About
Helping innovators
grow roots.
When you put down roots in Alabama, you can tap an innovation ecosystem of people, companies and organizations all committed to helping you grow.
Overview
As Alabama’s first statewide public-private partnership focused on entrepreneurship, technology and innovation, Innovate Alabama implements programs and policies that support Alabama’s innovation ecosystem. Through these efforts, Innovate Alabama empowers entrepreneurs, business owners and students to build a business, a career and a life in Alabama.
Our Core Pillars
1.
Talent Development
Fostering a robust, skilled workforce capable of sustaining an innovation economy.
2.
Access to Resources
Providing and connecting resources and other tools to the entrepreneurs who need them.
3.
Lifestyle & Recreation
Building an ecosystem where innovators thrive personally and professionally.
Download the one-pager to learn more about Innovate Alabama’s core pillars and programs.
Team
Innovate Alabama is led by CEO Cynthia Crutchfield and a board of 11 innovation leaders appointed by Governor Kay Ivey. It is Alabama’s first statewide public-private partnership focused on entrepreneurship, technology and innovation with a mission to help innovators grow roots.
Establishment
When Gov. Ivey established the Alabama Innovation Commission in July 2020, the goal was simple: Elevate Alabama by creating a more resilient, inclusive and robust economy through innovation. The Alabama Innovation Commission’s work culminated in the development of this report, outlining policy recommendations that Innovate Alabama can deploy in the coming years to support entrepreneurship and technology growth. As Innovate Alabama moves into this next chapter, one thing remains clear: Alabama has what it takes to be a leader in innovation.
The Alabama Innovation Commission delivered its final report to Gov. Ivey on Nov. 1, 2021, passing the baton over to Innovate Alabama. The Innovate Alabama Board of Directors was appointed in December 2021 to implement the initiatives and recommendations set forth in the commission’s report, including forward-thinking policies that will create a more resilient, inclusive and robust economy to remain competitive in a 21st-century world.
Recommendations
Through partnerships and collaboration, research and exploration, and discussions and debate, the Alabama Innovation Commission developed policy recommendations to promote innovation in the state.
A focus on these areas of opportunity will help foster entrepreneurship, create jobs, build a talented and diverse workforce and support economic development opportunities. As we move from imagination to implementation, we each have a role to play to support our policy recommendations and bring our goals to fruition.
Hoover Institution
In 2020, the Alabama Innovation Commission launched a partnership with the Hoover Institution to examine the innovation ecosystem in Alabama and provide actionable policy recommendations to guide Alabama’s leaders as they work to realize the state’s full economic potential. Learn more about how Alabama can reach this potential and create a more prosperous future for all Alabamians.
2024 Annual Report
2024 was a year of momentum for Innovate Alabama.
We generated $71.8M in economic impact and created 607+ jobs across 30 counties, continuing to strengthen Alabama’s innovation economy by expanding access to the resources, talent and recreation opportunities.
The Innovate Alabama 2024 Annual Report captures the impact we made and the path we’re paving for Alabama’s future.