiting tech venture event of the year! Get your tickets now and be part of the future of technology!
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APPLY TO Attend
The Oaklander, Pittsburgh
september 15-16, 2026
STARTUP PGH Week

event details

Innovation Works’ Venture Expo is a two-day gathering of founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders driving the future of technology and innovation in Pittsburgh. The event brings together high-growth tech startups, capital partners, and thought leaders for meaningful connections, insights, and deal flow. From stage to networking, Venture Expo is where the region’s innovation economy comes to life.

The Innovation Works' Venture Expo is intended for accredited investors as defined in Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1922, as amended, and members of the press. Apply to attend.

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Impact

find your next deal in Pittsburgh.

$1.48B
+
Invested IN Pittsburgh Startups in 2025
300
+
Tech Startups building and growing in the region
9
Unicorns
+
and 2 Decacorns and we're just getting started
Apply to Attend
Apply to Attend

Meet Our Speakers

Gain insights from world-class leaders, innovators, and experts who are shaping the future of AI. Each speaker brings unique perspectives, real-world experience, and actionable knowledge you can apply right away.
Dr. Rebecca Lin
A globally recognized leader in artificial intelligence, Dr. Roberts has spent over 20 years pushing the boundaries of innovation. She will share her vision of how AI will shape the future of business, creativity, and human connection.
Alex Carter
A globally recognized leader in artificial intelligence, Alex Carter has spent over 20 years pushing the boundaries of innovation. She will share her vision of how AI will shape the future of business, creativity, and human connection.
Jamie Rivera
A globally recognized leader in artificial intelligence, Jamie Rivera has spent over 20 years pushing the boundaries of innovation. She will share her vision of how AI will shape the future of business, creativity, and human connection.
Nina Patel
A globally recognized leader in artificial intelligence, Dr. Nina Patel Cole has spent over 20 years pushing the boundaries of innovation. She will share her vision of how AI will shape the future of business, creativity, and human connection.
Dr. Marcus Cole
A globally recognized leader in artificial intelligence, Dr. Dr. Marcus Cole has spent over 20 years pushing the boundaries of innovation. She will share her vision of how AI will shape the future of business, creativity, and human connection.
Ethan Boyd
A globally recognized leader in artificial intelligence, Dr. Roberts has spent over 20 years pushing the boundaries of innovation. She will share her vision of how AI will shape the future of business, creativity, and human connection.

Event at a Glance

Designed to optimize investors time, you'll find plenty of opportunties to discover new technologies, meet founders, and get down to details in two-full days of investor-focused events.
‍
Investors can join any part of the Venture Expo. Attendance is free, but registration is required for each program.
Apply to Attend
Apply to Attend
Tuesday, September 15
10 aM - 5 PM
‍
Venture Expo Health and Human ImpacT
Featuring 40+ investor-ready startups from across the region, Venture Expo highlights founders building across:
‍
• Healthcare and Life Sciences
• HealthTech and Digital Health
• Software and Consumer Products
• Environmental Innovation and Cleantech
• Social Innovation and Human-Centered Solutions
Tuesday, September 15
6 PM - 9 PM

Venture Expo Welcome Dinner - Glasshouse Gathering
Continue the conversation at The Glasshouse Gathering, an invite-only evening reception set within the iconic tropical glasshouse of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

Designed as a relaxed and relationship-driven approach to the day’s programming, the evening offers space to unwind while continuing building connections.
Wednesday, September 16
8 AM - 3 PM

Venture Expo Investor Exchange Lounge
Day two is dedicated to connection and capital—a quieter, semi-private environment designed for meaningful investor engagement.

Hosted within the event hotel, the Investor Exchange Lounge offers:
‍
• Dedicated meeting space for investors and founders
• Food and refreshments throughout the day
• A concierge team to help facilitate founder access and introductions
• Exclusive opportunities to learn more about the region’s emerging technologies, research, and innovation pipeline
Wednesday, September 16
4 PM - 6 PM

AI & Robotics Venture Day @CMU
In partnership with Carnegie Mellon University, the Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship, and Venture Bridge, AIRVD brings together founders, investors, researchers, and industry leaders at the forefront of breakthrough innovation.

Discover 25+ investor-ready companies spanning:
• AI and Physical AI
• Robotics and Automation
• Advanced Computing and Infrastructure
• Computer Vision and Intelligent Systems
• Biotech and Healthcare Innovation
• DeepTech and Cleantech

INNOVATION WORKS' VENTURE EXPO IS SUPPORTED BY OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS

September 15, 2026

Kick off Innovation Works’ Venture Expo with a full day of startup pitches, investor engagement, and dynamic conversations showcasing the next generation of high-growth companies emerging from the Pittsburgh region in health and human impact fields.

