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Reignite Alabama competition awards $150,000 to 4 promising startups

Reignite Alabama finale event emcee BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Four Alabama businesses that have developed innovative ideas to combat challenges in the COVID-19 era have been awarded a share of $150,000 to bring their plans to life. The businesses, with ideas that range from an exposure notification app for COVID-19 and other viruses to a new concept to promote safety in traffic stops, were part of the Reignite Alabama Response Pitch Competition put on by the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama. The contest was part of EDPA’s successful, long-running Alabama Launchpad program for startups, which has awarded more than $5 million over the past 14 years and is a major driver of the state’s innovation economy. To read more of the story go to: madeinalabama/reignitealabama

More 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. Alabama Launchpad is made possible by the generous support from Innovate Alabama, the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, the Alabama Department of Commerce, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Caring Foundation, Truist Bank, The University of Alabama, Auburn University, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, the Daniel Corporation Foundation. It is the state’s longest running business plan and pitch competition. Over the past 16 years, Alabama Launchpad has invested over $6 million into 116 Alabama startups. The winning startup companies have generated over 1,300 jobs for the state and have a combined post-money valuation of over $1 billion.

More About Our Partner, 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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