Industry Insights: Regional Commercial Real Estate and Key Tech Trends

National Rankings Reflect Regional Momentum

According to Colliers’ 2025 Top Global Technology Markets Report, which examines more than 200 global markets to identify the leading technology hubs across America, Pittsburgh continues to rise among North America’s top-performing innovation hubs. Of the evaluated markets across the U.S. and Canada, the city ranks in the top quartile for multiple metrics critical to both occupiers and investors. (1) 

Pittsburgh’s Top Rankings: 

#20 Overall Top Tech Markets  

#6 in 10-year Capital CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate)  

#9 in Teaching and Research Index 

#9 in Productivity  

Investment Growth Accelerates in an Uncertain Climate

Even as venture activity declined nationally, Pittsburgh stood out. The region secured $3.12 billion in tech investment in 2023, its second-highest total ever, with 130 Pittsburgh-area companies attracting investment (2), and a record $999 million in venture capital in 2024.  Key drivers included Skild AI’s $300 million Series A and Abridge’s $150 million Series C² (3). 

182 Pittsburgh companies received funding in 2024, up 9.6% year-over-year, reflecting growing interest from investors, including 33 first-time entrants like Andreessen Horowitz³. This sustained capital inflow suggests that Pittsburgh is more than a regional player, it’s a national contender in “hard tech.” (3) 

Next-Gen Innovators Are Leading the Charge

Leading local firms are driving the city’s transformation: 

Duolingo – language learning and AI-powered education 

Aurora – autonomous mobility and logistics 

Gecko Robotics – infrastructure safety through applied AI 

Skild AI, Stack AV, and Abridge – trailblazers in AI, defense tech, and health innovation 

Together, these companies reflect a robust convergence of physical engineering and software intelligence, hallmarks of Pittsburgh’s new industrial identity (4).

Ecosystem Anchored by Research & Infrastructure

Pittsburgh’s tech growth is powered by academic strength and public-private collaboration. Carnegie Mellon University, the ARM Institute, The Robotics Factory and AlphaLab Gear anchor a research-driven ecosystem.  The Pittsburgh Robotics Network alone connects more than 125 robotics and AI firms, supporting over 7,300 regional jobs (4). 

The $10 billion Homer City data infrastructure project and workforce programs like the AI Strike Team are building the digital backbone to support next-gen computing and analytics. Strategic redevelopment and innovation corridors like Bakery Square’s “AI Avenue” continue to attract world-class talent and capital (4) 

Hybrid Work: Office as a Strategic Asset

Across Colliers’ national portfolio, the dominant workplace strategy remains hybrid, with a deliberate emphasis on in-office presence. Many leading technology firms have reinforced Return-to-Office policies in 2025, adopting flexible models that encourage employees to return with greater regularity to foster innovation, strengthen culture, and drive performance. 

In-person collaboration remains a critical lever for talent onboarding, project acceleration, and company culture. According to workforce studies, office-first environments offer the highest “focus efficiency” and enable faster decision-making and mentorship. Hybrid schedules are increasingly structured around purposeful office days, anchored by team workshops, client engagement, and physical infrastructure needs. (6) 

The era of fully remote experimentation is giving way to intentional workplace design. For Colliers clients and the broader industry, the physical workplace is now a strategic asset, not a sunk cost. 

Office Trends: Purpose-Driven Design over Downsizing

• Rather than shedding space, leading tech occupiers are optimizing it. Current trends include: 
• High-performance, flexible buildings with smart infrastructure and ESG alignment 
• Collaboration hubs instead of rows of desks 
• Locations with access to outdoor space, wellness amenities, and transit 

Pittsburgh’s tech community is adapting its real estate in lockstep, less about square footage, more about impact. 

Final Take: Pittsburgh Is Built for This Moment

With deep R&D capability, scalable infrastructure, and a talent pool rooted in applied science, Pittsburgh is positioned to lead in hard tech, AI, and next-generation manufacturing. As the innovation economy pivots toward building real things, Pittsburgh stands ready to deliver. 

Footnotes 

1. Colliers, “2025 Top Global Technology Markets Report.”, July, 2025 2025 

2. Blue Sky News, “Investment in Pittsburgh’s Tech Scene Tops $3 Billion,” March, 2024. 

3. Pittsburgh Business Times, “Pittsburgh Saw Record Venture Capital Investments in 2024,” March, 2025. 

4. Capital Analytics Associates, “Pittsburgh Sees Rising Investment in AI and Advanced Tech,” June, 2025. 

5. Colliers, “Return to Office 2025: A Shift in Balance Between Mandates, Flexibility, and Evolving Workplace Needs,” March, 2025. 

6. Aura, “Remote and Hybrid Work Trends 2025: Productivity, Hiring & Strategy,” July 2025.