Application Window Opens for AHN Neuroscience Institute's New AlphaLab Health Track

PITTSBURGH - AlphaLab Health, the nationally recognized accelerator jointly operated by Allegheny Health Network (AHN) and Innovations Works, has opened the application window for its inaugural AlphaLab Health Neuroscience track. This specialized program, supported by the AHN Neuroscience Institute, is designed to support two early-stage companies and is slated to launch in 2027.

Made possible through the support of an anonymous donor, this new track underscores AHN's continued commitment to advancing innovation in critical areas of healthcare.

The program specifically targets early-stage companies that are developing solutions for addressing clinically relevant challenges in neurology and neurosurgery. Within the dedicated neuroscience track, two selected startups will receive up to $100,000 in investment and comprehensive support across diverse focus areas, including medical devices, therapeutics, diagnostics, and digital health solutions, all with a clear path toward commercialization.

Selected companies will also gain dedicated office space within AlphaLab Health, direct access to clinical mentors whose expertise aligns with their specific focus area, and private workspaces. Participants will also benefit from access to Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-1) laboratories at AHN Suburban, a former hospital in Bellevue, Pennsylvania, that has been reimagined as an innovation campus.

"The AlphaLab Health Neuroscience track represents a significant step forward in our mission to accelerate neurological innovation," said Donald Whiting, MD, chair of the AHN Neuroscience Institute. "By directly supporting these early-stage companies, we are fostering the development of groundbreaking solutions that will ultimately improve outcomes for patients facing complex neurological conditions."

The program emphasizes direct collaboration between entrepreneurs and AHN's leading clinicians, ensuring innovations are both scientifically sound and clinically impactful.

"The challenges in neurology and neurosurgery are immense, and fostering new technologies and therapies is paramount," said Jeffrey Cohen, MD, Chief Physician Executive of Community Health and Innovation for AHN. "This program provides a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to collaborate directly with our clinicians, ensuring their innovations are not only scientifically sound but also clinically impactful."

This initiative strengthens the region's life sciences ecosystem, leveraging the expertise of both AHN and Innovation Works.

"Life sciences is one of the sectors where our region consistently pushes boundaries, and our partners at Allegheny Health Network are a big reason why," said Jeanne Iasella, Managing Director, Life Sciences of Innovation Works. "The companies that come through this new track will be working on problems that change daily life for people living with neurological disorders, and that makes the work of helping them get to market even more important."

This collaboration deepens the integration between AHN and Innovation Works, recognized as one of the most active early-stage investors in the nation and the leading investor in Pennsylvania. Together, the organizations are forging a stronger pipeline for life sciences innovation, with a concentrated effort on advancing solutions for neurological conditions.

AlphaLab Health's distinctive model combines essential capital, expert mentorship, and crucial clinical access, providing unparalleled value to founders. Since its launch in 2020, the program has invested in 30 companies, which have collectively secured over $65 million in follow-on funding.

Entrepreneurs interested in joining the 2027 AlphaLab Health Neuroscience cohort are encouraged to apply by July 17, 2026. To learn more about AlphaLab Health, visit https://www.alphalab.org/tracks/health/.

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About AlphaLab:

AlphaLab helps startups find customers, capital, and community. Established by Innovation Works in 2008 as its first accelerator, AlphaLab offers six-month programs that include capital investments and customized guidance from a staff of entrepreneurs. Across its industry-specific programming, AlphaLab has invested in more than 280 companies, leading to $1.4 billion in follow-on funding, over 20 exits, and two unicorns. Learn more at alphalab.org.

About Innovation Works

Innovation Works is one of the most active early-stage investors in the country and the most active in Pennsylvania. Since the inception of its seed fund in 1999, Innovation Works has invested in over 800 companies that have gone on to raise $3.74 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.