The Southeast’s growing tech ecosystem took center stage with the debut of the Sloss.Tech Ideas Pitch Competition in June, a high-stakes showcase designed to give early-stage startups a meaningful platform to launch and scale.
The competition, a joint effort by TechBirmingham, the Regions Foundation, and Sloss.Tech, filled a gap long noted by organizers. “We saw that most major tech conferences included a pitch competition—and we didn’t,” said Marta Self, executive director of the Regions Foundation. “That was something missing, and we knew we had to build it the right way.”
Sixteen finalists were chosen from more than 100 applicants across 10 Southeastern states, representing industries such as AgTech and FoodTech, HealthTech and Biotech, Mobility and Transportation, and other emerging technologies. Startups were evaluated on their business model, customer traction, market potential, and early-stage funding.
Finalists didn’t just get stage time—they received investor access, strategic coaching, and world-class pitch training led by the director of the South by Southwest pitch competition in Austin,TX. “This isn’t just a one-off event,” said Self. “It’s a launchpad.”
That mission is already gaining national attention. A pair of investors traveled from California—visiting Alabama for the first time—just to attend.
“That’s the kind of draw we’re starting to see,” noted Self. “It’s about putting a national spotlight on what’s being built right here in the Southeast.”
The Grand Prize winner came from the HealthTech and Biotech category. WiNK Therapeutics, based in Miramar, Florida, was founded by MIT- and Duke-trained engineer Warren D. Marcus, Ph.D., and researcher Paolo Serafini, Ph.D. The duo is developing RNA-based therapies to reverse the root causes of Type 1 and insulin-dependent Type 2 diabetes. While still in preclinical development, their research offers hope to millions battling the disease.
In addition to WiNK Therapeutics, TechBirmingham and Regions Foundation awarded the Mobility and Transportation Technology entry, HERide from Atlanta, GA, the $10,000 People’s Choice Award. All winners of their category were awarded $5,000 in funding. See full list of winners below:
- Agtech and Foodtech: Good Agriculture (Atlanta, GA)
- Healthtech and Biotech: WiNK Therapeutics (Miramar, FL)
- Mobility and Transportation Technology: HERride (Atlanta, GA)
- Emerging Tech: Giggs (Nashville, TN)
Baylor Frazier is a digital and radio sales specialist for YHN Media Group. For advertising opportunities through our portfolio of publications, you can contact him directly at [email protected].
