Innovate Alabama

Innovate Alabama is making the business case for investing in women – on a national stage. Today, on International Women’s Day, we took the conversation to SXSW, hosting a panel with Halogen Ventures and Alabama-based startup Prismm to highlight the momentum building for female founders in our state. Why it matters: 🔹 More capital for women-led startups: Halogen Ventures is investing $10M in Alabama female founders through our InvestAL program. 🔹 Scaling innovative ideas: Companies like Prismm are tackling critical challenges, like ensuring families have seamless access to essential documents after a loved one’s passing. 🔹 Alabama is a national player: With world-class universities, major industry players and a thriving startup ecosystem, the state is proving that innovation and quality of life go hand in hand. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/ef6JKWuh

Alabama is "where your capital lasts longer, your network grows faster and your business scales smarter." Innovate Alabama Executive Director of SSBCI Charlie Pond breaks down why founders are choosing Alabama to build and grow their startups. The low cost of living isn’t just a perk; it gives founders what they need most: time.

Mark your calendars! We are excited to announce Innovate Alabama’s first-ever Outdoor Recreation Summit on April 21-22 at Guntersville State Park! This two-day event will bring together community leaders, outdoor industry professionals, entrepreneurs, students and policymakers to explore how outdoor recreation fuels economic growth, innovation and workforce development in Alabama. Attendees can look forward to engaging panels on funding, policy and economic development, as well as valuable networking opportunities with industry professionals and investors. Students and future leaders will have the chance to participate in hands-on outdoor experiences. Stay tuned for speaker announcements, lodging details and registration information!

Innovate Alabama is proud to support the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology Tech Challenge tomorrow! This life sciences hackathon brings together top minds in tech and biotech to tackle real-world challenges in genomics, genetics and bioinformatics. Don’t miss out — register now! https://lnkd.in/eiy-gkWR

Don’t forget to apply! If you have an active Phase I or II SBIR/STTR grant, you may be eligible for the #InnovateAlabama Supplemental Grant Program — non-dilutive funding to help commercialize your concept. 📅 Deadline: This Friday, February 28 at 5:00 p.m. CST 🔗 Apply here: https://lnkd.in/eSxzfHBD

Innovate Alabama is excited to announce the latest round of designees in the Innovate Alabama Network! This round, 58 organizations — ranging from urban hubs to rural communities — have been recognized for their work in fostering Talent Development, Lifestyle & Recreation and Access to Resources throughout the state. These investments drive statewide collaboration, economic growth and innovation across Alabama. With over $12.8M in project grants and $2.1M in general awards given to new and existing designees, this round’s funding underscores the enthusiasm and momentum of Alabama’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. “Innovate Alabama has certainly been a game-changer in fostering entrepreneurship and economic development across the state.” – Mike Putman, executive director, Jasper Main Street, Innovate Alabama Network designee We’re proud to support these organizations and their contributions to Alabama’s future economy. Read more about the Innovate Alabama Network:

🔬 Trailblazers in Innovation: Honoring Tuskegee University & Lonnie Johnson As we celebrate Black History Month, we recognize the historic contributions of Tuskegee University, a global leader in entrepreneurship, innovation, and STEM education. From training generations of engineers and business leaders to fostering new startups, Tuskegee continues to empower the next wave of Black entrepreneurs in Alabama. One of Tuskegee’s most renowned innovators, Dr. Lonnie Johnson, revolutionized play and engineering with his invention of the Super Soaker—one of the world’s best-selling toys. But his impact extends far beyond toys—he is a visionary entrepreneur, investor, and advocate for innovation in Alabama. We were extremely thankful to hear more about his story at Innovate Alabama's last State of Innovation Day. 🚀 Johnson Energy Storage, Inc., founded by Dr. Johnson, is pioneering cutting-edge energy storage technology. Through a $1 million investment from Innovate Alabama, JES is developing all-solid-state batteries, creating safer, more affordable alternatives to traditional lithium batteries. This investment supports innovation and job creation in Tuskegee, further strengthening Alabama’s tech and energy sectors. At EDPA, we are proud of the innovative work happening across our state to support entrepreneurs and bring new technology to market. 📍 Learn more about Dr. Johnson’s impact and Innovate Alabama’s investment here: https://lnkd.in/egH4CZkz #BlackHistoryMonth #TuskegeeUniversity #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #LonnieJohnson #EconomicDevelopment #InnovateAlabama

Alabama entrepreneurs: If you’ve received an SBIR/STTR Phase I or II award since July 1, 2023, you may be eligible for additional funding. Join Innovate Alabama’s virtual workshop on Feb. 12 at 10:30 a.m. CST to learn about the Supplemental Grant application process. 📅 Feb. 12 | 10:30 a.m. CST 🔗 Join via Zoom: https://lnkd.in/e6mY4Q_V 

We’re just a few days away from our upcoming Innovate Alabama Board Meeting. Join us in Montgomery on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 3:30 p.m. at the Retirement Systems of Alabama board room. This public meeting will cover key updates on our Access to Resources, Talent Development and Lifestyle & Outdoor Recreation initiatives critical to supporting Alabama’s entrepreneurs and growing our innovation economy. If you can’t join in person, watch the live stream here: https://lnkd.in/euFY6EgC.

Big news for Alabama: Something Better Foods, Inc., a California-based manufacturer of plant-based foods, is putting down roots in Huntsville, thanks to support from Innovate Alabama's SSBCI InvestAL program. Founded by G.W. “Chef Chew” Chew, the company is on a mission to tackle food insecurity, increase access to affordable, healthy options in Alabama's food deserts and create jobs while uplifting local farmers. This is more than a business expansion – it's a movement for healthier, stronger communities. Welcome to Alabama, Something Better Foods. We can't wait to see the impact you’ll make. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eg6t-RXj