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EDPA’s next Alabama Launchpad finale set for Tuskegee, Thursday, May 9 to celebrate and support entrepreneurship
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Entrepreneurs, innovators, and business startups from across Alabama are travelling to Tuskegee Thursday, May 9 to find out who will be awarded part of the $150,000 on offer from the EDPA at Cycle 2 of the 2019 Alabama Launchpad competition. Find out who made the final, why the EDPA chose Tuskegee this time around, and how you can apply for next cycle of Launchpad funding.
What is Alabama Launchpad?
Alabama Launchpad launched as a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) in 2006, to mentor Alabama’s entrepreneurs, offer a platform to drive innovation, and present an opportunity for startups to compete for major seed funding.
Since 2009, Alabama Launchpad has awarded 84 startups with investment of over $4.5m. The funding has allowed little companies to turn into big companies. Little ideas have turned into huge successes. The economic impact of this funding is currently valued at $212 million in terms of company growth and employment.
Alabama Launchpad offers four statewide startup competitions every year, to allow innovators to pitch their business idea which is ready to shoot for the stars. Entrepreneurs who are not ready to enter in one cycle don’t need to wait a year to wait for the next one.
Cycle 2 of the 2019 Launchpad competition is on the horizon and we’re looking forward to the Tuskegee finale set for Thursday, May 9.
Dr. Karim Budhwani of CerFlux delivering a $50,000 winning pitch at Alabama Launchpad, Cycle 1, 2019, in Selma.
Read more about the 2019 Cycle 1 competition finale and winners in Selma.
Why Tuskegee?
According to EDPA’s Innovation Consultant, Dennis Leonard, it is a privilege to host the Launchpad throughout the state. Startups don’t have to be based in just the big cities. It can happen anywhere.
“We’re proud to support entrepreneurs statewide with Alabama Launchpad, and because of that, we’re committed to hosting our Launchpad finales all around the state each year,” Dennis said. “We’re always looking for applicants, judges, and community involvement from our geographically diverse state, and what better way to spread the word about the opportunity to win investment for your company than actually showing up in the community where you live?”
Launchpad’s Cycle 2 competition is being held at The Kellogg Center, Tuskegee on Thursday, May 9.
INFLCR’s Launchpad to Success
Influencer (INFLCR) delivered a $100,000 prize winning pitch at Alabama Launchpad’s 2017 finale in Birmingham. INFLCR’s software and mobile app allows sports teams and leagues to efficiently share their digital content across the social media channels of their ambassadors.
In its second year of business, INFLCR spread its wings from its startup base at Birmingham’s Innovation Depot and moved to its new 4,000 sq ft headquarters at 2212 First Ave. South.
Over 350 student athletes used INFLCR to engage more than 10 million people through their social media channels during the 2019 NCAA March Madness Tournament. 25 teams used the software to share their creative content, including Auburn on their historic run to the final four.
Birmingham Legion FC signed up as INFLCR’s first professional sports franchise, for their inaugural season in the USL professional soccer league.
The finalists at Alabama Launchpad’s Tuskegee finale will be looking to emulate such success.
Secure your place in Tuskegee
With only 200 tickets available, you’ll want to make sure you secure your spot for Launchpad’s Cycle 2 competition which is being held at The Kellogg Conference Center & Hotel at Tuskegee University on Thursday, May 9. The event will kick-off at 4pm with a networking hour where you’ll be able to meet some of the most innovative people in the state.
Drum roll, please! Here are the 6 finalists competing in the 2019 Cycle 2 competition:
Launchpad Concept Stage Finalists for $50K Prize:
Launchpad Seed Stage Finalists for $100K Prize:
Apply for the 2019 Cycle 3 competition
Applications for Cycle 3, likely to be held in Birmingham, will open May 15. This will be the third out of three opportunities to enter Launchpad this year, with Cycle 4 planned to take place in Troy later this year.
Full details can be found at www.alabamalaunchpad.com.
Alabama Launchpad is brought to you by the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama.
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