Innovation Works

Established in 1999, Innovation Works is a prominent investor in Southwestern Pennsylvania's technology sector. It provides capital and resources to early-stage companies with high growth potential and significant regional impact, particularly focusing on robotics, AI, medical devices, retail technologies, and enterprise software.

Gary Glausser

Chief Investment Officer

Jeffrey McDaniel

Investor

Ven Raju

Investor

Megan Shaw

Managing Director, Life Sciences

Aaron Tainter

Investor

Past deals in Internet of Things

Thiopoly

Pre Seed Round in 2024
Thiopoly develops digital pharmacy management solutions. Their platform combines IoT sensing, AI, cloud computing, and mobile apps to create scalable grab-and-go systems, enhancing medication management's agility, intuitiveness, equity, and efficiency.

Touchwood Labs

Seed Round in 2022
Touchwood Labs, Inc. is an innovative company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, founded in 2019. The company specializes in developing technology for office and home furniture, focusing on creating interactive and screenless interfaces. Its proprietary invisible displays can be embedded beneath the surface of various materials, such as wood or plastic, allowing them to remain hidden until activated. This technology enables users to interact with multiple IoT-connected devices through seamless visual experiences, enhancing the way individuals engage with their environment. Touchwood Labs aims to revolutionize technology interactions by combining mindful design with advanced hardware, thereby fostering healthier relationships with technology in everyday settings.

Touchwood Labs

Seed Round in 2021
Touchwood Labs, Inc. is an innovative company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, founded in 2019. The company specializes in developing technology for office and home furniture, focusing on creating interactive and screenless interfaces. Its proprietary invisible displays can be embedded beneath the surface of various materials, such as wood or plastic, allowing them to remain hidden until activated. This technology enables users to interact with multiple IoT-connected devices through seamless visual experiences, enhancing the way individuals engage with their environment. Touchwood Labs aims to revolutionize technology interactions by combining mindful design with advanced hardware, thereby fostering healthier relationships with technology in everyday settings.

Hibersense

Seed Round in 2020
Hibersense is a developer of an innovative climate control system that enhances HVAC efficiency and comfort in residential and multi-family environments. The company's patent-pending technology incorporates wireless sensors and battery-operated vents to monitor and adjust temperature, motion, light, humidity, and sound in individual rooms. By utilizing machine learning algorithms, Hibersense optimizes heating and cooling, effectively eliminating energy waste in unoccupied spaces and achieving energy savings of up to 40%. The system not only empowers homeowners to customize their indoor climate effortlessly but also benefits multi-family operators by improving tenant comfort and satisfaction, which can lead to higher renewal rates. Additionally, Hibersense provides insights into building thermal dynamics and usage patterns, creating opportunities for increased profitability and value for stakeholders.

Touchwood Labs

Seed Round in 2020
Touchwood Labs, Inc. is an innovative company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, founded in 2019. The company specializes in developing technology for office and home furniture, focusing on creating interactive and screenless interfaces. Its proprietary invisible displays can be embedded beneath the surface of various materials, such as wood or plastic, allowing them to remain hidden until activated. This technology enables users to interact with multiple IoT-connected devices through seamless visual experiences, enhancing the way individuals engage with their environment. Touchwood Labs aims to revolutionize technology interactions by combining mindful design with advanced hardware, thereby fostering healthier relationships with technology in everyday settings.

Hebi Robotics

Seed Round in 2020
Hebi Robotics designs and supplies robotic technology to accelerate development and customization of robotic systems. The company develops intelligent, connected building blocks and robot kits, including arms, mobile bases, and walking robots, as well as modular sensors that use elastic actuators to control torque, position, and velocity. Its offerings combine hardware and software tools that enable engineers, researchers, and industrial integrators to control actuators at the joint level or as a synchronized system, delivering flexible, reconfigurable solutions that reduce development time and costs.

