Birmingham Buzzes with Startup Excitement at Alabama Launchpad
Welcome to the vibrant city of Birmingham! A hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, it’s here that the Alabama Launchpad program is set to kick off its latest cohort of talented startups. Each year, this thrilling initiative, hosted by the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA), invites ingenious entrepreneurs from across the state to compete for a significant chunk of change—a whopping $75,000 in funding! The nine participants will not only compete but also collaborate and learn from seasoned experts in their respective fields.
Introducing the Dynamic New Startups
Let’s dive into this year’s lineup, which is brimming with creativity and groundbreaking ideas!
- Nyad: Founded in 2024 by British duo Virginia and Chris, they are on a mission to tackle water pollution. Their innovative “lab in a box” uses AI to treat wastewater faster than traditional methods, protecting Alabama’s invaluable waterways. “We’re diving into Alabama Launchpad to find mentors and network—Southern hospitality has helped us feel right at home!” they said.
- CLEO Education: After facing her own challenges with diagnostic tests during her clinical year, Piper Latham decided to create CLEO, which simulates X-ray interpretation opportunities for students. “We’re thrilled to be back for round two with Alabama Launchpad! The mentorship is invaluable!” she expressed.
- Homepoint: Frustrated with high commissions in real estate? Trey and Caroline McMeans have the solution! Homepoint aims to streamline property transactions while cutting out excessive fees. “We’re eager to learn how to better serve Alabama’s market,” they said.
- ConekPro: On a lunch break, Patrick and Quentin brainstormed an app that helps businesses streamline operations. With ConekPro, entrepreneurs can track projects and collaborate easily. “Alabama Launchpad is the perfect launchpad for our idea,” they shared.
- Forsee LLC: Led by Chera Howard, this innovative company is creating fire-resistant materials by using Afro hair cuttings. “Our goal is to minimize damage caused by fires while promoting local barbershops,” she explained.
- HUM Concierge: Running around in circles trying to manage a busy life? Sarah Robinson has you covered. Her concierge service tackles everything from errands to event planning. “Thankful for the resources Alabama Launchpad offers to scale effectively,” she said.
- Huntsville Magazine: Takara Swoopes and CJ Byrd have launched a publication that celebrates the vibrant culture of Huntsville. “We’re excited to challenge ourselves and prioritize growth with Alabama Launchpad,” they expressed.
- Student Seats: Jared Waller and John Ritondo, two UAB alumni, aim to secure ticket sales with their app, verifying student identities to prevent scams. “We’re keen to connect with business experts through Alabama Launchpad,” they mentioned.
- Ethar: Founded by a team of NASA-legacy engineers, Ethar is creating AR experiences for digital creatives without needing technical skills. “With Alabama Launchpad’s support, we aim to build new tech jobs in Alabama,” they shared.
Alabama Founder Fest: A Can’t-Miss Event
Curious to see what happens next? Mark your calendars for December 10-11! This year, Alabama Launchpad introduces the first-ever Alabama Founder Fest, hosted alongside Techstars and gener8tor. Taking place at Innovation Depot and Regions Field, this festival showcases Alabama’s entrepreneurial spirit and will gather some of the most impressive startups across various industries.
Attendees will have the chance to vote for their favorite startups while getting a closer look at the pitches and innovations from this year’s cohort. Beyond just voting, it’s a fantastic opportunity to network with startup founders and investors, all in one place.
“Founder Fest is the culmination of a year’s hard work and we can’t wait for everyone to see the innovation from Alabama’s startups,” organizers shared. “This is a chance for Alabama’s entrepreneurs to shine on a national stage!”
So there you have it, folks! Birmingham is not just a city rich in culture and history, but also a blossoming scene for innovation and entrepreneurship. Keep an eye on these exciting startups and mark your calendars for Alabama Founder Fest!
