Innovation Works

Gridwise develops a mobile application for gig economy drivers, empowering them with real-time insights to maximize earnings. Its platform offers demand alerts, passenger data tracking, mileage logging, tax deduction calculation, and performance reporting.

iTruckr is a technology company specializing in AI-powered communication and logistics solutions for the trucking industry. It offers a cross-platform solution that automates messaging and real-time tracking, connecting dispatchers, drivers, brokers, and warehouses via SMS, WhatsApp, email, and phone calls. Designed for mid-sized fleets, iTruckr eliminates the need for additional apps or complex onboarding, ensuring seamless communication and reducing operational delays. By automating core processes, it optimizes operations, reduces human errors, and enhances profitability, allowing trucking companies to scale without hiring additional staff. The platform provides 24/7 messaging and automation, leading to faster response times, improved driver satisfaction, and fewer delivery delays.

Journey Robotics specializes in aerospace engineering, providing automated baggage-handling systems for airports. Their robotic arms equipped with vacuum grips and machine vision technology enhance safety, efficiency, and passenger experience while reducing labor strain.

Optimus Technologies is a clean energy technology company headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It specializes in developing advanced fuel management systems that enable medium and heavy-duty truck fleets to operate on 100% biodiesel. The company's flagship product, the Vector System, integrates seamlessly into existing diesel engines without the need for extensive modifications or replacements. This technology allows fleet operators to achieve significant reductions in fuel costs and emissions while effectively meeting renewable fuel targets. By providing a practical solution for transitioning to low-carbon fuels, Optimus Technologies addresses the challenges of emissions reductions in heavy-duty applications.

Optimus Technologies is a clean energy technology company headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It specializes in developing advanced fuel management systems that enable medium and heavy-duty truck fleets to operate on 100% biodiesel. The company's flagship product, the Vector System, integrates seamlessly into existing diesel engines without the need for extensive modifications or replacements. This technology allows fleet operators to achieve significant reductions in fuel costs and emissions while effectively meeting renewable fuel targets. By providing a practical solution for transitioning to low-carbon fuels, Optimus Technologies addresses the challenges of emissions reductions in heavy-duty applications.

Gridwise develops a mobile application for gig economy drivers, empowering them with real-time insights to maximize earnings. Its platform offers demand alerts, passenger data tracking, mileage logging, tax deduction calculation, and performance reporting.

Go Jane Go galvanizes a new sector of discerning, pragmatic professionals to get the specific products and level of service they deserve on the road. ​ Above all, their diverse group of women wants one thing: seamless travel within an industry built by and for men.

Rapid Flow Technologies spun out of Carnegie Mellon University with the goal of introducing new Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technologies into the marketplace. Rapid Flow was created to commercialize the Surtrac adaptive traffic signal control technology developed in the Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon as part of the Traffic21 research initiative. The company’s founders include the original inventors of Surtrac, who have successfully expanded the initial pilot deployment of Surtrac in Pittsburgh to a network of 50 intersections over the past three years. Rapid Flow holds an exclusive license to the patented Surtrac technology from Carnegie Mellon University, and the University has a stake in the company. In addition to Surtrac, Rapid Flow is also engaged in the development of ubiquitous Bluetooth AVI sensor network technology for ITS performance modeling and other applications through a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

PathVu is dedicated to enhancing the accessibility and safety of pedestrian pathways, sidewalks, and trails for individuals of all abilities. The company develops tools designed to improve walkability, including devices for measuring pathways and mobile applications that allow smartphone users to report sidewalk defects. By collecting high-quality data quickly, PathVu aims to create a more navigable environment, promoting safe and independent travel while contributing to lower pollution levels, higher property values, and healthier communities.

Gridwise develops a mobile application for gig economy drivers, empowering them with real-time insights to maximize earnings. Its platform offers demand alerts, passenger data tracking, mileage logging, tax deduction calculation, and performance reporting.

RPM Industries is a manufacturer specializing in engine pre-lube and oil evacuation products and systems. The company provides a diverse range of offerings, including oil filter purge tools, quick evac service tools, barrel refill kits, and lube truck conversion kits. In addition to these products, RPM Industries also offers fleet maintenance software designed to automate routine maintenance for heavy equipment, thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing costs for owners and dealers. The company serves various sectors, including construction, mining, waste management, trucking, coach and bus transportation, marine, aggregate, and power generation applications. Through its innovative solutions, RPM Industries aims to support its clients in managing their operational needs effectively.

Idelic is a driver management platform based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, founded in 2016. The company specializes in consolidating fleet data systems and automating compliance processes within the transportation industry. Its platform integrates data from various technology sources into a unified system, allowing clients to efficiently manage safety operations and gain predictive insights. By leveraging data organization and artificial intelligence, Idelic aims to enhance driver safety, reduce turnover, and lower insurance costs, ultimately helping to prevent crashes and improve overall fleet performance.

