New zones
Taxes impact where businesses are built, and our governor and state legislature understand that. So for years there have been several Keystone Innovation Zones (KIZ) around Pittsburgh (and other parts of the state) that have been eligible for tax incentives under certain circumstances. Last week, Governor Wolf announced Qualified Opportunity Zones, which seem to have the same goal. Once we figure whether they actually differ, and determine what impact they will have on Pittsburgh technology companies, we’ll share our conclusions.
Outstanding regional CIOs named; this year adding support for women in tech leadership
Each year, the Pittsburgh Technology Council names a handful of CIOs as the tops in their fields at the CIO of the Year awards, which took place April 19. At this year’s event, the organization teamed with RedChairPGH to ensure that women have the same opportunity to reach those heights as men have had for years. The Technology Council raised $15,000 to support scholarships for mid-career women working in tech. Learn more about the scholarships here.
In the CIO of the Year’s largest company category, known as “Terabyte,” Arconic’s Chief Information Officer took the honor based on his efforts to modernize IT at Arconic from the shop floor to the boardroom. Here’s a list of the winners and finalists in each category.
While Washington fights with China and about environment, Westinghouse announces nuclear work
Cranberry Township-based Westinghouse announced this week that they’re starting to load fuel in a nuclear plant in Sanmen, China. The company has been working on advanced passive safety technology for their nuclear plants, and this is the first plant from the company to use their latest techniques. According to a Westinghouse announcement, this is part of a partnership with China’s nuclear program to provide clean air electricity to power China’s economy.
Nominations open for The Tech 50 – you can help name the best Pittsburgh Tech companies
Is your favorite technology company based in the Pittsburgh area? You may want to nominate it for The Tech 50 — spotlighting the best and brightest companies in the Western PA technosphere. Nominations opened Thursday and the winners will be announced at a gala at the Wyndham Grand Hotel Downtown on October 25. This year’s awards will include Culture Leader of the Year and Innovator & Solution Provider of the Year.
Coworking spaces
Coworking spaces are popping up all over the city — especially in East End neighborhoods. (Rumors abound that the goliath of co-working may even pull into Pittsburgh soon, just rumors for now.) So aren’t you glad there’s now a PA Coworking Conference? It’s happening in Lancaster, Pa., probably as you read this (on Apr. 26). We’ll let you know if we hear anything interesting from it.
Smart airport
Smart tech executives tend to travel around the country — and the world. So having a smart airport would definitely come in handy. Now Carnegie Mellon University is working with the airport authority to make sure Pittsburgh International Airport is not just Airport of the Year, but also the smartest in the world. Read NextPittsburgh’s details here.
Upcoming business, career & networking events
Pittsburgh Venture Capital Association Emerging Leadership Board
Tuesday May 1, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Mattress Factory
Pittsburgh Technology Council Face2Face Mixer
Thursday, May 3, 5 – 7 p.m. at Burns White
Social Media Strategies & Tactics
Thursday, May 3, 7 – 9 p.m. at AlphaLab
Carnegie Science Awards
Friday, May 4, 6 – 10:30 p.m. at Carnegie Music Hall, Oakland