This Week's Latest Tech News in Pittsburgh, PA - Sunday April 20th 2025 Edition

Pittsburgh’s momentum as a tech innovator is stronger than ever in 2025, with the city making major moves in AI, robotics, and automation. Backed by leading institutions like Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh, the region has seen AI research and startups multiply along “AI Avenue” in East Liberty, where companies like Google and Duolingo are growing their presence.

The area saw nearly $1 billion in venture capital invested last year, with 49.3% flowing into life sciences and strong gains in robotics and hardware, according to Innovation Works’ latest report.

Community efforts, such as the newly-formed AI Strike Team, are aimed at converting world-class research into job growth and business expansion, addressing past challenges of translating tech advances into broad economic benefit.

The city is also home to a thriving robotics cluster, with more than 125 companies and over 7,000 high-impact jobs, as highlighted by the Pittsburgh Robotics Network.

Investments in infrastructure and partnerships with industry giants, including Nvidia’s new joint center at CMU, are helping position Pittsburgh as a model for urban tech transformation and a leader in the national conversation about ethical AI and inclusive innovation (learn more here).

• AI research and startups are expanding rapidly, with institutions like Carnegie Mellon University supporting Pittsburgh's growth as a national tech hub.
• Venture capital investment reached nearly $1 billion, with life sciences and robotics sectors leading the way in funding.
• The AI Strike Team focuses on translating cutting-edge research into job creation and economic impact.
• The city hosts a vibrant robotics cluster of over 125 companies and 7,000 skilled jobs, spotlighted by the Pittsburgh Robotics Network.
• Major industry partnerships, such as Nvidia establishing a joint center at CMU, are accelerating infrastructure and innovation efforts.

“Pittsburgh has become a model for urban tech transformation, blending academic excellence and industry power to create a thriving, inclusive ecosystem.” - Christopher White

Sector	Key Companies	Recent Initiatives
AI & Life Sciences	Duolingo, Google	Growth along AI Avenue, AI Strike Team
Robotics	RE2 Robotics, Astrobotic	Pittsburgh Robotics Network expansion
Hardware & Infrastructure	Nvidia, Aurora	Nvidia-CMU Joint Center

Pennsylvania made a significant push toward becoming a leading force in artificial intelligence at a recent joint public hearing hosted at Astrobotic Technology in Pittsburgh.

State legislators, including Sen. Tracy Pennycuick and key policy committees, met with industry leaders, academics, and advocates to outline strategies that aim to position Western Pennsylvania as an AI powerhouse.

• Summit Focus: The summit’s discussions centered on leveraging local strengths such as Pittsburgh’s esteemed universities and robust tech sector, reinforcing the area’s competitiveness.
• Real-world AI Impact: Panelists, including Dr. Hooman Rashidi of UPMC and Richard Martinez of BNY, highlighted AI applications in healthcare and finance, emphasizing improved diagnostics and streamlined financial operations.
• Supporting Infrastructure: Industry experts discussed the power needs for AI infrastructure and advocated for reliable, scalable energy sources, suggesting solutions like repurposing industrial sites and investing in diversified power generation.
• Astrobotic’s Leadership: The event recognized Astrobotic’s pivotal role, as highlighted by recent state investments, in driving both lunar robotics and tech job growth within the region.
• Workforce Development: Initiatives such as dedicated AI training slots and apprenticeship pipelines at local universities, championed by Lisa Wilson, are designed to attract and retain talent.

As these coordinated state, academic, and industry efforts take shape, Pittsburgh is positioning itself as an active, inclusive, and practical leader in the country’s AI economy.

For details on the policy hearing’s agenda and the broad range of experts who contributed, you can read more at the City & State Pennsylvania coverage.

The growing momentum is also reflected in state government’s direct support for Astrobotic’s expansion as a hub for space and robotics jobs, as highlighted by the Shapiro Administration’s economic development press release.

For a summary of the strategies and recommendations from the joint Senate and House hearing - including energy, workforce, and commercialization goals - see the Senate GOP’s official news bulletin.