Vigilant Technologies

Seed Round in 2020
VIT Initiative, Inc. is a health and safety company based in San Francisco, California, that develops a cloud-enabled Internet of Things (IoT) platform aimed at reducing operational risks and promoting employee health. Founded in 2015, the company focuses on utilizing smart technology to provide real-time coaching and collect data on leading indicators of workplace injuries. This approach helps businesses mitigate risks, enhance operational efficiency, and improve safety compliance, ultimately leading to reduced cycle times and lower injury-related costs. Additionally, VIT Initiative offers automated COVID-19 symptom tracking, further supporting workplace health initiatives. Their products are designed to identify patterns and behaviors that may lead to health problems, allowing for proactive intervention before complications arise.

Wise Telemetry

Seed Round in 2020
Wise Telemetry, LLC is a provider of gas sensor systems designed for gas distributors to monitor real-time supply and usage data at customer sites. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company offers a solution that automatically determines and communicates a gas cylinder's size, fill level, and usage rate without requiring user input or special programming. This capability enhances delivery route planning, usage tracking, and future demand predictions, allowing clients to optimize their operations and achieve cost savings. Wise Telemetry's technology is applicable across various sectors, including medical, manufacturing, energy, and construction. Originally known as BreatheWise, LLC, the company rebranded in May 2017 to reflect its focus on telemetry solutions.

Hibersense

Seed Round in 2019
Hibersense is a developer of an innovative climate control system that enhances HVAC efficiency and comfort in residential and multi-family environments. The company's patent-pending technology incorporates wireless sensors and battery-operated vents to monitor and adjust temperature, motion, light, humidity, and sound in individual rooms. By utilizing machine learning algorithms, Hibersense optimizes heating and cooling, effectively eliminating energy waste in unoccupied spaces and achieving energy savings of up to 40%. The system not only empowers homeowners to customize their indoor climate effortlessly but also benefits multi-family operators by improving tenant comfort and satisfaction, which can lead to higher renewal rates. Additionally, Hibersense provides insights into building thermal dynamics and usage patterns, creating opportunities for increased profitability and value for stakeholders.

Smoke Detective

Seed Round in 2019
Smoke Detective is a developer of an innovative smoke detection application that transforms any camera-enabled smart device into a smoke detector. The application leverages advanced algorithms to process images and videos in real-time, enabling it to monitor for visible smoke without the need for calibration or additional hardware. By utilizing standard mobile processors, Smoke Detective's technology can effectively identify smoke presence and promptly send alerts or mobile notifications to users. This proactive approach helps clients remain vigilant and take preventive measures against potential fire hazards.

Maven Machines

Seed Round in 2019
Maven Machines, Inc. is a technology company that specializes in developing innovative solutions for the trucking, transportation, and logistics industries. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with additional offices in California and Texas, the company creates Bluetooth headsets designed specifically for truck drivers. These headsets utilize a range of sensors to monitor the driver's condition, environment, and location, detecting signs of fatigue or distraction to help prevent accidents. Furthermore, Maven Machines offers a comprehensive mobile cloud platform that integrates telematics, dispatching, and driver safety features, enabling real-time tracking of drivers and assets. This platform leverages IoT sensors, artificial intelligence, and wireless communications to enhance fleet management, streamline compliance, and support intelligent decision-making, ultimately aiming to improve efficiency and safety within the industry.

Hibersense

Seed Round in 2019
Hibersense is a developer of an innovative climate control system that enhances HVAC efficiency and comfort in residential and multi-family environments. The company's patent-pending technology incorporates wireless sensors and battery-operated vents to monitor and adjust temperature, motion, light, humidity, and sound in individual rooms. By utilizing machine learning algorithms, Hibersense optimizes heating and cooling, effectively eliminating energy waste in unoccupied spaces and achieving energy savings of up to 40%. The system not only empowers homeowners to customize their indoor climate effortlessly but also benefits multi-family operators by improving tenant comfort and satisfaction, which can lead to higher renewal rates. Additionally, Hibersense provides insights into building thermal dynamics and usage patterns, creating opportunities for increased profitability and value for stakeholders.

