Pinellas County Economic Development’s Post

Since launching in 2008, AlphaLab has evolved alongside the needs of founders, growing from one of the nation’s first 10 accelerators to a critical driver of innovation in Pittsburgh. Over the years, we’ve expanded into new sectors—software, hardware, life sciences, and robotics—helping startups thrive and contributing to Pittsburgh’s emergence as a leading tech hub. Today, we’re taking a transformative step forward: AlphaLab is now one accelerator with multiple tracks to success. This unified structure reflects what founders told us they value most: Capital, Customers, and Community. It’s designed to make it easier than ever for entrepreneurs to access the resources, expertise, and connections that have defined AlphaLab for over 15 years. The results speak for themselves: 250+ startups, $1.3 billion in follow-on funding, 20+ successful exits, and the roots of many active tech companies thriving in Pittsburgh today. These achievements reflect the strength of our alumni network and the incredible collaboration within our community. Here's my blog post talking more about this unification strategy - https://lnkd.in/enGgN9cQ

Announcing the WINNER of e x e c o m's $5,000 StartUp Score contest from Inventures 2024, huge congratulation to SpectraCann! We had the honor of evaluating dozens of entrants, and there were a lot of exceptional startups in the running, but SpectraCann's novel breathalyzer technology for detecting THC stood out with a StartUp Score of 36. They have breakthrough technology that addresses a massive, and growing, global market opportunity. A bit of reference on our scoring metrics; <10 Probably not a good fit for outside investment, difficult concept to bring to market. 10-20 Good concept, but execution will need to be outstanding to get much traction. 20+ Excellent concept (top 1% of all startups we've scored), decent odds of attracting outside investment (remember, VCs only invest in ~1% of the companies they see). 50+ Exceptional (top 0.01% of all businesses), investors will probably compete to fund it, once in a lifetime opportunity 100+ One in a million to once-in-a-generation opportunity. For more information on how we calculate a StartUp Score please message me or comment "calculate" below. Congratulations again to the entire team at SpectraCann, and a big thank you to everyone who participated in the contest!

Then vs. Now: How Science Startups Have Evolved! 🌍💡 From solo research to global collaboration, science startups have transformed the way they operate, ideate, and impact society! This carousel highlights the incredible evolution of science-based entrepreneurship, from the ideation phase to societal impact. Swipe to discover how technology and innovation have shaped today's startup landscape, making growth more accessible and impactful than ever. #InnovateWithScience #Startup2Launch #ScienceStartups #EntrepreneurshipEvolution #InnovationJourney

Big win for Minnesota innovation! The U of M launched 25 startups in fiscal 2024, breaking its record for the fourth year in a row. What’s even more impressive is that 88% of these startups are staying right here in Minnesota, fueling our local innovation economy. Initiatives like 'Discover, Advance, Impact' are proving what’s possible when we prioritize talent, tech, and teamwork. How we can scale efforts like this? What role do you think regional startups play in shaping the future of tech? #Minnesota #Innovation #startups https://lnkd.in/gHdN5eff 

Did you know that YETI solves problems for companies in Dresden? 💡 After the scholarship holders have learned the design thinking framework in the first semester, they consolidate what they have learned in the following semester. YETI's industrial partners change regularly, as does the size of the companies, which range from Dresden startups like "Was hab ich?" to large corporations like "Zeiss". These companies pass on their practical problems to teams of 3-5 YETIs, who then develop an #innovative solution in the second semester, always in close cooperation with the partner. Here, too, the YETIs have the opportunity to present their results at the Demo Day at the end of the semester and, if they choose, to continue as a #startup. In this way, design thinking is further solidified and new experience can be gained with partner companies. 🚀

Can U.S. startups improve their chances of success by moving to a tech hub? A recent paper suggests the answer is often yes, but certain locales offer bigger benefits than others. Silicon Valley, in particular, is the best destination for startup companies because it has what the paper calls an “entrepreneurial ecosystem”—that is, an extensive network of organizations from venture-capital firms to other startups that help foster new ideas and innovation. Specifically, the study found that startups increase their odds of achieving equity growth via an initial public offering or an acquisition by 277% by moving to Silicon Valley versus remaining at home. Such a move also boosts their probability of getting venture financing by around 218%, and receiving a patent by 60%, according to Jorge Guzman, an associate professor at Columbia Business School and the paper’s author. Other hubs While moving to other tech hubs, such as Denver, Los Angeles, Boston and New York, also benefits startups to varying degrees, the benefits in most cases aren’t as big as those conveyed by moving to Silicon Valley, the paper found. “Silicon Valley simply has the highest level ecosystem under any measure—venture capital, patenting and startup formation,” says Guzman. Guzman analyzed 405,536 …

#trending #ai #agents #future #innovation #global #brands #investment #portfolio #asset #management #fasttrack #3D #manufacturing #trending #scotland #logistics #forktruck #asset What does Agentic really mean? Albert Bundura who published the Social Cognitive Theory: An Agentic Perspective describes agentic people as self-organising, proactive, self-reflective and self-regulating as times change.

