Alabama Launchpad now accepting applications for next Start-Up competition

Alabama Launchpad now accepting applications for next Start-Up competition

Birmingham, Ala., Oct. 13 – Alabama Launchpad, a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, opened the application process today for the next cycle of its popular statewide Start-Up Competition.

Interested startup teams must submit an application and a $150 non-refundable application fee before midnight Nov. 16. Teams selected to compete in this new round will be announced on Dec. 12.

Teams will compete for a share of up to $250,000 in funding.

Alabama Launchpad is open to any Alabama startup that meets eligibility requirements. For more details, please visit www.alabamalaunchpad.com.

“We encourage early stage startups that have a solid chance of market success to apply,” said Greg Sheek, Alabama Launchpad programs director. “We recognize the central role that startups have in job growth, and we look forward to the next cycle of teams we can help launch to the next step in job creation.”

The competition has a track record of success. More than $1.5 million has been awarded to competition winners since the competition started in 2006.

In the last round of competition, which ended Sept. 25, awards were given to these winners: SmartParty ($89,137); SpectraCyte ($87,000); Cheeriodicals($43,250); Alignment Simple Solutions ($16,000); and Healthfundit($15,000).

Each team accepted into Alabama Launchpad competition will be connected to a mentor as a resource throughout the competition. Teams also will present 10 minute pitches at two live judged events.

“Startups by nature are fast moving and are always innovating to get and stay ahead,” Sheek said. “Alabama Launchpad offers multiple competitions in a year in order to have funding available when startups need it and to help minimize the funding gap every new startup has to face.”

Alabama Launchpad is aligned with the state’s larger economic development plan, Accelerate Alabama that focuses on recruitment, retention and renewal. For more information, please visit www.alabamalaunchpad.com.

About the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama: Now in its 23rd year, the non-profit Partnership represents the private sector’s contribution to economic development in Alabama. Fully funded by 70 leading companies invested in the state’s long-term economic success, EDPA provides leadership and services that recruit new businesses to the state, retain existing businesses and renew Alabama’s economy by encouraging innovation both within existing industries and through the commercialization of new technologies. www.edpa.org