Sloss Tech 2025 breaks records, proves Birmingham’s place in the tech spotlight

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July 31, 2025

Sloss Tech 2025 wrapped up its most successful year yet, drawing a record-setting 1,392 attendees to downtown Birmingham’s historic theatre district. The annual technology conference, presented by Innovate Alabama and organized by TechBirmingham, expanded to a three-day format this year and saw a 56% increase in attendance over 2024.

The event featured 95 speakers, 50 participating startups, and a dynamic mix of keynote sessions, pitch competitions, and networking opportunities — all aimed at celebrating and advancing innovation across the Southeast.

“What we witnessed this year was truly historic,” said Deon Gordon, President and CEO of TechBirmingham. “The 56% growth in attendance, combined with our expansion to three days, demonstrates the incredible momentum building across the Southeast’s innovation ecosystem. From our diverse lineup of 95 speakers to the 50 startups that participated in our programming, Sloss Tech 2025 proved that Birmingham and the broader Southeast are driving the future of technology.”

Among the highlights was the inaugural Sloss.Tech/Ideas Southeast Pitch Competition, powered by the Regions Foundation, which awarded $75,000 in prizes to startups in Agtech, Healthtech, Mobility, and Emerging Tech. WiNK Therapeutics of Miramar, Florida, took home the $50,000 grand prize, while Atlanta’s HERide earned the $10,000 People’s Choice Award. Additional category winners included Good Agriculture (Agtech), HERide (Mobility), and Giggs (Emerging Tech).

“The quality of innovation we saw from these Southeast startups was remarkable,” said Marta Self, Executive Director of the Regions Foundation. “These companies represent the entrepreneurial spirit driving economic growth throughout our region, and we’re proud to support their journey through this competition.”

Sloss Tech 2025 also emphasized inclusivity through its Next In Tech program, which provided 200 free tickets to students and early-career professionals. Since 2023, more than 500 participants have taken part in the initiative, gaining access to recruiters from companies such as NASCAR and Protective Life.

This year’s speaker lineup featured several high-profile names, including Zack Kass, former Head of Go-To-Market at OpenAI; venture capitalist and “Shark Tank” guest Rashaun Williams; brand strategist Johnny Cupcakes; and Princeton professor Dr. Ruha Benjamin, who explored the intersection of technology and social equity.

Beyond the conference hall, attendees celebrated with the inaugural ShinDigit@l: Rhythm & Code afterparty, featuring Grammy winner Pynk Beard and hosted in partnership with Techs and the City. The event highlighted Sloss Tech’s commitment to pairing tech innovation with Southern hospitality.

Key performance indicators from the 2025 conference included:

Attendance: 1,392 (up 56.2% from 2024)
Revenue: 32% increase in ticket sales
Sponsorship: 64 sponsors, up from 35 in 2024 (82.86% growth)
Digital Reach: 100,000 Instagram views in June; 10,000 accounts reached; 450 new Instagram followers; 90% growth on LinkedIn

“Alabama’s tech community continues to stand out for being genuinely supportive and collaborative,” said Maria Underwood, board chair of TechBirmingham. “What founders and attendees discovered at Sloss Tech 2025 is an enthusiastic community ready to help them succeed, backed by the kind of authentic connections that make our region special.”

With strong momentum and increasing recognition, Sloss Tech is solidifying its role as a major hub for innovation in the Southeast.

“From steel to startups, Birmingham has always been a city of builders,” Gordon said. “Sloss Tech 2025 proved that we’re not just participating in the future of technology – we’re forging it.”

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].