Alabama’s Rising Local Startups Win Big at Launchpad Competition

In a significant boost to Alabama’s burgeoning startup ecosystem, two local startups – NephSol and Zone Protects – clinched a total of $75,000 at the recent Alabama Launchpad Cycle 2 Finale held in Huntsville on August 15. With a mission to propel the growth of both early seed stage and concept stage startups, the Alabama Launchpad competition has been a cornerstone in funding and nurturing promising local businesses since 2007.

Zone Protects Bags $50K

Zone Protects, conceived by Brian Baer, is an ingenious product lineup of Picardin-based animal and insect repellants which are non-oily, unscented, and suitable for all skin types. The startup was born out of Baer’s ambition in 2017 to develop an effective, safe, and DEET-free formula to help those tormented by insect-borne diseases. A humble bug repellant endeavor morphed into a line of products catering to different segments, including hunting, lawn care, and home care.

“Honestly, God has been preparing me and our company since day one. During the competition, I paid close attention to criteria set forth by the Launchpad organizers. I’m always looking to grow and become better.  Having the opportunity to hear different perspectives was valuable. Finally, with this accomplishment, we are moving one step closer to building a national brand right here in Alabama!”, stated Brian Baer, Founder of Zone Protects.

NephSol, Inc. Grasps $25K for Its Innovative Concept

NephSol, born out of an MBA project by Sydney Ringold and Olivia Bruno at the University of Alabama, is out to disrupt dialysis care with their cutting-edge headset technology. Launched in 2020, this groundbreaking gadget aims to monitor blood flow consistently during treatment, considerably reducing acute side effects such as strokes.

Ringold and Bruno, besides their financial gain, greatly valued the mentorship they received during the competition phase. “We are so grateful for the time the advisors dedicated to our company! We have been introduced to concepts that we had never even considered previously. We pivoted our pitch in the areas they recommended and were consistently open to feedback. I think our pitch truly showcased our passion for the healthcare industry and our unwavering commitment to easing the suffering of dialysis patients.”, shared Sydney Ringold, Co-founder of NephSol.

Unveiling The Alabama Launchpad

A part of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA), Alabama Launchpad facilitates local startups like Zone Protects and NephSol by offering them an opportunity to compete for critical funding. Since its inception in 2007, it has invested over $6.2 million in 119 startups, including well-known entities like TaxxWiz, Domestique Coffee, and Vulcan Line Tools among others.

“The innovation and entrepreneurial spirit showcased by the participants underscore the vital role Alabama Launchpad plays in driving economic growth and fostering innovation across the state. I’m excited to see how these companies will continue to grow and contribute to Alabama’s future.”, enthused Kannan Grant, Director of the Office of Technology Commercialization at The University of Alabama in Huntsville and Judge at the competition.

Applications Open for The Next Cycle

Alabama Launchpad explicitly encourages entrepreneurs who are working on startups in Alabama to participate in the next cycle of competition. The registration opens on August 21, paving the way for further invaluable mentorship from industry veterans, increased networking opportunities with other startups, and the chance to compete for substantial funding.