DREAMS Coalition to Fuel Aerospace, Robotics, and AI Innovation
The Pittsburgh Technology Council and Keystone Space Collaborative have partnered to launch the DREAMS Coalition, a new coalition designed to propel advanced technology startups in aerospace, robotics, AI, and manufacturing.
Supported by a grant from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, the DREAMS Coalition initiative is designed to accelerate the growth of Pittsburgh’s DREAMS (Data, Robotics, Energy, AI, Manufacturing, and Security) industries by leveraging the region’s unique strengths and fostering collaboration among key partners, including the Pittsburgh Technology Council, Keystone Space Collaborative and Parallax Advanced Research.
“The DREAMS Coalition will cement Pittsburgh’s reputation as a hub for cutting-edge innovation, fostering high-quality jobs and attracting global investment,” said Audrey Russo, President of the Pittsburgh Technology Council. “We are committed to helping startups scale, one breakthrough at a time.”
Located in Bakery Square, the DREAMS Coalition provides a state-of-the-art coworking facility with space for 30 members, featuring 11 rooms, including private offices and flexible conference and co-working areas. Eligible members can access Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ) tax credits, further incentivizing growth.
The initiative focuses on four pillars:
1. Federal Funding Assistance: Assist companies in securing funding through various programs such as Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) contracts, procurement contracts, grants, and other non-dilutive mechanisms. Provide concierge advisory services for dual use business development strategy.
2. Industry Connections: Build relationships with aerospace, autonomy, and AI customers to align technologies with market needs.
3. Investor Engagement: Facilitate introductions to angel investors and venture capitalists to help startups secure growth funding.
4. Collaborative Workspace Available: Provide no-cost co-working office space with access to mentorship, resources, and networking to support startup growth and collaboration.
“Our region is at the heart of the Keystone Space region, which boasts some of the nation’s finest space and defense innovation R&D, commercialization and industrialization assets,” said Justine Kasznica, Founder and Board Chair, Keystone Space Collaborative. “The Keystone Space Collaborative is proud to work alongside the Pittsburgh Technology Council and Parallax Advanced Research to stand up the DREAMS Coalition, offering strategic advocacy as well as support and resources to its ecosystem participants, with the goal of propelling the Keystone Region to its rightful place as a recognized national and global leader in commercial space and defense innovation.”
“At Parallax/OAI, we’re proud to play an active role in the DREAMS Coalition by embedding our team directly within the community to help small businesses navigate the federal funding landscape. Our on-site presence through Brendan Thoreson, APEX Process Navigation project engineer, ensures coalition companies have daily access to strategic support tailored to their growth journeys,” said Dennis Andersh, President and CEO of Parallax Advanced Research and President of Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI).
“We’re especially excited about leveraging our experience across the Small Business Technology Partnerships portfolio to accelerate innovation and unlock new opportunities for a broad range of startups—whether in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, or other high-tech sectors. This collaboration reflects our commitment to driving inclusive economic development and helping founders take their next big leap.”
Anticipated programming includes open office hours with APEX, workshops on scaling innovations, and networking events to foster a tight-knit ecosystem, connecting entrepreneurs with the tools and relationships needed to succeed.
Companies interested in participating in the DREAMS Coalition must complete a survey at: https://forms.gle/v3j6RdWVjRPZsaqb8. Upon completion of the survey, a DREAMS Team member will be in contact to discuss next steps.
About the Pittsburgh Technology Council:
The Pittsburgh Technology Council helps regional technology companies succeed through a proven platform of business development, talent retention/attraction, public policy and visibility services. Founded in 1983, the Tech Council is a nonprofit 501c (6) organization with nearly 1,0000 members. It is among the first and largest technology trade associations in the country. Learn more at www.pghtech.org.
About the Keystone Space Collaborative:
The Keystone Space Collaborative is a nonprofit organization with a mission to support and serve the growing space industry in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and to attract and expand the next generation of space industry businesses and talent in the Tri-State region. Our goal is to make commercial space opportunities accessible for all who want to engage in realizing the immense potential that commercial space represents for the nation and humankind. Learn more at: https://keystonespace.org/
About Parallax Research:
Parallax Research delivers innovative research and provides technology, human, and business solutions via The Science of Intelligent Teaming™ for government, industry, and academic clients with critical challenges. Learn more at: https://parallaxresearch.org/
About The Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation:
The Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation has served West Virginia and Southwestern Pennsylvania since it was established in 1944 by Michael and Sarah Benedum. Grants are made to support specific initiatives in the areas of Education, Economic Development, Health, and Community Development. Learn more at: https://benedum.org/.