We are thrilled to announce the incredible companies for our next cohort!
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Module was started in 2016 with the goal of making good design more accessible. Over the last few years, we’ve developed and refined the Module Spec based on years of customer research and feedback. With a design that feels contemporary and comfortable, the Spec successfully balances costs, quality and a contemporary aesthetic. Our mission is to support our customers' health and wellbeing in a well designed, energy-efficient, highly functional home that will last 100 years.
Arieca is leading the commercialization of easy to deploy liquid metal embedded elastomer (LMEE) technologies, which enable unprecedented performance in applications across semiconductor, aerospace, automotive, and healthcare industries. Our TIMbber product line targets leading semiconductor thermal interface material (TIM) challenges. Our Thubber® product line is developing solutions for future stretchable display and medical applications.
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Dr. Dowling was the CEO of Kaarta, a company that provided world-class 3D mapping and localization solutions for people and robots. Previously, Kevin was VP of Engineering for 4Moms, a consumer products company where he led the 50-person engineering team. Before that, he was VP of R&D at Cambridge-based MC10, built and led the engineering team, and drove MC10’s high-performance semiconductor-based stretchable electronics technology into products and applications.
Aaron Tainter is the Director of Accelerator Programs for the IW family of accelerators, overseeing AlphaLab, AlphaLab Health, AlphaLab Gear, and the Robotics Factory. With a rich background in finance, venture capital, and operations, Aaron brings a wealth of expertise to guide companies in optimizing their financials, operational plans, and fundraising strategies. Outside of the accelerators, he enjoys playing and watching a variety of sports as well as coaching the sports of his young boys.
Dejana taught middle school English Language Arts (ELA) in the public and private school setting. She developed and implemented a digital curriculum for ELA, used online platforms to bolster student engagement, and differentiated content to meet the needs of all learners. Additionally, she worked at Breakthrough Pittsburgh as an Instructional Coach during their intensive summer teaching program. As the Accelerators Operations Lead, Dejana formalizes and establishes a strong customer experience foundation across our accelerator programs. She collaborates with various IW teams to enhance cross-sector engagement with Founders and works closely with IW's Platform and Program Managers to deliver cohesive offerings based on evolving needs. Dejana holds a Master’s Degree in Teaching from the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Education and a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Allegheny College.
Afshan was CEO of Focal Point Products, an international manufacturer and distributor of polyurethane millwork building materials for home construction, commercial projects, and building renovation. Earlier in her career, Afshan held a number of key positions in Xerox Corporation, in business development, M&A, and strategic planning. Afshan holds an MBA from the Carnegie Mellon Tepper Business School, and a BS in Business Administration and English from Duquesne University.
Jeff has 15 years’ experience in innovation, corporate strategy, manufacturing and energy technologies, and operations in both early stage and Fortune 500 companies. Prior to Innovation Works/AlphaLab Gear, Jeff was in charge of business development and strategy for the emerging technology R&D portfolio for Westinghouse Electric Company. Before joining Westinghouse, Jeff held marketing, strategy, and development roles at the Ex One Company, a global manufacturing technology incubator headquartered in western Pennsylvania. He led the successful commercialization of Imagen, LLC, a manufacturer of dental implant and bio-medical devices through 3D printing, becoming that startup’s General Manager and Vice President. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Naval Academy and a JD from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.
Matt was the founding General Manager of TechShop Pittsburgh. He then went on to found Clear Ice Rocks, where he invented, prototyped, crowdfunded, mass-produced, and fulfilled orders to over 55 different companies. In his role as Manufacturing Program Associate, Matt engages with accelerator and early stage hardware companies to identify design and manufacturing needs, and provides connections to resources for design for manufacturing, prototyping, components, and supply chain partners.
As a Pittsburgh native, entrepreneurship has been Connor’s passion for as long as he can remember. He is deeply fascinated by innovative businesses and their ability to make the world a better place through their products and services. Connor successfully founded, operated, and eventually sold a consumer packaged goods (CPG) food brand. During this venture, he was proud to lead efforts to implement and acquire USDA Organic Certification for our manufacturing plant, which was a significant milestone for his company. This achievement was a testament to the hard work, dedication, and commitment to provide high-quality, organic food products to his customers. Connor is excited to continue pursuing his passion for entrepreneurship, learning, and making a positive impact on the world.
You'll be able to meet virtually with a member of the AlphaLab Health team
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