Fourteen finalists are competing for funding in an online pitch competition you can watch on your computer.
The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) will stream its Reignite Alabama Finale event on its website and Facebook on Aug 27.
The COVID-19 response competition, a pivot from the usual Alabama Launchpad competition, was designed in partnership with organizations across the state to prompt innovation in sectors directly affected by the global pandemic.
“Now more than ever, we need the spark of innovative ideas to drive new growth and add resilience to our recovering economy,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, which supports the Alabama Launchpad program and Reignite Alabama. “The Alabama Reignite competition allows us to identify creative approaches and bright ideas from entrepreneurs on how we can accelerate that recovery, especially in sectors that are critical to the state’s future.”
More applicants than ever applied to compete in Reignite Alabama in the health care, education, manufacturing and lifestyle sectors.
“We have been thrilled with the level of response and creativity we’ve seen from applicants across the state,” said Greg Barker, president of the EDPA. “These companies in health care, manufacturing, education and lifestyle-related sectors can make a difference as we move forward through these unusual times.”
The 17 judges volunteering their time to evaluate applications have decided on 14 finalists for Reignite Alabama. Each of the finalists will compete for $37,500 in nondilutive funding to build their business.
The competing ideas in each sector are:
LIFESTYLE:
- Motion Mobs, mobile-based anonymous notifications for COVID-19 exposure;
- QuicCat, making paper marketing catalogs into smart catalogs;
- StrategyPoint, a solution for managing and optimizing remote-based employees;
- Trips 4 Charity, a platform for purchasing and donating trips to a cause of your choice.
HEALTH CARE:
- Satterfield Technologies, offering 3D-printed, comfortable and reusable N95 face masks;
- SolutionStudios, a web platform for collaborating to solve clinical problems;
- TheraPlay, an app-based solution for virtual physical therapy.
EDUCATION:
- Cloud of Witnesses, an app-based solution to acquire witnesses for police stops;
- Edify Online, offering opportunities for adjunct professors and under-educated individuals;
- Pack Education, a digital coaching solution for improving college student retention;
- TUTR, a platform for virtual tutoring.
INDUSTRIAL/MANUFACTURING:
- Neon Lilly, making gourmet condiments and sauces;
- Seamly, an app-based solution for customizing clothing patterns at scale;
- Vizrom, offering a digital license plate.
During the past 14 years, Alabama Launchpad has awarded over $5 million in funding to 94 startups, which have generated over 700 jobs. Alabama Launchpad winners now have an estimated combined post-money valuation of more than $325 million.
The Reignite Alabama Finale will be produced live from EDPA’s Birmingham headquarters with the judges and finalists remaining safe and distanced, while still producing the best public-facing event it can offer.
How to watch:
Reignite Alabama will air beginning at 4:30 p.m. on alabamalaunchpad.com and Facebook.
(Courtesy of Alabama NewsCenter)