Focus Area	Main Contributor	Key Initiative
Healthcare AI	Dr. Hooman Rashidi	Improved Diagnostics
Financial Services AI	Richard Martinez	Efficient Operations
Workforce Development	Lisa Wilson	AI Training & Apprenticeships

The University of Pittsburgh’s Computational Pathology and AI Center of Excellence (CPACE) has secured a $10 million investment through a five-year partnership with Leidos, a company with decades of experience in healthcare technology and artificial intelligence.

Announced in April 2025, this collaboration is focused on developing AI-powered tools to accelerate the early detection and management of conditions like heart disease and cancer, especially in communities where healthcare access is limited.

CPACE will enhance its research hub, drawing on advanced digital pathology and machine learning to support clinicians in making quicker, more reliable diagnoses.

The initiative targets reduced diagnostic turnaround times and aims to deploy these innovations in over 50 rural clinics in Western Pennsylvania in its first year, extending benefits to thousands of patients.

Notably, AI systems developed under this partnership may offer diagnostic accuracy rates up to 90% for heart disease, which could potentially improve survival rates by 50%.

Additionally, the partnership emphasizes training future healthcare specialists and expanding clinical capabilities for underserved populations, including veterans.

Leidos’ background includes over 25 years operating the National Cancer Institute’s Frederick National Laboratory and more than 20 years of applying AI in healthcare and national security.

By combining expertise from both organizations, the project is set to broaden access to advanced diagnostics and help standardize AI-assisted care in both public and private sectors.

• AI innovation: The partnership focuses on developing advanced AI tools for early detection of diseases.
• Community reach: Over 50 rural clinics will benefit from these new technologies in Western Pennsylvania.
• Diagnostic accuracy: AI could raise heart disease detection rates to 90% and improve survival by 50%.
• Workforce training: The program emphasizes educating future healthcare professionals amid expanding AI use.
• Leidos expertise: With decades of AI and healthcare experience, Leidos strengthens the collaboration.

For more about the collaboration’s scope and strategic impact, visit the official announcement from Leidos at Leidos invests $10 million in AI disease detection, learn what this means for rural hospitals and patient outcomes in the GovTech AI diagnostics coverage, or read further details on AI-powered diagnostics at Digital Health News.

Pittsburgh’s tech spotlight shines even brighter this week as both Abridge and Skild AI were included in the 2025 Forbes “Top 50 Global AI Startups” list, a significant milestone reflecting the city’s emergence in artificial intelligence.

Forbes recognized Abridge for its AI-driven clinical note-taking platform, which is now trusted by more than 100 health systems nationwide and generates millions of clinical notes every week, helping ease cognitive load and physician burnout (Abridge named to Forbes AI 50).

Abridge’s recent $250 million Series D funding round brought total funding to $458 million and pushed its valuation to $2.75 billion, cementing its place among Pittsburgh’s most valuable tech companies (Bizjournals: Abridge and Skild AI make the list).

Skild AI was highlighted for innovations in robotics AI, with $320 million raised to accelerate advancements in industrial automation. The Forbes selection process this year was especially rigorous, considering over 1,860 global submissions and evaluating each company’s business promise, technical strength, and impact using both algorithms and expert panels (How Forbes Compiled the 2025 AI 50 List).

In summary:

Startup	Recognized By	Recent Funding	Latest Valuation
Abridge	Forbes Top 50 AI 2025	$250M (Series D)	$2.75B
Skild AI	Forbes Top 50 AI 2025	$320M	Undisclosed

• Abridge’s technology improves clinical workflows at scale, while Skild AI continues to advance robotics technology from its Pittsburgh base.
  Central theme: AI innovation by these companies is increasing efficiency in healthcare and robotics.
• Both startups are actively hiring and contributing to local job growth and tech ecosystem momentum.
  Central theme: Startup success is boosting employment and advancing Pittsburgh’s technology ecosystem.
• Their recognition is drawing increased venture capital and startup activity to the region, inspiring new founders and partnerships with local universities.
  Central theme: Pittsburgh’s tech community is expanding through investment and academic collaboration.

The success of Abridge and Skild AI signals Pittsburgh’s growing influence in the future of AI, offering real opportunities and inspiration for anyone launching a career in tech or considering joining the city’s dynamic innovation community.

Pittsburgh’s venture capital (VC) scene in Q1 2025 shows a mix of growth and shifting dynamics. While the number of companies funded dropped to 11 from 20 a year earlier, investment dollars rose considerably - reaching $289 million for the quarter, up from $234 million in Q1 2024.

