Pittsburgh, Pa. – Gecko Robotics has been named the Official AI & Robotics Partner of Duquesne University Athletics, becoming one of the first companies in the country to appear on an NCAA Division I basketball jersey following a landmark rule change.
Since August 1, 2026, NCAA Division I institutions are permitted, for the first time in history, to feature a commercial patch on their basketball jerseys. As part of the new agreement, Gecko Robotics' logo will appear on the jerseys worn by the Duquesne University men's basketball team throughout the season. Founded in Pittsburgh, Pa., Gecko Robotics has become a global leader in AI-powered robotics, helping the U.S. military, critical infrastructure operators and manufacturers modernize maintenance and production through advanced AI and robotics.
"As we continue to adapt to the modern collegiate landscape, we are constantly seeking new and innovative ways to provide meaningful support and resources to our student-athletes," said Duquesne Interim Director of Athletics
John Henderson.
"This generous investment from Gecko Robotics reflects that commitment to bold, forward-thinking partnerships that create value and professional development opportunities for our student-athletes. We are incredibly grateful to Gecko Robotics for their support of Duquesne Athletics and the future of our student-athletes."
The partnership also includes prominent Gecko branding inside UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse as well as a range of collaborations designed to strengthen ties between one of Pittsburgh's fastest-growing technology companies and one of the city's leading universities. The agreement reflects Gecko Robotics' continued investment in Pittsburgh, where the company is expanding its engineering, manufacturing and defense capabilities while creating high-skilled jobs and developing technologies that strengthen American industry and national security.
"This partnership represents two Pittsburgh institutions investing in the future," said Jake Loosararian, CEO and Co-founder of Gecko Robotics. "As the first NCAA Division I programs begin introducing jersey sponsorships, we're proud that one of those partnerships will showcase a company founded right here in Pittsburgh. Duquesne is developing the next generation of leaders, and we're excited to support its student-athletes while inspiring more young people to pursue careers in AI, robotics and advanced manufacturing."
Gecko Robotics branding will be featured on Duquesne men's basketball jerseys, within UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse and across a variety of athletics platforms as part of the partnership.
"It's a great day for Duquesne men's basketball to enter into such an amazing partnership with Gecko Robotics," said Duquesne head men's basketball coach
Dru Joyce III. "What I appreciate most is the partnership goes beyond a jersey patch. It's about two organizations that are committed to building something meaningful in the city of Pittsburgh. We're excited to represent Gecko Robotics on our jersey and even more excited about the relationship behind it. We're proud of this partnership and to have them alongside us as we continue to build Duquesne basketball."
Duquesne men's basketball will enter its 111th season as an NCAA Division I program in 2026-27 under the direction of Joyce III, who is in his third year as head coach of the Dukes. Duquesne has averaged 19 wins over the last four seasons, which includes a run to the 2024 Atlantic 10 Championship and automatic berth in the NCAA Championship. In the 2024 NCAA Tournament, the Dukes earned their first victory since 1969, defeating BYU, 71-67, in the first round.
Among multiple historical touchpoints throughout the program's first 110 years, former Duquesne standout Chuck Cooper (1946-50) became the first African-American drafted in the NBA, as he was selected with the 13th overall pick by the Boston Celtics in 1950. Duquesne is also the only institution to have the first overall pick in the NBA Draft in back-to-back years, as Dick Ricketts (1951-55) went No. 1 overall in 1955 by the Saint Louis Hawks, while in 1956 Sihugo Green (1953-56) went as the top overall pick by the Rochester Royals. Duquesne has made six appearances in the NCAA Tournament in program history as well as made 17 appearances in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), claiming the NIT championship in 1955.
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