RK Mellon Foundation launches $1 million competition for for-profit companies making social impact
“If you are an entrepreneur with a dream to change the world for the better, you should be in Pittsburgh.”
15 Jul 2021
Ascender highlights diversity in new class of 11 startups
Each company will work with a coach from Ascender’s network of experts (and more than 60 alumni) to launch, build and grow their businesses.
07 Jun 2021
How 10 creative businesses in the Next Leap program are working on growth and social impact
This fall, Bridgeway Capital’s Creative Business Accelerator and Ascender combined their business building capabilities to offer the inaugural Next Leap Program.
25 Nov 2020
Nadyli Nuñez is named executive director at Ascender
Ascender's first female and first Latinx executive director has "always been outspoken."
07 Nov 2019
NEXT Up: Jenny Sharpe on why Pittsburgh should support all startup businesses
"I’d like to see a Pittsburgh that supports all startup businesses, whether it is a new tech innovation or a corner bakery."
19 Jun 2019
Pittsburgh’s seventh Thrival Festival is set for September with a focus on local innovators
The theme for 2019: By Pittsburgh. For Pittsburgh. For the World.
12 Jun 2019
Which Pittsburgh tech companies advanced in XPRIZE competitions?
Nine Pittsburgh teams have forged ahead in XPRIZE competitions focused on AI, education and women's safety.
18 Dec 2017
Thrival Innovation Festival ups its game with national speakers and a focus on AI
“We'd really like to make Pittsburgh not just an AI robotics development hub, but also a center where AI ethics and the responsible development of these technologies are also happening."
29 Jun 2017
Ascender, formerly Thrill Mill, kicks off reinvention with XPRIZE competition
“What we're trying to put forward is an environment where everybody who wants to try to build something feels like this is a place where they can go, regardless of what that thing is."
11 Nov 2016