Innovation Works Scale Expo Connects Hardware and Robotics Founders with More Than 30 Regional Manufacturers

PITTSBURGH - Oct. 20, 2026 - Innovation Works, one of the most active seed-stage investors in the country, will host Scale Expo on Tuesday, Oct. 27, bringing more than 30 Pennsylvania manufacturers together with hardware, robotics, and medical device startups seeking production partners. The free event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rockwell Park in Pittsburgh's North Point Breeze neighborhood, and more than 150 founders are expected to attend.

Scale Expo is designed to help founders move from prototype to production by meeting face-to-face with regional manufacturers that can support a first production run or help scale an existing line. Founders can compare capabilities, discuss production needs, and connect with local organizations that help hardware companies grow in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The 2025 Expo connected more than 100 entrepreneurs with 30 local manufacturers and produced more than 400 one-on-one connections. Three startup-manufacturer deals closed within a month of the event.

Among the participating manufacturers this year are Applus+ Keystone, Tronix3D, Kiski Precision Industries, EPD Electronics, Three Rivers Precision, Why Sew, National Rubber Corporation, and JenRocket. Event partners PGH | MFG, Catalyst Connection, and the ARM Institute will also be on site.

"Pittsburgh has long been a place where things get built, and that history gives today's hardware and robotics founders a real advantage," said Kevin Dowling, Managing Director of Robotics Factory and Hardware at Innovation Works. "Scale Expo connects those founders with manufacturers in their own backyard who can help bring their products to market and grow right alongside them."

The event draws on the region's strengths in both robotics and manufacturing. The Pittsburgh region is home to more than 320 robotics, deep tech, and AI companies and more than 2,800 manufacturers, with concentrations in advanced materials, additive manufacturing, and robotics integration. Scale Expo is part of Innovation Works' manufacturing assistance programs for founders.

Scale Expo is free for founders and their teams. Advance registration is requested, and on-site registration will be available. Manufacturers with a Pennsylvania location can also inquire about exhibiting during the Expo.

Learn more about Scale Expo 2026.

About Innovation Works
Innovation Works is one of the most active early-stage investors in the country and the most active in Pennsylvania. Since its inception of the seed fund in 1999, Innovation Works has invested in over 780 companies that have gone on to raise $3.3 billion in follow-on funding. Portfolio companies have generated and retained over 20,000 jobs in Pennsylvania. Innovation Works is part of the Ben Franklin Technology Partners network, which has catalyzed economic growth over the last 30 years by providing access to capital and networks that help foster innovation and technology-based economic development in Pennsylvania. Learn more at innovationworks.org.

Contact
Gretchen Weaver
Innovation Works
[email protected]

Lexie Capperella
Gregory on behalf of Innovation Works
[email protected]

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