Alabama Launchpad Start-Up Competition Begins Seventh Year

Twelve teams from across the state will compete in the seventh annual Alabama Launchpad Start-Up Competition.

The teams are chosen, and the location is secured.

We are gearing up for the next phase of our seventh annual Alabama Launchpad Start-Up Proof of Commercialization Competition on March 4. That’s when 12 teams from Huntsville, Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Auburn to Mobile will make their pitch presentations at Evonik Industries, 750 Lakeshore Parkway.

In all, 22 teams – twice as many as 2012 – registered by the Jan. 13 deadline to participate in this year’s competition, in which teams with business ideas in the “pre-seed” stage will compete for awards totaling $100,000.

The teams were whittled down by an impressive five-judge panel comprised of entrepreneurs, investors and corporate stakeholders.
Greg Sheek, Launchpad programs director, applauds the number of applications and the diversity of talent in terms of technology and business ideas.

EDPA had the chance to meet team members at a kick-off event held at EDPA office earlier this month.

Alabama Launchpad, a program of the EDPA Foundation, is itself an innovative public-private partnership that brings together the state’s university, business and economic development communities to encourage and support high-growth entrepreneurship.

The EDPA is working to boost Alabama’s standing as a national leader in entrepreneurship and innovation through Alabama Launchpad by promoting, rewarding and increasing the pipeline of high-growth ventures that have the potential to become companies that create jobs across the state.

EDPA President Bill Taylor stresses that Alabama Launchpad is aligned with Accelerate Alabama, the state’s larger plan for economic development announced two years ago that focuses on recruitment, retention and renewal.

We’re excited about the competition that continues through May.

Alabama Launchpad, started seven years ago as a pilot program, is a valuable program. With Alabama’s vast entrepreneurial history and robust resources, the elements are in place to launch the state to the top of national rankings.
More information can be found by visiting www.AlabamaLaunchpad.com.