"Empowering Innovation Through Judging: A Judge’s Perspective on the SILLAG Startup Summit and Hackathon" "As a judge in the pitching competition of the SILLAG Startup Summit and Hackathon, I was inspired by the creativity and determination of the participants. It was an honor to evaluate ideas that have the potential to drive innovation and create impactful solutions within our community and beyond. Each pitch reflected the hard work and ingenuity of aspiring entrepreneurs, showcasing not only their innovative concepts but also their resilience in addressing real-world challenges. The summit was a platform where ideas were not just heard but nurtured—fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration among participants, mentors, and stakeholders. Being part of this event reaffirmed my belief in the importance of supporting startups and emerging talents. As judges, our role went beyond evaluating proposals; we also provided constructive feedback, empowering participants to refine their visions and strategies for future success. The SILLAG Startup Summit and Hackathon is more than just a competition; it is a celebration of creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. I look forward to seeing these promising ideas evolve into impactful ventures that will make a difference in our society." This experience has not only enriched me professionally but also personally, as it underscores the significance of fostering innovation and providing a platform for change-makers to shine."

Four tech startups from the Western Balkans are selected to travel to Arizona – the US Department of State "GIST Innovates the Balkans". Powered by the 🇺🇸 US Department of State’s “GIST Innovates the Balkans 2024”, took place in Skopje/Shkup with eleven (11) ICT companies from the Western Balkans, under the facilitation of the Arizona State University team, led by prof. Visar Berisha. Here is the full list of founders and entrepreneurs from the Wester Balkans, who will travel to the US, this November, for the ASU Venture Devils Day: Jakimovska, Ana | Galenic Labs | North Macedonia Milenkovic, Lazar | Hektar | Serbia Milenkovic, Mihajlo | Hektar | Serbia Kadiu, Bardh | KidsDay | Kosovo Kastrati, Getoar | KidsDay | Kosovo Ristovska, Natali | YOVA | North Macedonia We congratulate and all the winners, and wish them all the best during their stay in Arizona. GIST Innovates The Balkans is a ten-week pre-accelerator training program modeled after the Lean Startup methodology. The program will provide innovators with the training, mentoring, and resources they need to build their entrepreneurial skills and bring their ideas to market. The program provides opportunities for teams to connect with mentors in the US and provide opportunities to interact with U.S.-based investors and companies. Ana Jakimovska, Lazar Milenkovic, Mihajlo Milenkovic, Bardh Kadiu, Getoar Kastrati, Natali Ristovska.

𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 Verena Pausder, Investor, Founder, and Head of the German Startups Association, shares her perspective on the trends, challenges, and opportunities that will shape startups in 2025. From the rise of DeepTech to the future of mobility, here are her thoughts: 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽𝘀?
"Particularly promising is DeepTech: According to the German Startup Monitor 2024, 11.4% of German startups are DeepTech companies that bring innovative, research-based technologies to the market. Germany’s top-notch engineering combined with the innovative force of startups shines in hubs like Munich, Aachen, and Heidelberg." 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝘁?
"The biggest challenge for founders in 2025 will be securing growth funding, as Germany continues to lag behind. With @Startup-Verband, I will push to make growth financing a top political priority during the election campaign and in the next government. With half of all European start-ups co-financed by the USA, Europe must take control of its own future—otherwise, we’ll build the success, but others will reap the rewards." 𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱, 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗶𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝘆?
"If I were starting a company in 2025, it would focus on the Climate-Tech or energy sector. There are still many unsolved challenges in this area, and the potential to drive innovation while addressing urgent global needs makes it incredibly exciting." 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗿𝘂𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱?
"Given the challenges facing the German automotive industry, I am excited for innovative mobility solutions. Startups are the driving force of innovation and can make electric mobility more efficient or push forward autonomous driving." 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲?
"Our country has world-class research, outstanding talent, a strong industrial base, and ample private capital. These strengths, combined with the innovation of our startups, can help secure our prosperity and restore our position at the forefront of global innovation. To achieve this, we need the right political framework—ideally in a Startup Strategy 2.0, which must be a top priority for the new government." What do you think will define startups in 2025? Share your thoughts below!