Hibersense

Seed Round in 2018
Hibersense is a developer of an innovative climate control system that enhances HVAC efficiency and comfort in residential and multi-family environments. The company's patent-pending technology incorporates wireless sensors and battery-operated vents to monitor and adjust temperature, motion, light, humidity, and sound in individual rooms. By utilizing machine learning algorithms, Hibersense optimizes heating and cooling, effectively eliminating energy waste in unoccupied spaces and achieving energy savings of up to 40%. The system not only empowers homeowners to customize their indoor climate effortlessly but also benefits multi-family operators by improving tenant comfort and satisfaction, which can lead to higher renewal rates. Additionally, Hibersense provides insights into building thermal dynamics and usage patterns, creating opportunities for increased profitability and value for stakeholders.

LifeWhere

Seed Round in 2018
LifeWhere, LLC is a software company that specializes in predictive analytics for the home service provider market, focusing on the health of home utility systems. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, LifeWhere offers a platform that utilizes IoT technology to monitor and diagnose HVAC system conditions. Their innovative LifePulse technology continuously tracks the health of utility machines, providing a home health dashboard that alerts service providers to potential issues before they escalate. This proactive approach enhances the efficiency of service operations by reducing the need for onsite diagnostics and improving repair response times. As of 2019, LifeWhere operates as a subsidiary of Resideo Technologies, Inc.

Wise Telemetry

Seed Round in 2018
Wise Telemetry, LLC is a provider of gas sensor systems designed for gas distributors to monitor real-time supply and usage data at customer sites. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company offers a solution that automatically determines and communicates a gas cylinder's size, fill level, and usage rate without requiring user input or special programming. This capability enhances delivery route planning, usage tracking, and future demand predictions, allowing clients to optimize their operations and achieve cost savings. Wise Telemetry's technology is applicable across various sectors, including medical, manufacturing, energy, and construction. Originally known as BreatheWise, LLC, the company rebranded in May 2017 to reflect its focus on telemetry solutions.

EXGwear

Seed Round in 2018
EXGwear is a developer of wearable devices and artificial intelligence technology aimed at improving mental health and facilitating human-machine interactions. The company specializes in creating compact, brain-computer-interface-enabled wearable Internet of Things (IoT) devices that enable users to engage with assistive robotic systems. By utilizing brain wave signals, EXGwear's technology allows individuals to monitor their mental states, enhancing productivity and convenience in various applications.

Inteligistics

Seed Round in 2018
Inteligistics provides cold chain and supply chain visibility software that tracks and monitors the shelf life of perishable commodities. The solution uses machine-to-machine low-power, portable and wireless sensors, along with passive RFID technologies, to collect real-time data. It integrates cloud-based communications gateways, portable readers, and controllers to deliver actionable information through a graphics dashboard and data analytics platform. The system aims to improve cool chain and supply chain performance by increasing product throughput, reducing power usage, optimizing labor, and improving inventory management. The platform enables visibility across the supply chain, enabling proactive alerts and process improvements, helping businesses maintain product quality and extend shelf life. Focused on perishable goods, the software supports efficient tracking, better decision making, and higher productivity, through automation and data-driven insights.

Hibersense

Seed Round in 2018
Hibersense is a developer of an innovative climate control system that enhances HVAC efficiency and comfort in residential and multi-family environments. The company's patent-pending technology incorporates wireless sensors and battery-operated vents to monitor and adjust temperature, motion, light, humidity, and sound in individual rooms. By utilizing machine learning algorithms, Hibersense optimizes heating and cooling, effectively eliminating energy waste in unoccupied spaces and achieving energy savings of up to 40%. The system not only empowers homeowners to customize their indoor climate effortlessly but also benefits multi-family operators by improving tenant comfort and satisfaction, which can lead to higher renewal rates. Additionally, Hibersense provides insights into building thermal dynamics and usage patterns, creating opportunities for increased profitability and value for stakeholders.

