AlphaLab names largest startup cohort yet for 2026

Context: AlphaLab is awarding $100,000 to each company in the cohort. They span artificial intelligence, robotics, health innovation, energy and advanced manufacturing.

• The cohort is focused on software (like an AI search engine for new and used cars), physical products (like moisture-wicking underwear) and robotics (designed to automatically clean solar panels).
• Fifteen startups are already based in Pittsburgh, and the remaining five are relocating to Pittsburgh to grow here, AlphaLab spokesperson Lexie Capperella tells Axios.

What they're saying: "This cohort reflects how quickly technology is moving from experimentation to application," said Aaron Tainter, director of accelerator programs at Innovation Works, AlphaLab's parent company. "These founders are embedding intelligence into systems that people and businesses rely on every day, whether that's health care delivery, energy storage, robotics, or industrial operations."

The bottom line: Not every company to come out of AlphaLab's cohort succeeds, but 2010 cohort member NoWait successfully sold to Yelp in 2017 for $40 million.