Featuring 40+ investor-ready startups from across the region, Venture Expo highlights founders building across:
• Healthcare and Life Sciences
• HealthTech and Digital Health
• Software and Consumer Products
• Environmental Innovation and Cleantech
• Social Innovation and Human-Centered Solutions

More than a pitch event, Venture Expo is a concentrated view into the region’s startup momentum, talent, and investable opportunities—all in one room.
APPLY TO ATTEND
APPLY TO ATTEND
1
9:00 AM
Doors Open
Check-in begin at The Oaklander
2
10:00 AM
Welcome & Keynote
Learn more about the region, the week ahead, and hear from a special to-be-announced keynote presenter.
3
12:00 PM
Lunch & Networking
A fun and energizing networking lunch at Spirit & Tales with a beautiful view of Oakland.
4
1:15 PM
Pitch Sessions
Founders take the stage for the first set of pitch sessions. Investors can choose a path most relevant to their interests.

September 16, 2026

Kick off Innovation Works’ Venture Expo with a full day of startup pitches, investor engagement, and dynamic conversations showcasing the next generation of high-growth companies emerging from the Pittsburgh region in health and human impact fields.

Featuring 40+ investor-ready startups from across the region, Venture Expo highlights founders building across:
• Healthcare and Life Sciences
• HealthTech and Digital Health
• Software and Consumer Products
• Environmental Innovation and Cleantech
• Social Innovation and Human-Centered Solutions

More than a pitch event, Venture Expo is a concentrated view into the region’s startup momentum, talent, and investable opportunities—all in one room.
APPLY TO ATTEND
APPLY TO ATTEND
1
9:00 AM
Doors Open
Check-in begin at The Oaklander
2
10:00 AM
Welcome & Keynote
Learn more about the region, the week ahead, and hear from a special to-be-announced keynote presenter.
3
12:00 PM
Lunch & Networking
A fun and energizing networking lunch at Spirit & Tales with a beautiful view of Oakland.
4
1:15 PM
Pitch Sessions
Founders take the stage for the first set of pitch sessions. Investors can choose a path most relevant to their interests.

REAL IMPACT FROM REAL ATTENDEES

audience
Sarah T.
DeepTechCo
“Attending tech nexus 2024 was one of the best decisions I’ve made this year. The event was well-organized, the content was relevant, and the speakers were truly experts in their fields. I not only gained valuable insights into upcoming trends but also built connections with peers and leaders that have already turned into meaningful business opportunities. .”
audience
Sarah T.
DeepTechCo
“Attending tech nexus 2024 was one of the best decisions I’ve made this year. The event was well-organized, the content was relevant, and the speakers were truly experts in their fields. I not only gained valuable insights into upcoming trends but also built connections with peers and leaders that have already turned into meaningful business opportunities. .”
audience
Sarah T.
DeepTechCo
“Attending tech nexus 2024 was one of the best decisions I’ve made this year. The event was well-organized, the content was relevant, and the speakers were truly experts in their fields. I not only gained valuable insights into upcoming trends but also built connections with peers and leaders that have already turned into meaningful business opportunities. .”

STARTUP PGH

Venture Expo and AI & Robotics Venture Day are just the beginning. StartUp PGH features something for everyone. Here's a few key events you or a colleauge may want to consider.
PITTSBURGH ROBOTICS Network
Discovery Day

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Access to the event
Q&A session
Complimentary refreshments
Networking opportunities
register now
register now
Health Innovation SYmposium

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Access to the event
Q&A session
Complimentary refreshments
Networking opportunities
register now
register now
AI Horizons

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Access to the event
Q&A session
Complimentary refreshments
Networking opportunities
register now
register now

Frequently Asked Questions

How will I be notified of Acceptance?
What companies will be presenting?
What is the best way to get around during Venture Expo?
ARE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE?
What is StartUp Pgh?
CaN I attend Venture Expo and AIRVD?
WIll Innovation Works be able to assist me with Deal Matching?
How Do I get invited to the Welcome Dinner at Phipps?
the location

THE OAKLANDER HOTEL

right in the heart of cmu start-up week

You're coming for Venture Expo, but you'll want to stay all week with plenty of investor and start-up events planned through Friday. The Oaklander Hotel is located between University of Pittsburgh, UPMC, and Carnegie Mellon University, putting you in the epicenter of the startup activities planned for the week.

For best availability, make your reservation today.

Ready to APply?

Apply to pitch at Venture Expo or AIRVD and connect with 100+ accredited investors, angels, and capital partners.Open to investor-ready technology startups in the greater Pittsburgh region. All applications are reviewed by an independent selection committee, and selected companies will be invited to present before investors from across the country and around the world. Apply today and you may just get to take the stage.

Apply to Attend
Apply to Attend

Ready to pitch?

Apply to pitch at Venture Expo or AIRVD and connect with 100+ accredited investors, angels, and capital partners.Open to investor-ready technology startups in the greater Pittsburgh region. All applications are reviewed by an independent selection committee, and selected companies will be invited to present before investors from across the country and around the world. Apply today and you may just get to take the stage.

Apply to Pitch
Apply to Pitch