Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
These Alabama founders are starting the new year with a $200,000+ boost
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Alabama Launchpad is once again showing why it’s become a launch point for some of the most exciting startups in the state. In this year’s second cycle, three local startups won a combined total of $225,000 in funding.
Read on to learn more about these three award-winning startups, and how they’re using their funding to further development, jumpstart business and invest in Alabama’s bright future.
About Alabama Launchpad
Alabama Launchpad is known for nurturing early-stage businesses and offering support and mentorship for aspiring entrepreneurs, culminating with the distribution of over $200,000 in funding for founders to launch in Alabama.
This year, the program introduced a more specialized approach, splitting finalists into three distinct tracks—life sciences, technology and consumer goods—with tailored mentorship for each industry.
Here’s a closer look at the Cycle 2 winners in each track, plus the other standout finalists helping shape Alabama’s entrepreneurial future.
Meet the new class of Alabama Launchpad winners:
Consumer Goods: VRobotics wins $50,000
VRobotics claimed the top spot in the Consumer Goods Track, earning $50,000 in non-dilutive funding! Founded by Birmingham entrepreneur Stephane Lee, the company is behind VizBack, a smart LED backpack designed to help motorcycle riders stay visible, safe and expressive on the road.
Blending bold design with smart technology, VizBack is built with real-world rider safety in mind without sacrificing personal style.
“Winning Alabama Launchpad is a surreal milestone for VRobotics and for the vision behind VizBack.
This validation means a lot as it shows that innovation, safety and design can start right here in Alabama and reach riders everywhere. With this win, we are focused on finalizing production and creating a product that saves lives by making riders more visible on the road.”
Stephane Lee, Founder, VRobotics
Technology: Home Point wins $75,000
Birmingham-based startup Homepoint took home $75,000 in non-dilutive funding as the Technology Track winner. Co-founders Caroline and Trey McMeans are building a tech-forward real estate brokerage platform focused on making the home buying and selling process more transparent, efficient and approachable.
Homepoint is tackling an industry most people know well—but often find overwhelming—by using technology to simplify the experience for buyers and sellers alike.
“Winning Alabama Launchpad is going to help propel Homepoint to meet our 2026 goals by providing working capital to kickstart our marketing strategy.
This win helps validate our company and will continue to open doors for us. Our vision is to grow Homepoint into a nationwide tech-forward real estate company that helps millions of Americans achieve their homeownership dreams.”
Caroline McMeans, Co-Founder, Home Point
Life Sciences: Kalm Therapeutics wins $100,000
Kalm Therapeutics earned the largest award of Cycle 2, securing $100,000 in non-dilutive funding in the Life Sciences Track. Founded by AJ Singhal, the Birmingham-based company is developing the first naturally derived prescription patch designed to protect and treat eczema and psoriasis.
The goal: improve everyday quality of life for people living with chronic skin conditions—while bringing meaningful pharmaceutical innovation out of Alabama.
“This award will allow Kalm to treat more patients and run more biomarker tests during our upcoming clinical trial for people suffering with chronic eczema.
We are excited about having impact in patients’ lives and the clinical trial data, which will drive advancement of Kalm’s drug products. As a small pharma company from Alabama, this award from EDPA really makes us feel the love from Sweet Home Alabama!”
AJ Singhal, Founder, Kalm Therapeutics
Congrats to the finalists of Cycle 2!
- Coop’s Maintenance | Tuscaloosa, AL | Consumer Goods
- Maison Mariann | Mobile, AL | Consumer Goods
- Flexicoat | Mountain Brook, AL | Life Sciences
- Gulf Sterilization Inc. | Mobile, AL | Life Sciences
- Druid Agriculture | Huntsville, AL | Technology
- LUDS LLC | Vestavia Hills, AL | Technology
- M&S Analytics, LLC | Birmingham, AL | Technology
- Tag! Fundraising | Huntsville, AL | Technology
With stipends, awards and prizes, you can walk away with valuable funding even if you don’t win.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting new chapter in Alabama’s innovation story. Applications for Alabama Launchpad 2026 are now open!
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