Seven alumni and faculty named “Who’s Next: Technology”

As Pittsburgh continues to be recognized as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, Carnegie Mellon’s role in the matter is clearly evident. The Incline, an online news site that connects readers with relevant news and drives civic engagement in Pittsburgh, named 18 up-and-coming Pittsburgh entrepreneurs, inventors, and researchers who are creating technology for a better future. Seven of these awardees are Carnegie Mellon alumni or faculty.

From the Department of Mechanical Engineering, alumnus Josh Caputo and faculty member Reeja Jayan were recognized for their entrepreneurial and research ventures. Caputo (ECE ’10, MechE ’10, ’15) started HuMoTech in 2015, a spinoff from the Experimental Biomechatronics Lab. The company builds robotic exoskeletons and prostheses, including a robotic foot for amputees to experience what it’s like to wear different prostheses.

Assistant Professor Jayan developed a sensor to test whether or not food is really gluten-free. Based on her own struggle with celiac disease, Jayan plans to put the low-cost sensor on the commercial market. Although she is being recognized for her gluten-sensor research, Jayan has also received several other honors for her research in hybrid materials design.

Arden Rosenblatt (ETIM ’13) is the CEO and co-founder of PieceMaker Technologies, a 3D printing company that provides automated, easy-to-use systems for creating personalized products on-demand. Aside from working with companies like Toys’R’Us, Nickelodeon, and Ford Motors, Rosenblatt works to create strong ties between Pittsburgh and major organizations and cities across the country.

Eric Wise (MechE, BME ’14) began BreatheWise in September 2015, after watching family members undergo medical oxygen therapy and realizing that technology could help solve their breathing issues. BreatheWise manufactures a gas sensor system that can monitor real-time supply and usage data at customer sites.

Sanna Gaspard (BME ’05, ’11) has founded two medical technology companies: Rubitection and TLneoCare. Determined to address the widespread problem of bedsores, Gaspard founded Rubitection, a medical device startup that assesses and manages early-stage bedsores. TLneoCare is working to create a medical device that improves the survival rate and health of preterm and full-term babies.

Brian Finamore (ECE ’10) is the co-founder and CTO at Gridwise, a transportation startup that helps ride-hailing drivers know the best time and location to drive. Finamore previously worked with YinzCam, Boeing, and the International Space Station program.

Corinne Clinch (CEE, BME ’14) started Rorus with a classmate to develop low-cost and user-friendly water filters to remove viruses. Rorus began fulfilling orders for non-profits and NGOs in December, with 1,000 filters going to India.

Each awardee has made an impact on both the tech world and the region of Pittsburgh with their creative ideas and commitment to innovation and research. The Incline will hold a celebration for the honorees at the end of March, sponsored by Uber and S&T bank. Congratulations to our winners!