Startable Pittsburgh™ is a program of Innovation Works, which provides free business startup programming for teens and access to our nationally ranked accelerator communities, facilities, mentors, and founders. Our curriculum encompasses the philosophies of Lean startup methodology and the engineering design process.
Startable teens gain a wide rage of skills through the course of the program and beyond. Participating students will learn electrical, mechanical, computer, and industrial engineering basics from experts in the fields. They gain experience forming equitable partnerships, managing meetings, creating and executing project timelines, and budgeting.
Together participants create a prototypes, product packaging, and marketing materials. They then sell, present, network, and acquire further funding for their businesses. The program culminates in a final community event, where friends and family can see product demonstrations and cheer on the competitors in the Pitch Competition.
All of this amazing work is built on the foundation of community. Working in several locations, with many community entities allows for students to continue tapping into local resources and utilize these long after the program ends.
The support students receive during the program includes cash stipends, lunch and snacks, transportation, supplies, tools, networking connections, and potentially more cash investment. Beyond these, returning students can benefit from internship opportunities and our Alumni in Residence program.
