This article was written by George Collins (BSBA ’26) and Trinity Foster (BSBA, BS ’25), two students who serve on the 1486 Labs Content Team.
A year ago, we introduced you to 1486 Labs, a unique space within the University of Pittsburgh’s vibrant campus. Here, business students weren’t just learning – they were living entrepreneurship. Fast forward one year later, 1486 Labs has taken its mission to a whole new level.
1486 Labs is an entrepreneurial lab that not only hopes to bring value to its clients but also teaches its college-aged employees the ins and outs of the business world, specifically data analysis.
The organization is run by Pitt Business Executive in Residence and Othot President Andy Hannah. He has over 30 years of experience in the space, using his time as an entrepreneurial wizard to tackle a new challenge: bringing value to data professionals and enthusiasts alike.
A Busy Coop
At the labs, the energy remains electric. Collaborative whiteboards continue to dominate the walls, a testament to the constant brainstorming and problem-solving within the office that rests above CHiKN on Forbes Avenue, affectionately nicknamed “The Coop.” However, a few changes have been made.
DataFlections, the initial project aimed at streamlining the external data management landscape, has evolved. Today, the platform, now called Blue Street Data, is up and running and encourages education and community for those looking to solve data-related problems.
Additionally, the office is now home to over 20 students working in many spaces and teams, ranging from product management to marketing analytics.
“Joining 1486 Labs was a game-changer for me,” says George Collins (BSBA ‘26), a content intern, “I have been tasked with creating all different forms of content, whether it be a newsletter highlighting the value of Blue Street Data or graphics representing our various use cases. I have had so many valuable experiences in both marketing and data analysis.”
Teamwork Makes the (Data) Dream Work
Teamwork is of the essence at 1486 Labs. No matter the department, student employees will find themselves not only meeting with their functional teams but as an entire staff in multiple weekly meetings. In this sense, the students learn the importance of teamwork on multiple levels of an organization, and the idea that everyone should work towards a larger goal.
Wyatt Schroth (BSBA ’25), a product manager at 1486, commends the teamwork within the organization. “The value of teamwork is found in the bonds created and the learnings shared between team members. It has been and will continue to be one of our greatest assets moving forward,” he said.
The Power of Giving to Pitt Business
In February 2024, 1486 Labs encouraged alumni to donate to the Pitt Business Internship Support Fund as a part of Pitt Day of Giving. This fund supports 1486 Labs interns, allowing them to pursue an unmatched internship experience and help fund their college education.
Sarah O’Donnell (BSBA ’25), a vendor acquisition intern, spoke about the power and value of gifts. She said, “Without donations to Pitt Business, 1486 Labs wouldn’t be as big as it is now, and I wouldn’t be able to work alongside such an intelligent, driven team of students.”
The future of 1486 Labs is as bright and dynamic as the students who walk through its doors. With a focus on continuous innovation and an unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of learning by doing, 1486 Labs is poised to remain a gem, although now not-so-hidden, within Pittsburgh’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Gifts made to Pitt Business allow students to participate in experiences like this, where they will gain the skills they need to be career-ready when they graduate. To give to the Pitt Business Internship Support Fund, click this form, and under “Choose your area of support,” select the fund under the College of Business Administration.