RoadBotics uses advanced computer vision technology to inspect roads and infrastructure globally. It rapidly identifies road issues at scale, providing unbiased ratings and interactive maps for data-driven decision-making by governments and communities.

Gridwise develops a mobile application for gig economy drivers, empowering them with real-time insights to maximize earnings. Its platform offers demand alerts, passenger data tracking, mileage logging, tax deduction calculation, and performance reporting.

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.

RoadBotics uses advanced computer vision technology to inspect roads and infrastructure globally. It rapidly identifies road issues at scale, providing unbiased ratings and interactive maps for data-driven decision-making by governments and communities.

Idelic is a driver management platform based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, founded in 2016. The company specializes in consolidating fleet data systems and automating compliance processes within the transportation industry. Its platform integrates data from various technology sources into a unified system, allowing clients to efficiently manage safety operations and gain predictive insights. By leveraging data organization and artificial intelligence, Idelic aims to enhance driver safety, reduce turnover, and lower insurance costs, ultimately helping to prevent crashes and improve overall fleet performance.

Gridwise develops a mobile application for gig economy drivers, empowering them with real-time insights to maximize earnings. Its platform offers demand alerts, passenger data tracking, mileage logging, tax deduction calculation, and performance reporting.

TravelWits is a Pittsburgh-based travel technology company that operates an online platform to search multi-mode travel deals, enabling users to find combinations of transportation, accommodations, and activities within a budget. The platform uses AI to generate door-to-door itineraries optimized for meeting times and locations, aiming to save businesses money while offering incentives and lightweight travel-policy management. The service covers both business and leisure travel, helping companies streamline policy compliance and employees' itineraries. TravelWits emphasizes cost optimization and convenience by surfacing cost-effective, practical travel options.

Keeping Your Kids Safe, LLC is a company based in Pearland, Texas, that specializes in the development of radio frequency identification (RFID) systems aimed at enhancing child safety during school transportation. Founded in 2014, the company provides an innovative platform that facilitates seamless communication and logistics coordination between schools and families. Its RFID systems are designed to send real-time alerts to teachers, administrators, and parents, ensuring that they are informed about their child's transportation status. This technology not only improves accountability and efficiency but also significantly reduces the risk of children being lost or left behind during transit. By prioritizing safety and communication, Keeping Your Kids Safe, LLC is committed to protecting children during their school journeys.

LaneSpotter finds safe bike routes for cyclists and provides real-time information about the roads they ride. Unlike current apps, LaneSpotter leverages its community to create living maps that highlight real-life road conditions. By sharing their knowledge of local streets and businesses, LaneSpotter’s cycling community generates information that cannot be captured with a static map, like road safety ratings, bike infrastructure, alerts for road conditions like potholes, and recommended rides and routes.

Optimus Technologies is a clean energy technology company headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It specializes in developing advanced fuel management systems that enable medium and heavy-duty truck fleets to operate on 100% biodiesel. The company's flagship product, the Vector System, integrates seamlessly into existing diesel engines without the need for extensive modifications or replacements. This technology allows fleet operators to achieve significant reductions in fuel costs and emissions while effectively meeting renewable fuel targets. By providing a practical solution for transitioning to low-carbon fuels, Optimus Technologies addresses the challenges of emissions reductions in heavy-duty applications.

RoadBotics uses advanced computer vision technology to inspect roads and infrastructure globally. It rapidly identifies road issues at scale, providing unbiased ratings and interactive maps for data-driven decision-making by governments and communities.

TravelWits is a Pittsburgh-based travel technology company that operates an online platform to search multi-mode travel deals, enabling users to find combinations of transportation, accommodations, and activities within a budget. The platform uses AI to generate door-to-door itineraries optimized for meeting times and locations, aiming to save businesses money while offering incentives and lightweight travel-policy management. The service covers both business and leisure travel, helping companies streamline policy compliance and employees' itineraries. TravelWits emphasizes cost optimization and convenience by surfacing cost-effective, practical travel options.

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.

Go Jane Go galvanizes a new sector of discerning, pragmatic professionals to get the specific products and level of service they deserve on the road. ​ Above all, their diverse group of women wants one thing: seamless travel within an industry built by and for men.

Go Jane Go galvanizes a new sector of discerning, pragmatic professionals to get the specific products and level of service they deserve on the road. ​ Above all, their diverse group of women wants one thing: seamless travel within an industry built by and for men.

LaneSpotter finds safe bike routes for cyclists and provides real-time information about the roads they ride. Unlike current apps, LaneSpotter leverages its community to create living maps that highlight real-life road conditions. By sharing their knowledge of local streets and businesses, LaneSpotter’s cycling community generates information that cannot be captured with a static map, like road safety ratings, bike infrastructure, alerts for road conditions like potholes, and recommended rides and routes.