Velocity Robotics

Seed Round in 2018
Velocity Robotics, Inc. is a construction technology company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, established in 2015. The company develops and manufactures advanced construction workflow tools and automated positioning systems that leverage robotics and Internet of Things technology. Their products are designed to enhance precision and efficiency in various construction tasks, including on-site and prefabricated metal stud framing, decorative panel installation, and finish carpentry. By integrating automation and measurement capabilities, such as Bluetooth tape measures and smart miter saw fences, Velocity Robotics aims to eliminate human error, improve productivity, and reduce material waste in the commercial construction sector. Their innovative solutions enable project managers to track team performance and material utilization effectively, thereby streamlining workflows across the organization.

Maven Machines

Seed Round in 2018
Maven Machines, Inc. is a technology company that specializes in developing innovative solutions for the trucking, transportation, and logistics industries. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with additional offices in California and Texas, the company creates Bluetooth headsets designed specifically for truck drivers. These headsets utilize a range of sensors to monitor the driver's condition, environment, and location, detecting signs of fatigue or distraction to help prevent accidents. Furthermore, Maven Machines offers a comprehensive mobile cloud platform that integrates telematics, dispatching, and driver safety features, enabling real-time tracking of drivers and assets. This platform leverages IoT sensors, artificial intelligence, and wireless communications to enhance fleet management, streamline compliance, and support intelligent decision-making, ultimately aiming to improve efficiency and safety within the industry.

Hibersense

Seed Round in 2018
Hibersense is a developer of an innovative climate control system that enhances HVAC efficiency and comfort in residential and multi-family environments. The company's patent-pending technology incorporates wireless sensors and battery-operated vents to monitor and adjust temperature, motion, light, humidity, and sound in individual rooms. By utilizing machine learning algorithms, Hibersense optimizes heating and cooling, effectively eliminating energy waste in unoccupied spaces and achieving energy savings of up to 40%. The system not only empowers homeowners to customize their indoor climate effortlessly but also benefits multi-family operators by improving tenant comfort and satisfaction, which can lead to higher renewal rates. Additionally, Hibersense provides insights into building thermal dynamics and usage patterns, creating opportunities for increased profitability and value for stakeholders.

Anglr

Seed Round in 2017
Anglr is a company that operates within the sportfishing industry, leveraging technology to enhance the fishing experience. It offers a comprehensive fishing application that serves as a digital logbook, allowing anglers to track and record vital details of their fishing adventures, such as cast locations, bait used, weather conditions, and the number of catches. Alongside this application, Anglr provides a suite of connected Internet of Things devices that complement the app, creating a seamless ecosystem for users. This platform not only enables anglers to document their fishing stats and memories but also fosters a social network where they can share experiences, compare results, and prepare for future outings. Overall, Anglr aims to enrich the enjoyment of fishing by combining technology with the tradition of the sport.

LifeWhere

Seed Round in 2017
LifeWhere, LLC is a software company that specializes in predictive analytics for the home service provider market, focusing on the health of home utility systems. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, LifeWhere offers a platform that utilizes IoT technology to monitor and diagnose HVAC system conditions. Their innovative LifePulse technology continuously tracks the health of utility machines, providing a home health dashboard that alerts service providers to potential issues before they escalate. This proactive approach enhances the efficiency of service operations by reducing the need for onsite diagnostics and improving repair response times. As of 2019, LifeWhere operates as a subsidiary of Resideo Technologies, Inc.

Wise Telemetry

Convertible Note in 2017
Wise Telemetry, LLC is a provider of gas sensor systems designed for gas distributors to monitor real-time supply and usage data at customer sites. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company offers a solution that automatically determines and communicates a gas cylinder's size, fill level, and usage rate without requiring user input or special programming. This capability enhances delivery route planning, usage tracking, and future demand predictions, allowing clients to optimize their operations and achieve cost savings. Wise Telemetry's technology is applicable across various sectors, including medical, manufacturing, energy, and construction. Originally known as BreatheWise, LLC, the company rebranded in May 2017 to reflect its focus on telemetry solutions.

