Your Urban Lab

PGH Lab connects local startup companies with the City of Pittsburgh and local authorities to test new products and services in a real world environment for up to six months. In the program, startups are encouraged to test, gain valuable market feedback, and iterate. In turn, the program gives local government the opportunity to explore new ways to use technology and services to make government more efficient, transparent, sustainable, and inclusive.

Timeline

October 4, 2021 - Application starts

November 1, 2021 - Application period ends

November 18, 2021 - Round 1 Notification of Success

November 23, 2021 - Round 2 Pitch Presentation

December 17, 2021 - Cohort Announcement

December 17, 2021 - January 29, 2022 - Cohort Orientation and Document Delivery

February 1, 2022 - July 29, 2022 - 6 Month Pilot Project

August 3, 2022 - PGH Lab Community Presentation

August 8, 2022 - Evaluation and Feedback

Areas Of Interest

Startup companies are invited to implement innovative solutions to civic challenges in the following topics:

Resident Engagement
Improve and increase citizen engagement capabilities in local government to ensure all of Pittsburgh’s residents can easily access important information and resources. Propose solutions that can enhance the lines of communication between local government, non-profits, and citizens. Artists, graphic designers, and photographers are encouraged to submit citizen engagement solutions.
Improve Operations
Improve local government operations to make internal processes more efficient and effective. Solutions in the following sub areas of interest are highly encouraged:
- Data Solutions: Collect and analyze city and municipal partner data with measurable results that will affect civic technology and help to improve the community.
- Smart Cities: Help Pittsburgh become a 'smart city' by exploring newer and smarter technologies as well as data to ignite economic development, enhance people's quality of life, and improve accessibility, especially for people with disabilities working and living in the city.
Climate Change & the Environment
Climate and environmental change is a pressing issue for all cities. Modern cities already monitor air quality, energy use, waste, and stormwater management, but we must do more. Help Pittsburgh become a leader in sustainability and resiliency. Solutions in sustainability, food waste management, and circular economy or reuse/creating new products out of waste and recycling streams are highly encouraged.
Open Call
Suggest a pilot project that does not fall under any of the previous categories but will benefit and make a great impact in the City of Pittsburgh and the participating organizations.
Addressing City Challenges
Propose a pilot project solution that will directly address an internal City challenge.