This increase came largely thanks to a $250 million raise by AI healthcare firm Abridge, which remains a major driver of regional funding activity.

Alongside Abridge, companies like Diamond Kinetics, which secured $18.6 million for its youth sports technology, highlight the breadth of sectors drawing VC attention.

The local funding landscape reflects the national trend: fewer deals, but larger dollar amounts in each, with a heavy tilt toward late-stage investments. Experts point to AI, robotics, and life sciences as standout fields, underscored by Pittsburgh’s research foundations and talent sourced from institutions like Carnegie Mellon and University of Pittsburgh.

• Fewer funded companies: The number of Pittsburgh companies receiving VC dropped from 20 to 11, but deal sizes have grown.
• Major raises fuel totals: Abridge’s historic $250 million round was key in boosting the region’s total investment this quarter.
• Diversified sectors: Firms like Diamond Kinetics show that tech investment is broad, spanning from AI healthcare to youth sports technology.
• Late-stage focus: Most funding is trending toward late-stage companies, echoing national venture capital patterns.
• External capital is vital: 33 new global investors entered in 2024, showing that outside VC is crucial in the face of limited local early-stage funds.

For all of 2024, the city hit a record $999 million in VC investment, even as total tech funding, including corporate investment, dipped to $1.89 billion from the prior year’s anomaly.

Year	Total VC Investment ($M)	Tech Funding ($B)
2024	999	1.89
2025 Q1	289	-

“Pittsburgh continues to attract outside capital, and the number of investable startups has doubled over the last decade,” said James Harris.

However, local early-stage funding sources remain limited, making global VC critical for future growth.

For more details on recent funding rounds and expert perspectives, see the reports from Pittsburgh Business Times, the annual regional analysis by Innovation Works and EY, and a breakdown of the city’s diversified tech sector from the Pittsburgh Technology Council.

These sources highlight how Pittsburgh is balancing cautious markets with a pipeline of promising startups, especially in advanced technology and healthcare innovation.

Pittsburgh is in the national spotlight as it prepares to host the World Innovation Summit from May 13-15, 2025, with events scheduled at both Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU).

This year’s summit highlights Pittsburgh’s role as a dynamic hub for aviation technology, robotics, and sustainable airport infrastructure. One of the event’s major draws will be exclusive tours and sessions inside PIT’s $2.5 billion new terminal, scheduled to open by the end of 2025.

Attendees will learn about the airport’s new features - AI-powered maintenance, intuitive wayfinding, and smart passenger services - developed in part through PIT’s partnership with CMU’s innovation teams and local startups.

The conference draws more than 400 industry professionals, bringing together innovators, engineers, and entrepreneurs in tech-forward workshops, panels, and pitch sessions, all designed to foster new collaborations and accelerate the adoption of emerging airport technologies (learn more about the summit's focus and achievements).

This year’s agenda includes guided tours of PIT’s new terminal, live demos from local robotics firms, and panels on topics such as green aviation, digital twins, and next-gen airport security.

Energy and environmental resiliency are central themes, reflecting efforts like PIT’s on-site production of sustainable aviation fuel and deployment of microgrid power solutions (check out the full summit agenda here).

Workshops also explore AI-driven passenger experiences and innovations in baggage handling, cyber-security, and data-driven terminal operations.

Summit participants can see how Pittsburgh’s tech infrastructure is advancing in real time, from smart cleaning robots to AI-backed safety upgrades.

As PIT CEO Charles Martin explains, innovation is not limited to technology, but extends through workforce development, energy use, and operational culture. The summit spotlights breakthroughs achieved by collaborative efforts between PIT, CMU, and local innovators via the xBridge initiative, such as autonomous mobility solutions and real-time mapping tools now in use at the airport (get an inside look at PIT's robotics and innovation initiatives).

Triangle Tech's closure in 2025 signaled a significant shift for technical education in Pennsylvania, ending eight decades of industry-focused training that began in 1944.

The school operated six campuses - Pittsburgh, Greensburg, DuBois, Sunbury, Bethlehem, and Chambersburg - and was known for programs in carpentry, HVAC, welding, and electrical work.

