By Chloe Jad
March 25, 2026
Pittsburgh, PA – In an enthusiastic push to transform Pittsburgh into a thriving tech and business hub, Mayor Corey O'Connor has taken to the stage at the Hike2 Innovation Summit, held at Bakery Square. Speaking before a crowd of industry leaders on March 25, O’Connor emphasized the city’s readiness to attract new talent, startups, and established businesses while fostering an environment where innovation can flourish.
A Call for Community Engagement
O’Connor reiterated his role as Pittsburgh's cheerleader, calling on local business leaders to join him in promoting the city's potential to both current residents and those who have relocated elsewhere. “The mayor’s job is to be the biggest promoter of the city,” O’Connor stated, adding, “We can’t just wait for people to come to us; we have to actively reach out to them.”
His calls to action included conducting numerous outreach efforts—“10 to 20 calls a week”—to former residents who are alumni of local universities like the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, probing the reasons behind their departures. “How can we get you back?” he asked, indicating a strong agenda focused on retention and attraction of talent.
Navigating the Permitting Process
Mayor O’Connor highlighted current challenges within the city’s permitting system, acknowledging the bureaucratic hurdles that can deter both large developers and small entrepreneurs. He emphasized the importance of building a supportive environment for every business, including coffee shops and yoga studios. “We need to streamline our procedures so that even small startups can thrive without losing valuable resources,” he urged.
During a panel discussion, Gerardo Interiano from Aurora—a startup focused on autonomous vehicles—remarked on the historic disconnects between tech and government. “Tech was very hesitant to work with government,” he noted, encouraging better collaboration moving forward. The mayor responded by pointing to initiatives like the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s efforts to reclaim vacant properties, which could serve as incubators for new businesses.
Reimagining Pittsburgh’s Identity
O'Connor believes that Pittsburgh still suffers from an identity problem, often associated with its industrial past. He is determined to reshape this narrative, envisioning a city that thrives in the tech sector. “Pittsburgh is not just about steel mills anymore; we need to showcase who we are today,” he said, articulating aspirations for the future of the city over the next decade.
As part of this vision, O’Connor called for increased programming opportunities for youth to engage with technology. “Why not have a tech firm bring robots to our recreation centers to inspire kids?” he proposed, challenging community leaders to show children new possibilities.
Embracing Artificial Intelligence
The summit also spotlighted the city’s proactive approach towards integrating artificial intelligence into public services. Andrew Hayhurst, senior manager of innovation for the city, explained the steps taken since AI entered mainstream discourse in 2022. “We chose to prepare by establishing guidelines, training staff, and facilitating responsible experimentation,” he said.
Crucially, O'Connor noted that the aim is not to replace human workers but to enhance their capabilities. Efforts are underway to automate routine tasks like document management, thereby freeing city employees for more complex problem-solving tasks.
The city’s PGH Lab program has emerged as a fruitful test bed for AI innovations, allowing startups to pilot their products in a real municipal environment. Despite being in operation for a decade, recent funding incentives have spurred investment that integrates solutions that directly benefit the local ecosystem.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Streamlined Processes
In the near future, the city plans to launch a new AI-powered permitting navigation system, designed to simplify compliance and approval processes. This initiative aims to alleviate long wait times and improve efficiency for both city employees and permit applicants. “If we can reduce the number of review cycles, we can make the process smoother for everyone involved,” Hayhurst explained.
Conclusion
As Pittsburgh prepares for an influx of visitors for the upcoming NFL Draft and beyond, Mayor O’Connor’s calls for a collaborative spirit among businesses, local government, and the community may allow the city to redefine its identity. By embracing new technologies and fostering an ecosystem that prioritizes innovation, Pittsburgh may emerge not just as a city of the past, but as a beacon of the future.
For further details on the Hike2 Innovation Summit and ongoing developments in Pittsburgh, visit Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