Hibersense

Convertible Note in 2017
Hibersense is a developer of an innovative climate control system that enhances HVAC efficiency and comfort in residential and multi-family environments. The company's patent-pending technology incorporates wireless sensors and battery-operated vents to monitor and adjust temperature, motion, light, humidity, and sound in individual rooms. By utilizing machine learning algorithms, Hibersense optimizes heating and cooling, effectively eliminating energy waste in unoccupied spaces and achieving energy savings of up to 40%. The system not only empowers homeowners to customize their indoor climate effortlessly but also benefits multi-family operators by improving tenant comfort and satisfaction, which can lead to higher renewal rates. Additionally, Hibersense provides insights into building thermal dynamics and usage patterns, creating opportunities for increased profitability and value for stakeholders.

Anglr

Seed Round in 2017
Anglr is a company that operates within the sportfishing industry, leveraging technology to enhance the fishing experience. It offers a comprehensive fishing application that serves as a digital logbook, allowing anglers to track and record vital details of their fishing adventures, such as cast locations, bait used, weather conditions, and the number of catches. Alongside this application, Anglr provides a suite of connected Internet of Things devices that complement the app, creating a seamless ecosystem for users. This platform not only enables anglers to document their fishing stats and memories but also fosters a social network where they can share experiences, compare results, and prepare for future outings. Overall, Anglr aims to enrich the enjoyment of fishing by combining technology with the tradition of the sport.

Vigilant Technologies

Seed Round in 2016
VIT Initiative, Inc. is a health and safety company based in San Francisco, California, that develops a cloud-enabled Internet of Things (IoT) platform aimed at reducing operational risks and promoting employee health. Founded in 2015, the company focuses on utilizing smart technology to provide real-time coaching and collect data on leading indicators of workplace injuries. This approach helps businesses mitigate risks, enhance operational efficiency, and improve safety compliance, ultimately leading to reduced cycle times and lower injury-related costs. Additionally, VIT Initiative offers automated COVID-19 symptom tracking, further supporting workplace health initiatives. Their products are designed to identify patterns and behaviors that may lead to health problems, allowing for proactive intervention before complications arise.

SolePower

Convertible Note in 2016
SolePower develops connected work boots that power embedded sensors through a kinetic insole charger that harvests energy from walking. The system provides real-time location, status, and environmental data to improve safety and efficiency on industrial worksites, helping reduce incident rates and increase visibility for workflow optimization. Pilot units integrate GPS, Ultra Wideband, RFID, inertial measurement, Sub‑GHz RF, a thermocouple, Wi‑Fi, and an altimeter, with the aim of replacing multiple standalone wearables with a single self-charging platform. The company collaborates with SR Max and the US Army to advance safety footwear and related industrial applications.

Wise Telemetry

Seed Round in 2016
Wise Telemetry, LLC is a provider of gas sensor systems designed for gas distributors to monitor real-time supply and usage data at customer sites. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company offers a solution that automatically determines and communicates a gas cylinder's size, fill level, and usage rate without requiring user input or special programming. This capability enhances delivery route planning, usage tracking, and future demand predictions, allowing clients to optimize their operations and achieve cost savings. Wise Telemetry's technology is applicable across various sectors, including medical, manufacturing, energy, and construction. Originally known as BreatheWise, LLC, the company rebranded in May 2017 to reflect its focus on telemetry solutions.

Maven Machines

Seed Round in 2015
Maven Machines, Inc. is a technology company that specializes in developing innovative solutions for the trucking, transportation, and logistics industries. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with additional offices in California and Texas, the company creates Bluetooth headsets designed specifically for truck drivers. These headsets utilize a range of sensors to monitor the driver's condition, environment, and location, detecting signs of fatigue or distraction to help prevent accidents. Furthermore, Maven Machines offers a comprehensive mobile cloud platform that integrates telematics, dispatching, and driver safety features, enabling real-time tracking of drivers and assets. This platform leverages IoT sensors, artificial intelligence, and wireless communications to enhance fleet management, streamline compliance, and support intelligent decision-making, ultimately aiming to improve efficiency and safety within the industry.

