Alabama Ignites Innovation: Innovate Alabama has proudly unveiled its inaugural lineup of 51 designees hailing from 17 counties, all welcomed into the esteemed Innovate Alabama Network.
With a mission to cultivate entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation within Alabama, Innovate Alabama, as the state’s pioneering public-private partnership, has allocated a noteworthy $9.3 million in grants. This substantial investment is earmarked for groups dedicated to fostering and igniting local innovation, contributing to the state’s technological and entrepreneurial landscape.
The 51 Innovate Alabama Designees comprise a diverse mix of 30 nonprofit entities, 11 communities and municipalities, and 10 colleges and universities. This eclectic group represents the vibrant tapestry of innovation across the state.
The Innovate Alabama Network is a major step forward to growing the entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem in Alabama. By providing funding and resources to our local communities, nonprofits and higher education institutions, we are developing a statewide network for innovation programming and catalyzing entrepreneurship in all of our communities, both rural and urban. By ~ Innovate Alabama CEO Cynthia Crutchfield
Communities securing an Innovate Alabama Network Designation include:
– City of Auburn
– City of Bessemer
– City of Dothan
– City of Henagar
– City of Hoover
– City of Marion
– City of Mobile
– City of Pinson
– City of Talladega
– Shelby County
– Town of Pike Road
The roster of nonprofit entities recognized for their commitment to innovation features:
– AL AI Center
– Alabama Trails Foundation
– Baldwin County Community and Economic Development Foundation
– BioAlabama
– Birmingham Bound
– Birmingham Business Alliance
– Bronze Valley Foundation
– Cordova Economic Industrial Development Authority
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– Ed Farm
– Economic Development Partnership of Alabama
– Hardware Park
– HBCU Cares
– Higher Education Partnership
– Innovation Depot
– Innovation Portal
– Main Street Marion
– McWane Science Center
– Montgomery Tech Lab
– Prosper Foundation
– QIE Foundation
– REV Birmingham
– Singing River Trail
– Southern Research
– Teach2Lead
– The Alabama Collective
– The Arc of Madison County
– The E-Center
– The Overton Project
– United Way of Southwest Alabama
– Venture for America
The recognized Higher Education Institutions contributing to the state’s innovation ecosystem include:
– Alabama A&M University
– Alabama State University
– Auburn Lowder Center for Family and Entrepreneurship
– Drake State Community and Technical College
– Talladega College
– Trenholm State University
– Troy University
– University of Alabama
– University of Alabama at Birmingham
– University of South Alabama
Im encouraged and energized to see the overwhelming response to the Innovate Alabama Network. We have a diverse ecosystem for innovation in Alabama, so to bring all of these partners together in one place to partner and collaborate together on moving our state forward is a move in the right direction for Alabama. By Innovate Alabama Board Chairman and Alabama State Director of Finance Bill Poole
As a testament to the dynamic and diverse innovation ecosystem in Alabama, Innovate Alabama is inviting interested communities, nonprofits, and higher education institutions to apply for the second round of the Innovate Alabama Network. The application window is open until 5:00 PM on Friday, January 5, 2024. For the latest program updates and to submit applications, visit innovatealabama.org/innovate-alabama-network.