Over the years, Triangle Tech supported thousands of graduates finding paths into the skilled trades throughout the state. The decision to close was shaped by overlapping challenges:

• COVID-19 pandemic impacts: The ongoing effects on attendance and finances contributed greatly to the closure.
• Industry landscape shifts: A constantly evolving job market made it difficult for the school to keep pace.
• Complex government regulations: Increasing regulatory demands created additional hurdles for the institution.
• Falling enrollment numbers: The steady decline in student participation was a key factor in the decision.

School leaders, including Richard Moore, cited these reasons, sharing in June 2024 that despite efforts to adapt, it was not possible to sustain operations.

Employees and the 261 currently enrolled students were informed of the plan, with a commitment made to help all students reach graduation by June 2025 and to provide $1,500 tuition scholarships for those finishing their programs (official announcement). The closure also led to an online auction of the school's equipment - tools, building materials, and computers - which drew interest from both contractors and individuals seeking affordable resources for business or home projects (CBS News coverage). In parallel, Triangle Tech leadership stated they are working with accrediting bodies and government offices to ensure a smooth transition for those affected (WPSU feature).

Key Stakeholders	Support Actions	Outcome
Richard Moore (Leadership)	Shared closure reasons, promised scholarships	Committed to student graduation support
Jessica Martin (Staff)	Informed employees and students about changes	Employees and 261 students notified early
Elizabeth Williams (External Partners)	Worked with accrediting bodies, government offices	Smoother transition for affected parties

The end of Triangle Tech highlights broader realities facing technical education, from regulatory and public health pressures to changing student preferences, shaping how vocational training may need to evolve in the coming decade.

This spring, Pennsylvania’s higher education system experienced serious disruption as the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) rolled out its new GrantUs financial aid platform at the same time as federal FAFSA updates were delayed and error-prone.

Over 100,000 students were impacted by the combined result of a late and buggy federal FAFSA launch and technical failures in PHEAA’s new software, GrantUs.

Intended to modernize financial aid processing, GrantUs instead suffered from slow load times, data errors, and a user experience that left college administrators and students frustrated and struggling to access timely support.

For students, this meant months of uncertainty about their state grants - money often crucial for tuition, rent, and bills - prompting many to use savings, take out loans, or defer payments while they waited for aid to come through.

Schools across Pennsylvania responded by extending payment deadlines, crediting accounts with estimated grants, and waiving late fees to help protect students from further hardship according to Spotlight PA’s reporting.

Key impacts included:

• Widespread disruption: Over 100,000 Pennsylvania students faced delays, with many waiting past the spring semester for disbursements, showing the scale of the impact.
• Administrative adaptations: Colleges and universities consistently extended payment timelines, provided account credits, or used other workarounds to manage system errors and communication issues from PHEAA.
• Student uncertainty: Many students felt uncertain about their housing and enrollment, as financial aid statuses were unclear for much of the academic year.

A PHEAA spokesperson - Elizabeth Davis - acknowledged the challenges and pledged continued efforts to fix GrantUs system flaws and improve communication.

In February 2025, PHEAA announced it would revert to its older, more reliable processing platform for the next academic year, with plans for a revised GrantUs relaunch in 2026 and more robust support for students in the meantime.

This response included increased hotline staffing, an external review of software and data practices, and a renewed emphasis on clear notifications to affected students and families as described by The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Meanwhile, some students - including Richard Brown - still faced confusion with notifications, sudden award appearances and disappearances in their accounts, and long wait times for updates, as highlighted by student experiences at several campuses covered in additional local reporting.

Year	Platform Used	Students Impacted	Resolution Strategy
2024	Legacy System	Minimal	Standard processing
2025	GrantUs	100,000+	Emergency support, audit, revert plan
2026	Legacy System (projected)	Minimal	Return to proven platform

While this transition created stress for many students and schools, it also emphasized the importance of clear communication and prompt action during large-scale tech changes in public service.

The state’s shift back to its legacy platform aims to return some normalcy and predictability to the financial aid process until modernization efforts are more fully tested and ready.

The 2026 NFL Draft will transform Pittsburgh into a center stage for technology, arts, and its growing reputation as an innovation hub. Organizers are working to highlight the city’s strengths, including the tech sector and vibrant arts scene, by integrating interactive experiences at Acrisure Stadium, Point State Park, and the Heinz History Center.

