The Innovate Alabama Network serves as a comprehensive resource that connects communities, nonprofits and higher education institutions across the state who are fostering innovation in their own backyard. Through this designation program, Innovate Alabama is recognizing those who are shaping the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, investing in these organizations to drive innovation-related activities and encouraging collaboration and growth amongst the network’s members.

The program aims to catalyze innovation throughout Alabama by:

• Increasing innovation-related activities in local communities.
• Creating a broader network of innovation-related programming and assets in urban and rural areas.
• Providing access to innovation-related seed funding for localities and communities.
• Recognizing and supporting the diversity of innovation ecosystem partners throughout the state.
• Encouraging partnerships and coordination among partners, particularly to bolster future efforts.

Each designation requires two applications:

• An initial designation application, where successful applicants can earn the respective designation for which they are applying.
• A grant application, where successfully designated applicants can earn grant funding to complete innovation-related projects in their communities.

Innovate Alabama will accept applications beginning on July 10, 2023. The application deadline is Friday, September 8th at 5 p.m. CT.

Please email your completed application and any program questions to partners@innovatealabama.org. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funding for the program is no longer available.

Do you have questions about the program? Watch the below webinar to learn more about the application process.