Optimus Technologies is a clean energy technology company headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It specializes in developing advanced fuel management systems that enable medium and heavy-duty truck fleets to operate on 100% biodiesel. The company's flagship product, the Vector System, integrates seamlessly into existing diesel engines without the need for extensive modifications or replacements. This technology allows fleet operators to achieve significant reductions in fuel costs and emissions while effectively meeting renewable fuel targets. By providing a practical solution for transitioning to low-carbon fuels, Optimus Technologies addresses the challenges of emissions reductions in heavy-duty applications.

Onward Robotics specializes in innovative automation technology that integrates humans and robots into a unified system, aimed at transforming fulfillment processes. The company offers a solution called Meet Me, which combines proprietary software with mobile robots designed for person-to-goods operations. This technology enhances efficiency in warehousing, distribution, and e-commerce by enabling robots to navigate human-centric environments, accurately identify and pick items, and operate at speeds comparable to human workers. As a result, Onward Robotics provides organizations with increased productivity, flexibility, and speed, helping them maintain a competitive edge in the logistics and manufacturing sectors.

Gridwise develops a mobile application for gig economy drivers, empowering them with real-time insights to maximize earnings. Its platform offers demand alerts, passenger data tracking, mileage logging, tax deduction calculation, and performance reporting.

Rapid Flow Technologies spun out of Carnegie Mellon University with the goal of introducing new Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technologies into the marketplace. Rapid Flow was created to commercialize the Surtrac adaptive traffic signal control technology developed in the Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon as part of the Traffic21 research initiative. The company’s founders include the original inventors of Surtrac, who have successfully expanded the initial pilot deployment of Surtrac in Pittsburgh to a network of 50 intersections over the past three years. Rapid Flow holds an exclusive license to the patented Surtrac technology from Carnegie Mellon University, and the University has a stake in the company. In addition to Surtrac, Rapid Flow is also engaged in the development of ubiquitous Bluetooth AVI sensor network technology for ITS performance modeling and other applications through a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

LaneSpotter finds safe bike routes for cyclists and provides real-time information about the roads they ride. Unlike current apps, LaneSpotter leverages its community to create living maps that highlight real-life road conditions. By sharing their knowledge of local streets and businesses, LaneSpotter’s cycling community generates information that cannot be captured with a static map, like road safety ratings, bike infrastructure, alerts for road conditions like potholes, and recommended rides and routes.

Optimus Technologies is a clean energy technology company headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It specializes in developing advanced fuel management systems that enable medium and heavy-duty truck fleets to operate on 100% biodiesel. The company's flagship product, the Vector System, integrates seamlessly into existing diesel engines without the need for extensive modifications or replacements. This technology allows fleet operators to achieve significant reductions in fuel costs and emissions while effectively meeting renewable fuel targets. By providing a practical solution for transitioning to low-carbon fuels, Optimus Technologies addresses the challenges of emissions reductions in heavy-duty applications.

TravelWits is a Pittsburgh-based travel technology company that operates an online platform to search multi-mode travel deals, enabling users to find combinations of transportation, accommodations, and activities within a budget. The platform uses AI to generate door-to-door itineraries optimized for meeting times and locations, aiming to save businesses money while offering incentives and lightweight travel-policy management. The service covers both business and leisure travel, helping companies streamline policy compliance and employees' itineraries. TravelWits emphasizes cost optimization and convenience by surfacing cost-effective, practical travel options.

Meituan Bike, previously known as Mobike, is a Chinese bicycle-sharing service that operates a fully station-less model. Founded in January 2015 by Davis Wang Xiao Feng, Hu Wei Wei, and Xia Yi Ping, the company is headquartered in Beijing. Meituan Bike allows users to easily locate and rent bicycles through a mobile application, facilitating convenient transportation for short urban trips. The bicycles are equipped with smart locks and can be reserved via the app, offering a seamless user experience. In April 2018, the company was acquired by Meituan-Dianping for $2.7 billion and was rebranded as Meituan Bike in January 2019 as part of the integration process. The service has grown significantly since its inception, contributing to the development of urban mobility solutions in China.

The Carbon Freight Company, LLC, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in the manufacture of air cargo products, including cargo pallets and air cargo containers, as well as ground handling solutions. The company focuses on creating more durable products that are designed to be lightweight, enabling more efficient cargo transport and reduced emissions. By prioritizing sustainability alongside profitability, The Carbon Freight Company aims to demonstrate that environmentally responsible practices can coexist with successful business operations.

CDL Warrior is a technology company focused on enhancing the trucking industry by connecting truck drivers and small fleets to the supply chain. It offers an all-in-one trucking application that utilizes real-time tracking and expense management features. This application aims to automate manual processes and streamline fleet management, ultimately improving productivity for independent truck drivers and small fleet operators. By leveraging the smartphones that truck drivers already possess, CDL Warrior provides essential tools to enhance communication and efficiency between drivers, fleets, and shippers.

