A major new facility—dubbed the Secure Innovation Center—is coming to Bakery Square in Pittsburgh’s East End, city and county officials announced this week. Slated to break ground early next year, the center aims to bring together cybersecurity experts, defense researchers, entrepreneurs and students under one roof to tackle emerging digital threats and foster cutting-edge tech startups.
Background and Vision
Over the past decade, Bakery Square has evolved from an old Nabisco factory into one of Pittsburgh’s most dynamic mixed-use districts, home to offices, labs, retail shops and residences. Now, local government leaders and private partners want to cement the neighborhood’s reputation as a tech hub by building a 150,000-square-foot Secure Innovation Center on a vacant lot adjacent to the East Busway.
Mayor Ed Gainey, speaking at a press conference on Thursday, called the project “a testament to our city’s resurgence as a national leader in technology and innovation.” He noted that the center will “bridge the gap between academic research, private enterprise and government agencies—creating a pipeline of talent and solutions for tomorrow’s security challenges.”
Project Partners and Funding
The Secure Innovation Center is a public-private partnership involving:
• The City of Pittsburgh, which has committed a $10 million infrastructure improvement grant.
• Allegheny County, contributing $5 million from its economic development fund.
• Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh, providing faculty expertise, testing labs and student internship programs.
• Local development firm Walnut Capital, serving as lead private developer and facility manager.
• Federal support in the form of an initial $20 million grant from the Department of Homeland Security.
Overall project costs are estimated at $75 million. Walnut Capital has secured additional private financing and is in discussions with several venture capital firms to establish a seed fund for early-stage startups that will call the center home.
Building Features and Programming
Designed by renowned Pittsburgh architect Emily Kahn, the center will have three levels of lab and office space, an open “innovation cathedral” for events and lectures, a prototyping workshop outfitted with 3D printers and CNC machines, and a rooftop terrace offering views of the Strip District. Sustainable features include a green roof, solar panels and rainwater harvesting.
Key tenants and programs will include:
• Cybersecurity Research Labs—Dedicated spaces for testing network defenses, IoT (Internet of Things) devices and critical-infrastructure simulations under realistic conditions.
• Defense Technology Incubator—A partnership with the U.S. Army’s DEVCOM Cyber Center, mentoring startups focused on secure communications, resilient hardware and AI-driven threat detection.
• University Innovation Zones—Reserved desks and offices for up to 50 student-founded ventures each year, with access to faculty advisors and industry mentors.
• Workforce Development Workshops—In collaboration with local community colleges, offering certificate programs in ethical hacking, secure software development and digital forensics.
• Public Forums and Speaker Series—Monthly events featuring leaders in cybersecurity policy, privacy law and emerging technology trends.
Anticipated Economic Impact
City and county estimates project that the Secure Innovation Center will generate:
• 200 direct jobs (engineers, researchers, operations staff) within two years of opening.
• 300 ancillary positions in support services, hospitality and retail.
• Attraction of up to $100 million in follow-on venture funding for tenant startups over five years.
• A boost of $5–7 million annually to local restaurants, hotels and other small businesses in the Bakery Square area.
Personal Anecdote
Last summer, I took my daughter to visit Bakery Square on a sunny Saturday afternoon. We grabbed ice cream at Milkshake Factory, then strolled past the gleaming glass offices of tech firms and university research labs. I remember telling her, “Someday, something even bigger will rise here—something that changes the way people think about security and technology.” Now, with the Secure Innovation Center on the horizon, that foresight feels prescient. I can’t wait to watch students in hoodies and venture capitalists in suits collaborate next to the very spot where we sat, sharing sundaes.
Five Key Takeaways
1. Public-Private Partnership: The project pools $75 million from city, county, federal and private sources to build a state-of-the-art cybersecurity hub.
2. Academic Collaboration: CMU and Pitt will supply research labs, faculty advisors and student programs, ensuring a steady pipeline of fresh ideas and talent.
3. Industry and Defense: With a formal incubator tied to the U.S. Army DEVCOM Cyber Center, startups will get direct exposure to defense-grade challenges and procurement pathways.
4. Community Benefits: Beyond research, the center offers workforce training, public events and significant economic uplift for nearby businesses.
5. Sustainable Design: Green roofs, solar panels and intimate public spaces reflect a commitment to eco-friendly construction and community integration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When will construction begin and how long will it take?
A: Groundbreaking is scheduled for January 2026, with completion targeted for late 2027. A phased opening of lab spaces will start in mid-2027.
Q2: Who can apply to the startup incubator?
A: Early-stage companies working on cybersecurity, defense tech or secure hardware and software solutions are eligible. Applications open in the spring of 2026. Academic founders and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.
Q3: Will there be opportunities for local residents without a tech background?
A: Yes. The center’s workforce development workshops and certificate programs in ethical hacking, secure coding and digital forensics are open to all, regardless of prior experience.
Call to Action
Pittsburgh is on track to become a global leader in secure innovation—and you can be a part of it. Whether you’re an entrepreneur with a defense-grade idea, a student eager to hone your cybersecurity skills or a community member interested in free public lectures, the Secure Innovation Center at Bakery Square wants to hear from you. Visit www.secureinnovationpgh.org to sign up for updates, apply for programs or RSVP to our informational kickoff event this fall. Let’s build the future of secure tech—together.
