A group of startups made their pitch yesterday to the region's burgeoning AI, robotics and life science industries.

Why it matters: Pittsburgh wants to expand its tech industry and create an AI hub to rival bigger markets like Silicon Valley and Boston.

Driving the news: The AlphaLab cohort of 21 local startups showcased their technology to potential investors in Oakland on Wednesday afternoon.

• Each was awarded $100,000 in February to build out their platforms, devices and robotics.

Zoom in: The cohort includes five members in software, five in the health industry and 11 in the hardware and robotics fields.

• Clear Solar is integrating autonomous dust removal technology developed by NASA for solar panels to keep them more efficient.
• Inductive Robotics created technology installed on poles to enforce parking rules more cheaply than fare gates or in-ground sensors, said CEO Madhav Ayyagari. Their technology goes live at Carnegie Mellon later this month.
• Concordare created a patented fully digital platform to speed up the process and help users make fewer errors in their clinical trials.
• Bl!nk ensures that small businesses' and retailers' Shopify pages run quickly. CEO Bryan Brown said one of their clients, The Truffleist, saw significant increases in revenue the day after the company improved its Shopify account.
• Conopi uses AI to improve cost estimates for large-scale infrastructure projects.

State of play: Not every startup to come out of AlphaLab's cohort succeeds, but 2010 cohort member NoWait successfully sold to Yelp in 2017 for $40 million.

• Since 2008, the group has supported over 300 companies that have raised a total of $1.6 billion, said Innovation Works director of accelerator programs Aaron Tainter.

What's next: AlphaLab is accepting applications for the 2027 cohort, which starts in February.

• Applications are due by July 17. Apply here.

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A new Pittsburgh startup wants to make finding a lawyer as simple as booking a Lyft ride, and investors are starting to take notice.

Why it matters: As many as 6 in 10 Americans facing a civil legal matter say they went without an attorney in 2024, per a Harris Poll for the Legal Services Corporation, citing cost and uncertainty about where to find help.

• ATJustice, a public benefit corporation launched last year, offers a free AI-powered legal referral service designed to simplify finding a lawyer and, ultimately, help reduce legal costs.

The big picture: Founders David Cohen and Bal Srinivasan launched ATJustice last year.

• The two saw a significant need for legal services among the public — from estate planning and divorce to criminal defense.

Between the lines: Cohen and Srinivasan say AI can expand access to legal services, but shouldn't replace lawyers, citing the risks of relying on AI for legal advice.

How it works: Users submit a brief online request describing the legal help they need and their contact information.

• ATJustice's customized AI identifies potential attorney matches based on the person's needs and location.
• A licensed attorney reviews each recommendation before sending matches to the user.
• Founders encourage attorneys to offer discounted rates to clients in lieu of a referral fee. Attorneys can also join the ATJustice Network for client referrals.

What's next: The team says early conversations with potential investors have generated strong interest. They're also exploring accelerator programs, such as AlphaLab.

• "What Uber and Lyft did for the ride-hiring market, we would like to do for the legal services market," Cohen says.

Go deeper

📵 Pennsylvania starts enforcing its new distracted driving law tomorrow after a yearlong warning period. Police can fine drivers $50, plus court costs and other fees, for holding or using a phone while driving. (Axios)

🍼 A proposal to mandate 18 weeks of paid parental leave in Allegheny County drew sharp debate at a Tuesday hearing, with health care workers backing it and business owners saying the cost burden would be too heavy. Public comment is open through June 16. (WESA)

🙂 Eat'n Park is giving away a free Smiley Cookie with any purchase tomorrow to celebrate 40 years of the classic treat. (WPXI)

🥃 Butcher and the Rye will reopen at 212 Sixth St. in the Cultural District on July 8 after closing during the pandemic. Reservations open now. (TribLive / Instagram)

Friday

Check out art exhibits, live music and food vendors at the Three Rivers Arts Festival at Arts Landing through Sunday.

• 📍 Penn Avenue between 8th and 9th streets, Cultural District
• ⏰ Noon-9pm. Spin Doctors play a free show at 7:30pm.
• 💰 Free!

Saturday

Support women-owned vendors and enjoy food and drink tastings, fitness classes, wellness activities and networking at the Babesburgh Bash.

• 📍 Allegheny Landing Park, North Shore
• ⏰ 3pm-8pm
• 💰 $12+

Watch high-speed powerboat racing, music and fireworks along the Allegheny River at Pittsburgh Brewing Co.'s Rockin' Regatta through Sunday.

• 📍 150 Ferry St., Creighton
• ⏰ 11am-9:30pm Saturday; 11am-6pm Sunday
• 💰 $30.75 for 21+

Sunday

Celebrate Pittsburgh Pride at the annual parade and festival.

• 📍 Parade starts at Liberty Avenue and 11th Street in Downtown and ends at Allegheny Commons Park West on the North Side for the Pride Festival.
• ⏰ The parade starts at noon. The festival runs noon-8pm Saturday and Sunday.
• 💰 Free!