Sloss Tech 2025 is set to return to downtown Birmingham from June 25–27, expanding to a three-day format for the first time in its history. Organizers are billing this year’s event as the Southeast’s most comprehensive technology and innovation experience, with more than 1,000 attendees expected to join in Birmingham’s historic theatre district.
The conference will feature a series of high-profile keynote speakers, including OpenAI veteran Zack Kass, venture capitalist and “Shark Tank” Guest Shark Rashaun Williams, entrepreneur Johnny Cupcakes, and Princeton professor and social equity expert Dr. Ruha Benjamin. The event also introduces the ShinDigit@l afterparty featuring Grammy-winning Alabama native Pynk Beard.
“What began as a one-day gathering has evolved into the Southeast’s definitive tech event,” said Deon Gordon, President and CEO of TechBirmingham. “By expanding to three days, we’re creating more opportunities for meaningful connections between founders and funders while showcasing Alabama’s growing reputation as a hub for inclusive innovation. This year represents everything we’ve been building toward – world-class speakers, transformative startup competition, and the kind of authentic community celebration that makes Sloss Tech truly special.”
Innovate Alabama returns as presenting sponsor for a second year and will host the AlabamaHQ at The William, showcasing regional founders and ecosystem builders.
“Innovate Alabama is thrilled to return as presenting sponsor for Sloss Tech 2025,” said Cynthia Crutchfield, CEO of Innovate Alabama. “The impact we witnessed last year was remarkable, and this year’s focus on highlighting each region of the state represents the incredible momentum building across Alabama’s tech community. We’re particularly excited about the opportunity to present programming that encompasses all corners of Alabama at AlabamaHQ. This statewide approach will empower more Alabamians to connect, collaborate, and contribute to our growing innovation economy.”
Keynote speakers highlight innovation, entrepreneurship, and equity
Zack Kass, advisor, futurist, and former Head of Go-To-Market at OpenAI, brings extensive expertise from leading teams responsible for sales, partnerships, and customer success at OpenAI. Now serving as Executive-in-Residence at the University of Virginia, Kass works with Fortune 1,000 companies, including Coca-Cola, Morgan Stanley, and Amgen, to navigate the AI landscape.
Rashaun Williams, a venture capitalist and “Shark Tank” guest shark, has made over 170 investments with more than 50 successful exits as co-founder of Queensbridge Venture Partners. The Atlanta Falcons Limited Partner was an early investor in Robinhood, Coinbase, Ring, and Lyft, and was named Black Enterprise’s Investor of the Year in 2018.
Johnny Cupcakes, the award-winning entrepreneur named America’s #1 Young Entrepreneur by BusinessWeek, has built a brand with cult-like loyalty since launching his t-shirt company at age 19. His strategies for creating memorable customer experiences have been shared with major clients including Apple, Disney, IBM, and Harvard University.
Dr. Ruha Benjamin, the Alexander Stewart 1886 Professor of African American Studies at Princeton University and founding director of the Ida B. Wells Just Data Lab, joins the conference in partnership with the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Her award-winning work examines the intersection of technology, innovation, and social equity.
$75,000 pitch competition highlights regional startups
Sloss Tech 2025 will launch the inaugural Sloss.Tech/Ideas pitch competition, made possible by support from the Regions Foundation. Sixteen startups from across the Southeast will compete for $75,000 in prizes, including a $50,000 grand prize, a $10,000 People’s Choice Award, and three $5,000 category awards. The competition will spotlight innovation across Agtech and Foodtech, Healthtech and Biotech, Mobility and Transportation, and Emerging Tech.
“Thanks to the support of Regions Foundation, Sloss.Tech/Ideas will strengthen our shared commitment to support the entrepreneurs shaping the Southeast’s next economy in mobility, agriculture, biotech, and beyond,” said Gordon. “From steel to startups, Birmingham has always been a city of builders. Now, we’re forging the future in innovation.”
“These finalists represent the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation that drives economic growth throughout our region,” said Marta Self, Executive Director of the Regions Foundation. “We’re excited to see how these companies will use this platform to accelerate their growth and create jobs in their communities.”
Among the selected finalists are Good Agriculture (Atlanta), VanquishBio (Birmingham), HERide (Atlanta), and SymbyAI (Huntsville).
Free student tickets and a Grammy-winning afterparty round out the experience
Sloss Tech’s Next in Tech initiative will return for a third year, providing 200 free tickets to students and early-career professionals. The program, supported by Innovate Alabama and other partners, connects participants with recruiters, mentorship opportunities, and professional development resources.
“We’re seeing participants leave Sloss Tech with job offers, mentorship connections, and startup ideas that they’re actually pursuing,” said Shannon Allen of Innovate Alabama. “What excites me most about the Next in Tech program is watching students realize they don’t have to choose between cutting-edge tech careers and staying close to home.”
The ShinDigit@l: Rhythm & Code afterparty will be held June 27 at WorkPlay, headlined by Grammy winner Pynk Beard, a Dolemite, Alabama native who recently won his third Grammy for contributions to the Best Musical Theater Album for Hell’s Kitchen. Tickets for the afterparty are available online, with discounts offered to Sloss Tech ticketholders.
“Alabama’s tech community stands out for being genuinely supportive and collaborative,” said Maria Underwood, board chair for TechBirmingham. “What founders discover when they come to Sloss Tech is an enthusiastic community ready to help them succeed.”
General admission tickets are available for $299, with VIP packages priced at $499, including access to exclusive receptions and ShinDigit@l.
Tickets can be purchased at www.sloss.tech.
