Innovate Alabama

?? Last Chance to RSVP for Tomorrow's SPARK Showcase! ?? Join us tomorrow for an exciting evening as our SPARK founders showcase the startups that they’ve been working on over the last 7 weeks. ?? Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025 ?? Time: 5:30pm-8:00pm ?? Location: UAH Invention to Innovation Center (I2C) 850 Ben Graves Dr NW, Huntsville, AL 35816 ?? RSVP Link: https://lnkd.in/eMCBfVRt Thank you to our incredible partners: Innovate Alabama, Apollo Coalition, RCP Companies, WIT // HSV, UAH I2C. See you there! #SPARKShowcase #Innovation #StartupLife #Networking #TechEvent

We are excited to share that Sen. Garlan Gudger, newly elected President Pro Tempore of the Alabama Senate, has joined the Innovate Alabama Board of Directors, reinforcing the state’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth. With a strong background in economic development, Senate Pro Tem Gudger brings valuable insight to advancing policies and programs that support startups, talent development and resource accessibility. His leadership will help position Alabama as a national leader in innovation and technology-driven enterprise. Join us in welcoming Senate Pro Tem Gudger to the Innovate Alabama Board! Watch to hear more about why he's excited to help grow entrepreneurship in the state.

Innovate Alabama made waves at SXSW 2025! From a powerhouse panel on female entrepreneurship to engaging conversations at our SEEK AL activation, we showed the world why Alabama is a place where founders can thrive. National venture leader?Amy Jo Martin?and?Martha Underwood?of?Prismm highlighted Alabama’s growing capital access and business ecosystem. Add in our unmatched quality of life — from mountain trails to Gulf Coast beaches — and it’s clear why more innovators are choosing to build here. Read more about how Innovate Alabama took center stage at SXSW in the comments!

From the Super Soaker to clean energy innovation — Dr. Lonnie G. Johnson is shaping the future once again. Johnson Energy Storage, Inc. (JES) and Tuskegee University are teaming up to launch the Dr. Lonnie Johnson Technology Research & Incubation Center — a hub designed to fuel the next generation of innovators. JES is part of Innovate Alabama's InvestAL portfolio, turning groundbreaking research into real-world solutions, like all solid-state batteries, that will impact Alabama’s economy and beyond. Hear Dr. Johnson’s insights from State of Innovation Day.

Applications are OPEN for the Innovate Alabama Tax Credit Program, providing incentives designed to fuel Alabama’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. This program encourages private contributions to help economic development organizations do what they do best: provide the tools, resources and opportunities that help entrepreneurs level up their companies. Learn more and apply today:?https://lnkd.in/edvphsaJ.

At SXSW, we are putting the state’s thriving innovation ecosystem in the spotlight with our SEEK AL activation at the Inc. Magazine Founders House. This weekend, entrepreneurs and investors are getting an exclusive look at why Alabama is the perfect place not only to build a business but also to build a life. Cynthia Crutchfield, our CEO, said it best: “SXSW is an incredible opportunity to put Alabama’s innovators and investors on a national stage. Through our SEEK AL activation, we’re showcasing how innovation and quality of life go hand in hand. By partnering with Inc., we’re ensuring Alabama’s startup ecosystem is part of the national conversation.” If you’re in Austin, stop by to see firsthand why Alabama is quickly becoming a hub for entrepreneurs looking for both success and balance.

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