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.

TravelWits is a Pittsburgh-based travel technology company that operates an online platform to search multi-mode travel deals, enabling users to find combinations of transportation, accommodations, and activities within a budget. The platform uses AI to generate door-to-door itineraries optimized for meeting times and locations, aiming to save businesses money while offering incentives and lightweight travel-policy management. The service covers both business and leisure travel, helping companies streamline policy compliance and employees' itineraries. TravelWits emphasizes cost optimization and convenience by surfacing cost-effective, practical travel options.

Optimus Technologies is a clean energy technology company headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It specializes in developing advanced fuel management systems that enable medium and heavy-duty truck fleets to operate on 100% biodiesel. The company's flagship product, the Vector System, integrates seamlessly into existing diesel engines without the need for extensive modifications or replacements. This technology allows fleet operators to achieve significant reductions in fuel costs and emissions while effectively meeting renewable fuel targets. By providing a practical solution for transitioning to low-carbon fuels, Optimus Technologies addresses the challenges of emissions reductions in heavy-duty applications.

Onward Robotics specializes in innovative automation technology that integrates humans and robots into a unified system, aimed at transforming fulfillment processes. The company offers a solution called Meet Me, which combines proprietary software with mobile robots designed for person-to-goods operations. This technology enhances efficiency in warehousing, distribution, and e-commerce by enabling robots to navigate human-centric environments, accurately identify and pick items, and operate at speeds comparable to human workers. As a result, Onward Robotics provides organizations with increased productivity, flexibility, and speed, helping them maintain a competitive edge in the logistics and manufacturing sectors.

FreshTemp, LLC is a company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializing in temperature monitoring and alert systems for various sectors, including food service, transportation, healthcare, and industrial applications. The company provides a range of wireless temperature monitoring solutions, including Bluetooth food probes and data loggers, designed to automate the collection of temperature data during the production, transportation, and storage of temperature-sensitive products. FreshTemp's systems enable users to manage critical temperature measurements and adhere to food safety standards by accessing hazard analysis and critical control points. Additionally, the company offers a cloud-based monitoring and alert application that allows users to set temperature alerts for their sensors, ensuring compliance with food safety requirements. FreshTemp also operates an online store to further serve its customers. As of November 2016, FreshTemp operates as a subsidiary of Digi International Inc.

Optimus Technologies is a clean energy technology company headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It specializes in developing advanced fuel management systems that enable medium and heavy-duty truck fleets to operate on 100% biodiesel. The company's flagship product, the Vector System, integrates seamlessly into existing diesel engines without the need for extensive modifications or replacements. This technology allows fleet operators to achieve significant reductions in fuel costs and emissions while effectively meeting renewable fuel targets. By providing a practical solution for transitioning to low-carbon fuels, Optimus Technologies addresses the challenges of emissions reductions in heavy-duty applications.

CDL Warrior is a technology company focused on enhancing the trucking industry by connecting truck drivers and small fleets to the supply chain. It offers an all-in-one trucking application that utilizes real-time tracking and expense management features. This application aims to automate manual processes and streamline fleet management, ultimately improving productivity for independent truck drivers and small fleet operators. By leveraging the smartphones that truck drivers already possess, CDL Warrior provides essential tools to enhance communication and efficiency between drivers, fleets, and shippers.

Propel IT, Inc. is a software company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializing in operational performance optimization for the commercial transportation industry. Founded in 2003, Propel has developed RouteRisk, a mobile platform that addresses the rising concerns of accident rates and insurance costs within commercial fleets. RouteRisk tracks, scores, and predicts risks associated with commercial vehicle operations, aiming to reduce accidents by over 50%. The platform integrates cutting-edge technology, including turn-by-turn routing and in-cab safety alerts, alongside an extensive database of regulatory and inspection information. By leveraging big data, Propel enables fleet managers and drivers to enhance safety, improve fuel efficiency, and foster better alignment of incentives across the transportation and logistics sectors.

Propel IT, Inc. is a software company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializing in operational performance optimization for the commercial transportation industry. Founded in 2003, Propel has developed RouteRisk, a mobile platform that addresses the rising concerns of accident rates and insurance costs within commercial fleets. RouteRisk tracks, scores, and predicts risks associated with commercial vehicle operations, aiming to reduce accidents by over 50%. The platform integrates cutting-edge technology, including turn-by-turn routing and in-cab safety alerts, alongside an extensive database of regulatory and inspection information. By leveraging big data, Propel enables fleet managers and drivers to enhance safety, improve fuel efficiency, and foster better alignment of incentives across the transportation and logistics sectors.