BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (June 26, 2024) – Alabama Launchpad, a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA), in partnership with Innovate Alabama, is proud to announce that its Launch Advisors have selected 10 finalists to participate in Cycle 2 2024. The finalists will compete for a combined $75,000 at a public finale scheduled to take place August 15, 2024. Location details are forthcoming.
Alabama Launchpad features entrepreneurs in two stages of development: those in the concept stage, which are usually pre-revenue, and those in the early seed stage, looking to accelerate the growth of their existing businesses. According to Pitchbook, Alabama Launchpad is the state’s most active early seed funding source.
“We’re really excited to see how our Alabama Launchpad program continues to foster innovation and growth across Alabama,” shared Miller Girvin, Chief Operating Officer at EDPA. “For Cycle 2, our ten finalists will benefit immensely from the guidance of our dedicated Launch Advisors. This mentorship is a crucial part of our mission, offering not just financial support but the expert advice needed to transform promising ideas into successful businesses that thrive in Alabama.”
To date, Alabama Launchpad has funded 119 startups and invested over $6.2 million in nondilutive funding. Its winning companies have a combined post-money valuation of over $1 billion and have generated over 1,400 jobs across the state.
The following 10 finalists were selected from a competitive field of 26 applicants and represent four cities across the state.
The five
concept stage companies competing for $25,000 are:
Skopt Optics (Huntsville, AL) creates innovative products for the SHOT industry, including the “Track’n Trail” app. This breakthrough helps hunters recover blood-trails. The iOS app is field-tested, refining detection algorithms, and features maps, weather updates, and training modules.
Yosubi (Birmingham, AL) revolutionizes the construction industry with its bilingual subcontractor marketplace. This AI and WhatsApp-enabled B2B platform connects builders with vetted, insured Latin American subcontractors. In-app translation bridges the language barrier.
Etch (Birmingham, AL) makes it easy for students to study the material they need at the precise moment they need to study it, allowing for a personalized education experience that saves students time, money and stress.
CLEO Education, LLC (Birmingham, AL) provides a user-friendly web app where healthcare students can practice interpreting diagnostic tests, such as X-rays. CLEO helps students develop essential clinical skills and gain confidence as they transition from the classroom to the clinical setting.
NephSol, Inc. (Birmingham, AL) is revolutionizing dialysis care with their headset designed to monitor cerebral blood flow during treatments. They aim to reduce severe side effects and mortality rates associated with dialysis due to decreased blood flow in the brain.
The five companies in the
early seed stage, which will be competing for $50,000, are:
Naughty But Nice Kettle Corn Co. (Birmingham, AL) specializes in a small batch kettle-to-hand process of crafting unique sweet-and-salty kettle corn blends, such as their signature Birmingham Mix.
RAGASEDU (Huntsville, AL) consolidates data from higher education institutions onto one dashboard, allowing them to make better decisions with real-time information. Their goal is to empower institutions to improve student retention and graduation rates.
Yard Robotics (Tanner, AL) provides robotic lawn care for suburban homes. With precision scheduling, delightful customer experience, and technicians who work with superhuman efficiency – thanks to robots – they are transforming the lawn care industry.
Zone Protects (Decatur, AL) creates exceptionally safe and effective Picaridin insect repellents – 12-hr, non-oily protection against ticks and mosquitoes. Zone also provides pet protection and hunting-related products for the passions people love.
SplitEV.co (Birmingham, AL) is revolutionizing EV charging by connecting drivers with a network of private chargers, much like Airbnb for electric vehicles. It is making charging accessible and sustainable, empowering property owners to monetize their assets.
About Alabama Launchpad
Established in 2006, Alabama Launchpad is Alabama’s most active, early-stage seed fund investor, driving innovation and job growth through startup competitions and ongoing mentoring for Alabama entrepreneurs. It is the state’s longest running business plan and pitch competition. To learn more about Alabama Launchpad, please visit
www.alabamalaunchpad.com.
About Innovate Alabama
Innovate Alabama is Alabama’s first statewide public-private partnership focused on entrepreneurship, technology and innovation with a mission to help innovators grow roots here in Alabama. Innovate Alabama was established to implement the initiatives and recommendations set forth in the Alabama Innovation Commission’s report, including smart policy solutions that will create a more resilient, inclusive and robust economy to remain competitive in a 21st-century world. With founding CEO Cynthia Crutchfield leading the charge, Innovate Alabama is also made up of a board of 11 innovation leaders appointed by Gov. Ivey, collaborating across sectors to advance industries, drive technology and facilitate an environment where innovation and entrepreneurship thrive. Learn more about Innovate Alabama at
www.innovatealabama.org.
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