Hebi Robotics

Seed Round in 2015
Hebi Robotics designs and supplies robotic technology to accelerate development and customization of robotic systems. The company develops intelligent, connected building blocks and robot kits, including arms, mobile bases, and walking robots, as well as modular sensors that use elastic actuators to control torque, position, and velocity. Its offerings combine hardware and software tools that enable engineers, researchers, and industrial integrators to control actuators at the joint level or as a synchronized system, delivering flexible, reconfigurable solutions that reduce development time and costs.

SolePower

Seed Round in 2015
SolePower develops connected work boots that power embedded sensors through a kinetic insole charger that harvests energy from walking. The system provides real-time location, status, and environmental data to improve safety and efficiency on industrial worksites, helping reduce incident rates and increase visibility for workflow optimization. Pilot units integrate GPS, Ultra Wideband, RFID, inertial measurement, Sub‑GHz RF, a thermocouple, Wi‑Fi, and an altimeter, with the aim of replacing multiple standalone wearables with a single self-charging platform. The company collaborates with SR Max and the US Army to advance safety footwear and related industrial applications.

Inteligistics

Convertible Note in 2015
Inteligistics provides cold chain and supply chain visibility software that tracks and monitors the shelf life of perishable commodities. The solution uses machine-to-machine low-power, portable and wireless sensors, along with passive RFID technologies, to collect real-time data. It integrates cloud-based communications gateways, portable readers, and controllers to deliver actionable information through a graphics dashboard and data analytics platform. The system aims to improve cool chain and supply chain performance by increasing product throughput, reducing power usage, optimizing labor, and improving inventory management. The platform enables visibility across the supply chain, enabling proactive alerts and process improvements, helping businesses maintain product quality and extend shelf life. Focused on perishable goods, the software supports efficient tracking, better decision making, and higher productivity, through automation and data-driven insights.

Inteligistics

Seed Round in 2014
Inteligistics provides cold chain and supply chain visibility software that tracks and monitors the shelf life of perishable commodities. The solution uses machine-to-machine low-power, portable and wireless sensors, along with passive RFID technologies, to collect real-time data. It integrates cloud-based communications gateways, portable readers, and controllers to deliver actionable information through a graphics dashboard and data analytics platform. The system aims to improve cool chain and supply chain performance by increasing product throughput, reducing power usage, optimizing labor, and improving inventory management. The platform enables visibility across the supply chain, enabling proactive alerts and process improvements, helping businesses maintain product quality and extend shelf life. Focused on perishable goods, the software supports efficient tracking, better decision making, and higher productivity, through automation and data-driven insights.

SolePower

Seed Round in 2013
SolePower develops connected work boots that power embedded sensors through a kinetic insole charger that harvests energy from walking. The system provides real-time location, status, and environmental data to improve safety and efficiency on industrial worksites, helping reduce incident rates and increase visibility for workflow optimization. Pilot units integrate GPS, Ultra Wideband, RFID, inertial measurement, Sub‑GHz RF, a thermocouple, Wi‑Fi, and an altimeter, with the aim of replacing multiple standalone wearables with a single self-charging platform. The company collaborates with SR Max and the US Army to advance safety footwear and related industrial applications.

Inteligistics

Seed Round in 2013
Inteligistics provides cold chain and supply chain visibility software that tracks and monitors the shelf life of perishable commodities. The solution uses machine-to-machine low-power, portable and wireless sensors, along with passive RFID technologies, to collect real-time data. It integrates cloud-based communications gateways, portable readers, and controllers to deliver actionable information through a graphics dashboard and data analytics platform. The system aims to improve cool chain and supply chain performance by increasing product throughput, reducing power usage, optimizing labor, and improving inventory management. The platform enables visibility across the supply chain, enabling proactive alerts and process improvements, helping businesses maintain product quality and extend shelf life. Focused on perishable goods, the software supports efficient tracking, better decision making, and higher productivity, through automation and data-driven insights.
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