Impact Globalizer - Soft Landings

Idea Foundry's Soft Landings services assist with relocating, launching, or opening a new U.S. company in Pittsburgh from foreign innovation.
Applications open:
Application deadline:

Idea Foundry has developed Soft Landings services to assist in the process of relocating, launching, or opening a new U.S. company from foreign innovation in Pittsburgh. Idea Foundry was recognized as an InBIA-designated Soft Landings site in 2019. The Soft Landings services are the last of 3 tiers of services which comprise the Impact Globalizer program; for information on the other tiers visit the Explore and Navigate pages. Through Idea Foundry’s leadership an extensive network of relationships and resources exist to support a wide range of service offerings completely tailored to the needs of the business. The needs of each business opportunity are very diverse, so our program length ranges from 6 months - 1 year and services may include:

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Idea Foundry was designated as an InBIA Soft Landing site in August 2019

1. Assistance with accommodations for Working in Pittsburgh

  • Assistance with finding housing accommodations in Pittsburgh, both temporary and permanent, through our partners

2. Assistance with Legal Requirements for Working in Pittsburgh

  • Connections to an immigration and/or business lawyer for help with immigration, visa applications, and/or entity registration
  • Assistance on legal documentation, local regulation compliance, IP protection, obtaining government licenses, etc.
  • Guidance on import and export processes

3. Assistance in Team development and recruitment

4. Assistance in American Acculturation and Acclamation

  • Translation and interpretation services (for select languages)
  • Access to resources for immigrants including language training, professional networking, support services, and more
  • Guidance on American culture and business practices

5. Business Development & Expansion Services

  • Assistance in local marketing, branding and social media.
  • Connections to Idea Foundry’s network of business professionals, entrepreneurs, and researchers
  • General business strategy and market acces from Idea Foundry, with over 16 years’ experience commercializing innovation and supporting business growth in the region

Eligibility Requirements

  1. Company must be registered outside of the United States.
  2. It must be established and revenue generating.
  3. Applicants must demonstrate U.S. market validation, either through proof of market studies, MoUs from potential customers, or through successful completion of Idea Foundry’s Impact Globalizer - Explore & Navigate services
  4. Company should be based from an innovative solution, either through a disruptive methodology, process, or technology.
  5. Applicants should be able to demonstrate its impact and its potential to generate jobs in Southwestern Pennsylvania, both through employment of citizens from the region and transfer of foreign staff to the area.
  6. Idea Foundry’s primary focus areas include life sciences and healthcare, environment, education, energy, safety and security, agriculture, and advanced/emerging technologies.‍
  7. The Impact Globalizer program includes 3 tiers of services, participants may apply to participate in all 3 tiers, but it is not required.

Focus areas

Idea Foundry's portfolio focuses on impact. Our focus areas have evolved with the changing needs and priorities of the region. While the innovations and businesses we work with address specific and often complex problems, they create an impact in areas which are basic societal or environmental necessities.

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How to apply

Applications for this program are by invitation only. We encourage interested parties to reach out and have meetings with our team.
  1. Idea Foundry accepts inquiries for all levels of the Impact Globalizer Program on a rolling basis throughout the year.
  2. Please contact us at info@ideafoundry.org with a brief description of your idea and needs. Our staff will get back to you to see if the program is a good fit for you.
  3. Applications are accepted through our online application form. Click on the button below to view the application and apply.
  4. At the present time, Idea Foundry can only receive applications and inquiries in English, Mandarin, and Spanish.
  5. The Idea Foundry team will get back to you within approximately 2 weeks regarding next steps.
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