An expected 500,000 to 700,000 attendees will visit over three days, and economic impact estimates range from $120 million to $213 million, reflecting a scale similar to the record-setting Detroit draft in 2024.

The city is leveraging its proximity to 11 NFL teams and 35 Division I college programs, drawing regional fans and maximizing local engagement.

• Main idea: Massive attendance and major economic impact are anticipated for the Pittsburgh NFL Draft, demonstrating the region's capacity for large-scale events.
• Main idea: Technology, arts, and local business will be central to the experience, with initiatives designed to showcase Pittsburgh as an innovation hub.
• Main idea: City organizers are recruiting volunteers and deploying transportation solutions like shuttles to ensure smooth operations and accessibility.
• Main idea: Tech innovations in robotics and autonomous systems will be prominently featured, elevating Pittsburgh’s profile on the national stage.
• Main idea: Local vendors and small businesses - especially those from underrepresented groups - will receive priority, promoting community inclusion and opportunity.

To prepare for crowds and logistics, plans include volunteer recruitment - about 3,000 volunteers will be needed - and shuttle systems connecting the main venues across the city’s riverfront.

Organizers intend for technology to play a key role, from featuring Pittsburgh’s strengths in robotics and autonomous tech to supporting diverse local businesses through the NFL’s Draft Source procurement program, which invites regional companies to provide services for the event.

The event’s footprint will not just be about football but also about celebrating the intersection of tech and art, with planned enhancements to public infrastructure and live experiences.

“Pittsburgh’s approach for the 2026 draft aims to create an experience where innovation and community are both in the spotlight, setting a model for future large-scale events.” – Sarah Gonzalez

Element	Focus for 2026 NFL Draft	Key Contact Person
Technology Integration	Robotics, Autonomous Vehicles	Robert Jones
Community Inclusion	Prioritizing Small/Minority Businesses	Sarah Gonzalez
Volunteer Coordination	3,000+ Local Volunteers Needed	Lisa Gonzalez

With event applications open for local vendors, priority is given to underrepresented groups and small businesses, encouraging broad participation.

For more on how Pittsburgh is learning from previous hosts and the scope of upcoming plans, visit Pittsburgh Magazine’s coverage.

Details about draft logistics, volunteer roles, and transportation are available at WTAE’s event breakdown, and businesses interested in participating can read about the NFL’s procurement opportunities at SportsPittsburgh’s news release.

Pittsburgh’s growth in artificial intelligence reached a new milestone in 2025, with both Abridge and Skild AI named to Forbes’ annual AI 50 list spotlighting the world’s most promising privately-held AI startups.

This recognition reflects the city’s evolving role as a national and international tech hub. Abridge, an AI company optimizing healthcare documentation for clinicians, continues to call Pittsburgh home and reached a $2.75 billion valuation following its $250 million Series D funding in early 2025.

The company was acknowledged by Forbes for its technical advances and business promise and is now trusted by over 100 U.S. health systems to generate millions of clinical notes each week.

Skild AI, on the other hand, was highlighted for its contributions in robotics and autonomous systems, deepening Pittsburgh's reputation in foundational AI development.

The inclusion of both companies followed a highly competitive process, with Forbes evaluating more than 1,800 submissions globally, drawing on a mix of algorithmic screening, expert judges, and AI industry investor input (Yahoo Tech coverage).

These achievements extend beyond accolades, signaling real momentum in Pittsburgh’s AI and tech scene.

Including Abridge and Skild AI, Pittsburgh startups continue to stand alongside tech powerhouses from hubs like San Francisco and London. In 2025, Pittsburgh demonstrated strong investor interest, and the city remains the headquarters for Abridge, despite some national listings showing otherwise (Abridge announcement).

The Forbes AI 50 list is especially notable for how it recognizes startups pushing practical, industry-changing AI solutions and was curated using rigorous quantitative and qualitative criteria (Forbes AI 50 methodology).

This growing recognition positions Pittsburgh as a place to watch for AI innovation and continues to attract funding, research partnerships, and new tech talent.

The Pitt Panthers softball team made headlines this week by securing their first-ever series win over a ranked opponent, defeating No. 11 Virginia Tech in a tightly contested three-game showdown at Vartabedian Field.

