Carnegie Foundry Launches Thryve Labs with The Barber National Institute and National Investors

Erie and Pittsburgh, PA – (August 7, 2025) - Carnegie Foundry, a venture studio advancing next-generation robotics and AI, today announced the launch of Thryve Labs, a healthcare technology startup using artificial intelligence to transform caregiving. The company launches with $1.5 million in seed funding, led by Stand Together Ventures Lab (STVL) and Barber National Institute, and with technology developed in collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University’s National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC).

Thryve Labs will begin operations in Erie, PA, drawing on deep local expertise, trusted community partners, and a strong civic infrastructure. Among these partners is  Barber National Institute, a nationally recognized leader in services for individuals with disabilities, which is both an early investor and a key collaborator in the company’s launch.

“We see enormous potential for this technology to support our staff and the families we serve,” said Robert Barber, Senior Vice President of Barber National
Institute. “Being part of this effort from the start allows us to help shape tools that truly reflect the daily realities of care delivery. It’s exciting to see this level of
innovation taking root right here in Erie.”

This initiative represents a major investment in Erie’s innovation economy and a nationally significant step toward addressing the caregiving crisis with scalable technology. Thryve Labs was created to bring affordable and effective solutions to the tens of millions of Americans caring for aging adults, individuals with disabilities, and those managing chronic health needs—whether in their homes or in professional care settings.

“Caregiving is deeply personal work,  and every individual we support has a different rhythm, a different need,” said Barber. “Thryve’s approach respects that
individuality while giving our teams better tools to respond with care and confidence.”

Unlike traditional healthcare technology that often focuses on billing systems or standalone devices, Thryve Labs is designed to support caregivers directly. Its AI-powered platform uses advanced sensors and adaptive learning to understand each individual’s normal daily routines. It detects meaningful changes—such as skipped meals, poor sleep, unusual wandering, increased agitation, or potential falls—and delivers real-time, privacy-preserving updates to caregivers and
loved ones. These insights help reduce stress, enable timely interventions, and improve both safety and quality of care.

“This is exactly the kind of cross-regional collaboration that Erie needs,” said Matt Wachter, General Counsel and Chief Financial Officer of Carnegie Foundry.
“We’re bringing cutting edge technology out of Pittsburgh and working with Barber National Institute to build something truly meaningful. Thryve Labs is going
to solve challenges in Erie that affect all of us, and it is going to matter to families across the country.”

Thryve Labs’ decision to launch in Erie reflects more than geography. The city’s combination of trusted institutions like Barber National Institute, a supportive civic environment, and a willingness to partner on meaningful solutions makes it a natural home for early-stage innovation.

“Erie is the right place for this,” added Wachter, an Erie native and resident. “The people here understand care in a personal way, and there’s a shared commitment to
doing things the right way. This is the place where I choose to live and raise my family. For a mission like ours, that kind of alignment matters. This is about
delivering peace of mind—through AI—for caregivers, for loved ones, and for the future of care itself.”

A recent study conducted by Carnegie Foundry and Stand Together Ventures Lab, titled The Family Caregiver Experience with Aging at Home, underscores the urgency of the problem.

Among the findings:
• 84 percent of caregivers already use or are considering in-home sensors
• Peace of mind—not system integration—was ranked as the top priority
• Caregivers are willing to pay directly for tools that reduce daily stress
• The current marketplace is fragmented, with few solutions that scale

Thryve Labs will begin deployment this summer with early access partners in Erie and is actively expanding its network of care providers, researchers, and policy advocates.

Learn more at: www.thryvelabs.ai

About Carnegie Foundry
Carnegie Foundry is a venture studio that builds and commercializes advanced robotics, AI, and autonomy companies using technologies developed in collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University’s National Robotics Engineering Center. Focused on high-impact sectors including healthcare, manufacturing, energy, and national security, Carnegie Foundry turns breakthrough technology into real-world solutions.
Inquiries: Michael Lutzky – michael@carnegiefoundry.com

About Barber National Institute
The Barber National Institute provides education, employment, residential, and behavioral health services to more than 6,000 individuals across Pennsylvania. With a legacy of pioneering care for individuals with disabilities and aging adults, the Institute continues to lead with compassion and innovation.
Inquiries: Robert Barber – robertbarber@barberni.org

About Stand Together Ventures Lab (STVL)
STVL is an early-stage investment firm backing founders tackling society’s most pressing challenges through innovative, market-based solutions.
Inquiries: Amina Resheidat – aresheidat@stvl.com