9 hot startup accelerators

AlphaLab Gear

An offshoot from the more general tech accelerator AlphaLab, this Pittsburgh program focuses on hardware, robotics and "Internet of things" companies. It takes a 5% stake for a $25,000 investment or 9% for $50,000. AlphaLab has graduated an impressive 75 startups; the new program has eight companies currently enrolled.

The mentors from nearby Carnegie Mellon provide the biggest value, according to Hahna Alexander, CTO of Sole Power, which makes a power-generating shoe insole to charge portable devices and graduated from the general accelerator in 2012.

"Whatever you need -- manufacturing and distribution or on the business side, they can connect you to the people to get it done," she says.

Other participants (still in the program)

• PieceMaker Technologies: 3D printing kiosks for retail stores that let customers personalize products on the spot. The startup aims to pilot the kiosks in April.
• Saturday Garage: Robotic woodworking and other advanced precision tools for DIY robotics enthusiasts.