Companies concerned about computer hacking can count on the newest member of Pittsburgh’s fast-growing tech community

The cybersecurity firm HackEDU has moved its headquarters from California to Pittsburgh, the latest tech firm to formally join the region’s burgeoning tech community.

Company marketing executive Amy Baker said that three of the company’s top executives, including herself, already were living in Pittsburgh and aware of the technological talent available in the city. She said the region’s talent pool, fueled in part by Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh, was key to the decision.

“We knew we could find people here,” she said. “There are more than enough people to fill the roles we need.”

HackEDU provides cybersecurity training to businesses that range from startups to Fortune 500 companies. The company provides what it terms a “sandbox” for companies to delve into their own technological vulnerabilities. Its interactive secure coding training platform, accessible by clients at any time, provides tools designed to keep people engaged and teach secure coding principles.

“Helping to train people to fight against cybersecurity attacks is what we are here for,” Baker said. “What we do is lower barriers to learn security and provide safe and legal environments for exploration.”

In moving its headquarters from Santa Monica to Pittsburgh’s Strip District neighborhood, HackEDU is looking to double its 43-member work force over the next year.

Pittsburgh technology officials are excited by the relocation.

“We are very stoked about this move,” Pittsburgh Technology Council spokesman Jonathan Kersting said. “This is exactly the kind of talent want to attract to Pittsburgh.”

The company is looking to hire more than just coding experts. Baker said HackEDU’s open positions include software engineering, but also accounting, human resources, sales and marketing.

Santa Monica is approximately a 90-minute flight to San Francisco. United Airlines last month resumed nonstop flights between San Francisco and Pittsburgh nearly two years after halting them due to the pandemic.

The HackEDU relocation is only the latest sign that Pittsburgh’s tech sector is on the move.

Lawrenceville-based RE2 Robotics, which specializes in intelligent mobile manipulation systems development, recently was acquired by Sarcos Technology and Robotics Corporation based in Salt Lake City. Formed from Carnegie Mellon’s National Robotics Engineering Center more than two decades ago, RE2 was purchased for $100 million.

The technology council’s Kersting anticipates continued industry growth coinciding with the new $1.3 billion airport terminal currently under construction.

“The new terminal is going to give this region a more modern face,” Kersting said. “It’s going to really set the tone and the flavor of Pittsburgh.”