Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
Alabama’s biggest startup party + pitch competition is Dec. 8-9
Reading time: 4 minutes
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Birmingham’s startup scene is buzzing as always, and this December 8-9, founders from across the state are gathering right here in The Magic City for an epic celebration of innovation, big ideas and Alabama-grown talent.
Alabama Founder Fest is back for year two at Innovation Depot, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, tech leaders and community supporters for high-energy pitches, networking and opportunities to celebrate Alabama’s evolving innovation scene.
And yes—you can be part of it. Read on for more.
The “why” behind Founder Fest 2025
This year’s Founder Fest is especially timely, because our state just unveiled a major strategy putting entrepreneurs front and center.
The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA), working with the Alabama Department of Commerce and Innovate Alabama, recently announced a coordinated push to recruit and support high-growth technology companies. Centered around the principle of “Alabama Puts Founders First,” the strategy brings together new and expanded efforts to help startups scale here at home.
It also builds on the momentum of Birmingham Bound, which EDPA acquired in 2024, extending the initiative’s mission beyond Birmingham to support founders statewide.
In other words: Alabama isn’t just celebrating innovation—we’re building the infrastructure to keep it growing.
“Founder Fest is about more than celebration, it’s about connection.
When startups have access to those who can close funding rounds, sign contracts and shape policy, this ecosystem grows—and that’s what we want to see.”
Estes Hughes, VP of Innovation + Talent at the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA)
That spirit of collaboration is exactly what this event is all about.
Founder Fest brings founders and investors into the same room, elevates startups building their future in Alabama and spotlights the companies putting our state on the map as a hub for technology and entrepreneurship.
What’s happening at Founder Fest?
Think of Founder Fest as the ultimate showcase for Alabama’s startup ecosystem.
This is your chance to experience Alabama innovation up close—and maybe discover the next big breakthrough being built right here.
On Day One (Monday, December 8), select startup founders and investors will collide at an exclusive “Deal Flow Day,” dedicated to strategic meetings, culminating in a celebratory after-party. This invite-only experience is designed to foster connections between investors and startups primed for growth and investment.
Here’s what you can expect on Day Two, which is open to the public:
- Watch Alabama startups pitch live on Tuesday, December 9 at Pitch Blitz
- See who takes home $15,000 in Pitch Blitz prize money
- Cast your vote as part of the crowd judging panel
- Explore the Founder Fest Startup Expo and meet companies competing + launching in Alabama
- Connect with founders and ecosystem players from across the state
The Pitch Blitz is free + open to the public—RSVP for the Pitch Blitz event (9AM-1PM) on Tuesday, December 9.
Attendees will cheer on dozens of founders who will pitch their ideas and innovations on stage for a chance to win bragging rights (and cash) across categories in sustainability, health, AI and business and consumer solutions.
Prizes will be awarded to best pitch in each category, best pitch overall and even best song—which will come from the addition of performances from the Hatch Music Accelerator.
A big finale at Regions Field
Tuesday evening shifts to Regions Field for State of Innovation Day, Innovate Alabama’s invitation-only marquee event spotlighting statewide progress and collaboration across public, private and academic partners.
The night will wrap up with award presentations and a networking social.
“Innovation doesn’t happen in silos. When we work together, there is no limit to what Alabama can achieve.”
Cynthia Crutchfield, CEO of Innovate Alabama
Ready to experience Alabama innovation firsthand?
If you’re a founder, investor, tech-curious or just someone who loves seeing Birmingham thrive, Alabama Founder Fest is your front-row ticket to the future of innovation in our state.
- What: Alabama Founder Fest
- When: December 8-9, 2025
- Day 1: Deal Flow Day (Invite-Only)
- Day 2: Pitch Blitz + Startup Showcase (Open to the Public)
- Where: Innovation Depot + Regions Field
See the full schedule at Alabama Founder Fest’s website.
Come cheer on the bold ideas shaping Alabama’s future—Reserve your spot at Alabama Founder Fest!
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