Our Pittsburgh Inno Madness competition is here. And we've got 16 local startups vying for the coveted title of 2022 Inno Madness champion.
Inno Madness is our friendly, bracket-style challenge where readers vote to advance companies based on one question: Who would you invest in? Whether you believe in one mission or product slightly over the other or would prefer to back a more established company versus an early stage startup, how you answer that question is entirely up to you. The bracket is designed to shine a spotlight on 16 innovative, fast-growing local businesses.
This year's bracket was assembled based on reader nominations. Because this is the first year of Pittsburgh Inno Madness' launch, seeding was determined by alphabetical order out of the nominations Pittsburgh Inno's editorial team selected. Meet the participants below and read the content rules here.
The goal of Inno Madness is to give a snapshot of some of the most promising tech companies in Pittsburgh. It is by no means a complete list of Pittsburgh's best startups, nor is it a list of the 16 most-funded startups in the region.
Instead, the bracket is meant to ideally represent the full breadth and diversity of the ecosystem. In the end, think of the bracket as just another fun look into some of the other local tech companies you need to know about in 2022.
First-round voting begins now and continues until 6 p.m. on Monday, March 7. Readers can cast one vote per round. We'll open up voting round by round, ultimately crowning an INNO MADNESS winner on March 29. Be sure to be subscribed to the free and twice-weekly Pittsburgh Inno email newsletter, the Beat, to be up-to-date on the latest round results and future pairings.
Let's get into Round 1 …
Meet the Players (in alphabetical order):
Allvision IO | spatial data and analytics company developing solutions that can process lidar, imagery, video and trajectory data from mobile mapping systems for use in applications like those relating to transportation infrastructure, asset management and GIS
Arch Access Control | provides cybersecurity solutions for the small- to medium-sized business market through the use of end-to-end risk mitigation solutions
Cardsona | networking app for professionals, volunteers, hobbyists or activists that focuses on helping people with common interests make sustaining connections
Carnegie Foundry | robotics and AI venture studio that is looking to scope, mature and commercialize IP and advanced prototypes that are already market-tested and ready for new and expanded applications
de-bias | Software as a service (SaaS) platform that surveys members of organizations to provide assessment data that can then lead to internal planning aimed at addressing biases
Dization | connects various software tools used by small businesses to provide analytics and analysis of data that can then help companies more effectively run their business
Farm to Flame Energy | provides affordable and renewable power to areas that lack it via a scalable generator capable of using multiple plant-based feedstocks for smokeless and odorless electricity generation
Honeycomb Credit | small business loan crowdfunding platform where businesses can borrow funds from their own customers and fans
Idelic | truck driver performance management platform built specifically for fleet professionals that aims to predict and prevent crashes, reduce driver turnover and lower insurance costs
Kloopify | procurement solution provider that enables and measures sustainable supply chain management, from supplier selection to collaboration
MindTrace | software developer creating tools that aid neurosurgeons in surgical planning through its machine learning platform, which claims to simulate surgical plans that can then predict a patient's potential cognitive outcome before surgery
Selling Later | platform connecting future home sellers and buyers directly, up to a year before a house hits the market, to offer home sellers more time and flexibility before they decide to move out of their home
STACK | software development firm focused on aligning resources to improve patient care across the world through several health care domains including pharmacies, professional associations, higher education institutions and certification groups
Sustainible | helps organizations determine the likelihood of business success and provides customized evaluations and suggested refinement strategies to increase the overall impact of an enterprise
TouchWood Labs | maker of a modular IoT unit that embeds into an assortment of materials that can then turn any surface into an interactive digital display
Tronix3D | 3D/additive contract manufacturer and innovation center that develops unique parts and prototypes for organizations
