Category Archives: Technology

So you have a business idea…

IMG_0263.JPGImage by mbfulk via FlickrPittsburgh has some resources for people that want to start businesses, especially technology businesses.  I have attended some of the work shops at the Tech Council, definitely worth a few hours of your time.

I just wanted to highlight AlphaLab (they have a blog here).  I mentioned AlphaLab recently because they have a really great office on Carson St. and were kind enough to host the reception for this years PodCamp Pittsburgh.

AlphaLab is a project of Innovation Works that provides support to starting companies, if your project is selected AlphaLab helps with funding, office space, some great advisors as well as other support for a seedling of a business.

The deadline to apply for the Winter/Spring 2009 Cycle is October 30, 2008.  The application is not too tricky, you don’t need a full business plan, just some ideas mostly in the technology area but it doesn’t have to be a technology business.  Check out the AlphaLab FAQ for all of the details.

Know of other resources for new businesses in Pittsburgh – please share! Continue reading →

PodCamp Pittsburgh 3 – Free UnConference This Weekend

If you want to learn about blogging and podcasting – PodCamp is for you. PodCamp is an unconference that was started a few years ago and has been popping up around the country – there is even a PodCamp Hawaii. This is an informal free conference where everyone is welcome to come and share info about how to use these new media tools. I have attended and presented at the past PodCamps and I have met some really great people – folks like Chris Brogan – he has a great blog on all things social media at ChrisBrogan.com and Mike Woycheck who is the founder of Wear Pittsburgh (aka the website that sells awesome parking chair t-shirts).

The conference kicks off on Friday with a reception at the relatively new offices of AlphaLab (I got a sneak peak tour today – they have a great space on the Southside) and this should be a fun reception. The un-conference runs Saturday and Sunday – feel free to stop by for just part of the weekend. The full schedule of workshops is available on the website.

More Info: PodCampPgh.com

There is a great group of companies and organizations sponsoring the event this year – if you are looking to learn more about some of the amazing things happening in Pittsburgh this is a great place to start.

Some other bloggers who are looking forward to PodCamp Pittsburgh…

Continue reading →

Primary Pittsburgh Project: Emoticons

The Primary Pittsburgh Project is a cross blog project to share the primary stories of why Pittsburgh is great in a 5 day blogging marathon before the PA Presidential Primary.  Please visit Primary Pittsburgh to share you story.

I found this video on YouTube and I think it is a great example of one of the greatest new job stories of the area – technology.  Pittsburgh has long been ahead of the rest of the US in technology.  With Carneige Mellon and other universities – Pittsburgh is one of the hotbeds of technology development.  The emoticon story is a great, fun example of a popular technology that was born right here in Pittsburgh.

[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=9kzBG9fUnos[/youtube]

COMING SOON! THE COMMUNITY 2.0 CHALLENGE

CROWDSOURCING COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION

The communities of Braddock, North Braddock, Rankin, and Swissvale—through the Tri-Boro Development Forum (TBDF)—are sponsoring an open contest to find practical solutions to pressing problems. Because no matter how hard we try, the problems we face are too large for any one community to solve on their own. The Challenge will: · Connect people from around the region and across the globe through public forums, multimedia technology, and social networking online and off. · Capitalize on every person’s area of expertise, from residents and local leaders to experts in community development, to make collaboration easier and more effective· Take advantage of other communities’ successful efforts to solve problems that are similar to our own. · Engage the community to make civic affairs fun, with the chance to win cash prizes! Interested? The Community 2.0 Challenge kickoff event is Wednesday, March 19, 2008, at the Braddock Carnegie Library. The event will include an open house from 4:00-6:00pm to familiarize you with the history and geography of the area. An open forum from 6:00-7:00pm will give people an opportunity to voice their concerns. A speaker panel from 7:00-8:00pm will lend their advice on how to articulate these concerns into practical action. And don’t worry if you’re not from around here, all the information you’ll need will be available online at our web site. When: Wednesday March 19th at 4:00 pm Open House, 6:00 pm Community ForumWhere: Braddock Carnegie Library – 419 Library Street in Braddock The Contest runs from March 19th through May 31st Contact: Ron Gaydos, VP Community & Economic Development

Heritage Health Foundation, Inc.

445 Fourth Street, Braddock, PA 15104 Phone: (412) 351-0535 E-mail: rgaydos @ hhfi.org Website: http://www.tbdfconnects.org It all kicks off with a Community Forum for input to bring up and confirm community priorities.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 19TH – BRADDOCK CARNEGIE LIBRARY 4:00 PM: Open House / Community Service Fair6:00 PM: Community Forum – We need to hear from you!7:00 PM: Focus Our Action – Short Term and Long Term Steps to Take Next

Refreshments will be served.

For more information contact Ron Gaydos at (412) 351-0535 or rgaydos @ hhfi.org