The Story
Aisha Williams and Dev Patel founded CircuitSpark Labs in 2018 with a mission to design and manufacture IoT and smart home devices from Pittsburgh. What started as a side project designing WiFi-connected environmental sensors evolved into a full-fledged hardware startup. CircuitSpark combines mechanical engineering, embedded systems, and industrial design to create devices that are both functional and aesthetically considered.
The company manufactures three core products: SmartSense (environmental monitoring for homes and offices), ControlFlow (building automation and HVAC management), and IndusTrack (IoT sensors for industrial applications). CircuitSpark manufactures prototypes and small production runs from a facility in Lawrenceville, while maintaining relationships with contract manufacturers for larger volumes. The engineering team includes experts in hardware design, firmware development, and cloud integration. Products are sold directly to consumers and businesses through their website and via B2B channels.
CircuitSpark has attracted attention from tech publications and investors as an example of hardware manufacturing returning to American cities. The company maintains a commitment to sustainable design and ethical manufacturing practices.
What Makes It Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh's history as a manufacturing center—combined with its emerging tech community—creates a unique environment for hardware innovation. CircuitSpark represents a new iteration of Pittsburgh manufacturing: precise, technology-enabled, and focused on solving real problems.
Aisha and Dev actively participate in Pittsburgh's startup ecosystem, mentor younger engineers, and believe Pittsburgh can become a hub for American hardware innovation.