Innovate Alabama to present 2024 Sloss Tech, the state’s premier entrepreneurship conference 

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (June 7, 2024) – Alabama’s premier tech conference will be presented by a strategic alliance between Innovate Alabama and TechBirmingham, the event’s founder. A hub for the Southeast’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, Sloss Tech serves as a platform for founders, funders, startups and established companies to exchange ideas, forge connections and push the boundaries of innovation. Sloss Tech will serve as a launchpad for the highly anticipated State Small Business Credit Initiative, or SSBCI. With the $98 million infusion in the state, Innovate Alabama will launch InvestAL and LendAL at Sloss Tech to remove barriers to loans and venture capital for founders. 

“Innovate Alabama is continuing to make a tangible impact in our statewide innovation ecosystem. Their team brings a wealth of expertise and resources to the table, enabling Sloss Tech to reach new heights of success,” said Deon Gordon, TechBirmingham CEO. “This strategic partnership exemplifies our shared commitment to fostering a thriving tech community and driving economic growth in Alabama.” 

Under the banner of Innovate Alabama, Sloss Tech will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, pitch competitions and networking events. Beyond the main stage, Innovate Alabama will activate two lofts adjacent to the Lyric Theatre where conference attendees can share innovative ideas with likeminded entrepreneurs and learn more about Innovate Alabama’s programs for entrepreneurs, students, investors and more.  

SSBCI programming will feature a keynote from Rodney Sampson, InvestAL program manager and globally recognized innovation, entrepreneurship and investment ecosystem builder, as well as a mix of panels and office hours for attendees to learn more about InvestAL and LendAL. 

In addition to the SSBCI program, Innovate Alabama will kick off its newly developed outdoor recreation campaign, SEEK AL, which positions Alabama’s outdoor recreation assets as talent attraction and retention tools. Conference attendees will have the opportunity to participate in an e-bike ride throughout Birmingham as well as other exciting outdoor recreation-themed activations.  

Because talent development is a core pillar of the organization, Innovate Alabama will also sponsor Sloss Tech’s Next In Tech program, enabling college and university students to attend the conference and participate in tailored student programming for free. 

“We are thrilled to join forces with Tech Birmingham to further elevate Sloss Tech’s impact across the state and region and utilize the conference as a launchpad to highlight multiple initiatives, including SSBCI,” said Cynthia Crutchfield, CEO of Innovate Alabama. “There’s so much untapped potential in Alabama – from the Wiregrass and the Gulf Coast to the Rocket City and the Black Belt. As we work together to position the entire state as a hub for technological advancement, we’re excited to create impact in the lives of more business owners, startup founders, investors, students and others who call Alabama home. ” 

Presented by Innovate Alabama and hosted by TechBirmingham and Telegraph Creative, the 2024 Sloss Tech Conference will be held at the Lyric Theatre in downtown Birmingham on June 27 and 28. 

For more information on Innovate Alabama, visit www.innovatealabama.org. For updates and announcements regarding Sloss Tech, visit www.slosstech.com.  

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About Innovate Alabama 

Innovate Alabama is Alabama’s first statewide public-private partnership focused on entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation. With a mission to help innovators grow roots in Alabama, Innovate Alabama implements initiatives and recommendations to create a resilient, inclusive, and robust economy. Led by CEO Cynthia Crutchfield and a board of 11 innovation leaders appointed by Gov. Ivey, Innovate Alabama collaborates across sectors to advance industries, drive technology, and foster an environment where innovation and entrepreneurship thrive. 

About Tech Birmingham 

TechBirmingham is a community of tech and tech-adjacent organizations, groups, and individuals invested in a common mission: establishing Birmingham as the most innovative and inclusive technology ecosystem in the South. Through its diverse programming and community initiatives, TechBirmingham strengthens and promotes the ecosystem and its tech companies, helps to recruit and retain tech talent and entrepreneurs, and provides educational opportunities. Find out more information at techbirmingham.com or on LinkedIn.