The East Liberty area continues to solidify as an artificial intelligence stronghold as Bakery Square adds three new AI companies. These companies are LoveLace AI, which is developing an AI platform for national security; Netail, an online shopping optimization company; and Pearl Street Technologies, a company focused on decarbonizing power grids.
"Technologists are drawn to Pittsburgh because of its unique culture of collaboration to tackle complex challenges, it's a combination of humility and work ethic that really defines this city of neighborhoods," LoveLace AI CEO Andrew Moore said in a prepared statement.
Moore previously served as director of Google Cloud AI and was the dean of Carnegie Mellon's School of Computer Science. Like many other companies in the area, Moore is actively recruiting CMU graduates. In a press release, Bakery Square owner Walnut Capital acknowledged the direct proximity to both CMU and the University of Pittsburgh.
"Bakery Square, supported by Walnut Capital's innovative approach to building and enhancing community connections, is the ideal place to cultivate our culture, defined by the ethos that AI innovations must be tested, measured and validated," Moore said in a prepared statement.
Last December, Walnut Capital outfitted 20,000 square feet of office space in Bakery Square as move-in ready AI space. All of that is now leased, and the developer is planning an additional 50,000 square feet to support the rapidly growing Pittsburgh AI sector.
"The demand exceeded our expectations," Walnut Capital President Todd Reidbord said in a prepared statement. "What we hear from our new tenants is that their AI-based companies aren't the ones building algorithms for TikTok, they are here to be in a collaborative environment that nurtures their mission of doing good in the world."
Pennsylvania has embraced AI development and Gov. Josh Shapiro recently identified AI as a "top strategic industry for state investment."
Despite the growth and support companies have received from investors and the government, long-term hurdles still stand, most notably the fact that many of the companies in the area are early stage startups. Of the almost 20 companies occupying space in the area, only two are considered to be "anchor AI companies." These are Duolingo and Google, with Duolingo being the only company headquartered in Pittsburgh. All other companies are considered to be "emerging."
"We have a unique opportunity to meet the Governor's challenge of advancing high-growth sectors like AI and life sciences," Reidbord said in a prepared statement. "Pennsylvania already holds a competitive advantage in these areas but we need more jobs here, particularly family-sustaining jobs, that will help grow our communities and future proof our region."
