Innovation Zones
Where AI meets place-based power.
In Pittsburgh, innovation isn’t confined to labs—it’s built into the streets, factories, and neighborhoods. Each zone in the city is designed for what’s next and already alive with what’s happening now.
AI Avenue
Where AI startups collide with ‘Big Tech’ talent.
A one-mile innovation corridor running through East Liberty and Shadyside, AI Avenue is home to giants like Google, Duolingo, and Carnegie Mellon’s tech transfer engine. It’s also the location of Army Futures Command’s AI Integration Center (AI2C), where the Department of Defense trains its largest AI unit. Over 20 AI startups call AI Avenue home.
Why founders care:
Direct access to CMU research and talent
Proximity to world-class AI labs and venture networks
A walkable, livable urban zone that mixes coffee shops with code
Robotics Row
The beating heart of autonomy.
From the Strip District to Lawrenceville, Robotics Row is the densest cluster of robotics and AV innovation anywhere on Earth. Born from industrial rebirth, this zone includes RIDC’s Lawrenceville Technology Center, where steel mills became smart factories. Anchors include Carnegie Robotics, Caterpillar’s Automation Center, and Innovation Works.
Why founders care:
Plug into a dense ecosystem of hardware, autonomy, and AV startups
Access to test environments, talent pipelines, and industry mentors
Proximity to early adopters and commercialization partners
Oakland Innovation District
A walkable pipeline of research and commercialization.
Oakland is Pittsburgh’s brain trust—home to Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pittsburgh, and UPMC. With two R1 research institutions and over 110 spinouts in the last five years, it’s the region’s most fertile ground for turning breakthroughs into businesses.
Why founders care:
Dense talent pool of AI, bio, health, and life sciences researchers
Immediate access to clinical data and IP licensing
Ideal for startups commercializing university-based tech
Hazelwood Green
Designed for sustainability. Built to scale.
A former J&L Steel site reimagined for climate and autonomy innovation. Mill 19, the campus centerpiece, hosts CMU’s Advanced Robotics in Manufacturing Institute, Motional, and soon, CMU’s Robotics Innovation Center and Pitt’s BioForge. It’s a magnet for mission-driven founders who want to build big, responsibly.
Why founders care:
Eco-forward campus with award-winning architecture and green infrastructure
Access to light industrial space, talent, and pilot environments
Visible support from state, federal, and global innovation leaders
Space & Defense District
The frontier economy launches here.
From lunar robotics to orbital autonomy, Pittsburgh’s Space District is making deep tech... lift off. Spearheaded by Astrobotic and a growing cluster of aerospace startups, this zone is redefining Pittsburgh’s role in the space economy.
Why founders care:
Collisions between AI, robotics, and aerospace engineering
Proximity to aerospace R&D grants and NASA contractors
Founding in a city with lunar hardware already on the moon
PIT Airport Corridor
Where freight, flight, and fabrication converge.
West of the city, the Pittsburgh International Airport corridor is becoming a high-velocity launchpad for advanced manufacturing. Key assets include Neighborhood 91—an additive manufacturing campus—and the coming PennSTART AV testing facility.
Why founders care:
Shovel-ready industrial space for production and testing
Airside logistics, Class I rail, and highway access
Neighbors include Siemens, Intervala, and national freight networks