The victory was significant not just for its athletic achievement - ending Virginia Tech’s 17-game winning streak with a dramatic extra-innings walk-off - but also as an example of how Pittsburgh’s sports venues prioritize upgraded technology for both teams and fans.

This series saw standout performances, including Kylie Griggs’s walk-off single and notable pitching from Gwen Sparks, underscoring Pitt’s resilience and strategic use of data-driven coaching tools documented throughout their season (Griggs walk-off details).

• Historic achievement: Pitt secured a landmark series win over a ranked opponent, ending a long winning streak for Virginia Tech and showcasing program progress.
• Technological upgrades: Enhanced communications infrastructure, recently installed by Texolve Digital with Riedel Communications, improved event production and real-time information flow at Pittsburgh’s sports venues (production tech upgrades).
• Fan experience: Reliable wireless intercoms and expanded coverage gave fans increased access to instant replays and digital content during high-stakes games.

"The combination of athletic grit and technological progress stands out, providing a richer experience for athletes, coaches, and Pittsburgh’s passionate sports fans alike." - Patricia Perez

Momentum from this tech-enhanced sports culture has spilled beyond softball and stadium grounds.

For example, the Pittsburgh International Airport’s investment in interactive AR sports exhibits and AI-powered kiosks aligns with broader city efforts to blend innovative fan experiences with local sports tradition.

As Pitt continues a demanding schedule, including a series win powered by clutch pitching and timely hitting (series recap and key moments), the city’s combination of athletic grit and technological progress stands out.

Area	Recent Innovation	Impact
Stadium Technology	Wireless intercom systems	Real-time event coordination
Fan Engagement	Instant replays, AR exhibits	Enhanced spectator experience
Team Operations	Data-driven coaching tools	Improved performance analysis

Pittsburgh’s journey as a national tech hub in 2025 is reinforced by historic highs in venture capital and a thriving innovation ecosystem. Over the past year, the region attracted $999 million in venture capital, setting a record for VC funding while increasing the number of tech deals to 182, even as the overall investment value dipped from $3.12 billion to $1.89 billion.

Companies like Abridge continued to make headlines, raising a milestone $250 million Series D and standing among top global AI startups, alongside Skild AI, a robotics firm which secured a $300 million Series A. This surge, led by sectors such as life sciences (49.3% of investments) and AI, reflects both Pittsburgh’s strong academic foundation and the role of local catalysts like Innovation Works and Carnegie Mellon University in driving technology commercialization and job creation.

For deeper insights, explore the 2025 VC investment trends here.

Yet, this momentum is balanced by persistent challenges.

The closure of Triangle Tech, a longstanding workforce training pillar, highlights concerns about nurturing local talent. Ongoing digital transformation hurdles - such as major glitches in the GrantUs platform that affected financial aid for over 100,000 Pennsylvania students - demonstrate the difficulties in updating critical infrastructure.

These issues resonate even as the number of investable startups in Pittsburgh has more than doubled since 2014, now totaling approximately 185, as discussed in this recent industry report.

Recent commentary from regional leaders, including Jennifer Miller and John Wilson, points out an urgent need to increase local sources of venture capital, currently lagging at just 1.5–2% of total inflows - well below peer cities like Nashville - while ensuring educational and institutional support keeps pace with rapid tech growth.

The path ahead depends on expanding homegrown capital, strengthening talent pipelines, and closing digital equity gaps so that tech wins translate into broad, lasting community benefit.

You’ll find a full overview of Pittsburgh’s 2024 headlines and nuanced insights here.

• Record-breaking VC investment shows Pittsburgh’s momentum as a tech hub despite overall market contraction.
• Key startups like Abridge and Skild AI excel with major funding rounds, strengthening the city’s innovation profile.
• Workforce challenges persist after Triangle Tech’s closure, raising concerns about local talent pipelines.
• Glitches in digital platforms like GrantUs highlight ongoing infrastructure issues affecting students statewide.
• Regional leadership calls for increasing homegrown capital and supporting inclusive tech growth.

Sector	Investment Share	Notable Example
Life Sciences	49.3%	Abridge
AI & Robotics	High	Skild AI
Other Tech	Varied	Multiple Startups