January 3, 2025 · Innovation, Stories

State of Innovation: Alabama Leaders Share Bold Vision for State’s Startup Economy

Innovate Alabama board members enthusiastically took part in the annual State of Innovation Day at Regions Field in Birmingham. Board Members took the opportunity to reflect on their impressions of the progress Alabama is making in fueling the state’s startup economy.

State Rep. Danny Garrett: Opportunity to “Leapfrog Other States”

Alabama State Representative Danny Garrett highlighted Innovate Alabama’s transformative potential in driving economic growth and establishing the state as a hub for innovation and high quality of life. Rep. Garrett’s early efforts to secure capital access for businesses have now come to fruition through Innovate Alabama’s initiatives. While funding and investment are crucial, he emphasized the importance of public recreation as “the hook” – a key factor in attracting and retaining talent, particularly young professionals and college graduates.

He also emphasized that Innovate Alabama’s message must remain top of mind with fellow lawmakers in the state.

“I think that the challenge now is we have to communicate what we’ve seen here with Innovate Alabama, because a lot of these startups are businesses that most people don’t really understand what they do. And certainly, in the legislature, they may not really understand what Innovate Alabama is doing, what the opportunities are. And I think it’s important that we somehow message that to our legislators so that we can continue to have financial support from the state level to further this effort, because this is a tremendous thing that could really transform our state,” he said.

Garrett said Alabama’s advancements in innovation, education and broadband infrastructure can create a future where Alabama becomes a model of innovation, affordability and quality living. “We have an opportunity to not just move ahead, but leapfrog many other states in innovation,” he added.

Abe Harper: We are creating the “Durable Alabama”

Abe Harper, Innovate Alabama board member and founder of Mobile-based Harper Technologies, said through programs addressing common entrepreneurial barriers like access to capital and mentorship, Innovate Alabama empowers innovators to thrive professionally while enjoying the state’s outdoor and cultural offerings.

Harper describes Innovate Alabama’s progress as the result of an “organic system” that has been nurtured over years, now gaining traction across the state. Harper encourages entrepreneurs to leverage Innovate Alabama’s resources, including SSBCI funding and mentorship networks, to overcome challenges and realize their visions.

As a longtime entrepreneur, Harper sees innovation as a key to building a “durable Alabama” that attracts talent and investment. He emphasizes the state’s welcoming culture, which fosters collaboration and creativity. Harper also calls on innovators to embrace the opportunities available, declaring that “the season in Alabama for being afraid to take that next step is long behind us.”

Dr. Michael Chambers: “A Whole New Alabama”

Dr. Michael Chambers, Innovate Alabama board member and University of South Alabama Chief Economic Development Officer, highlighted the transformative impact of Innovate Alabama’s SBIR/STTR Supplemental Funding Program. Designed to provide Alabama entrepreneurs with additional funding on top of federal grants, the program has awarded more than $14 million to 68 companies across nine Alabama cities, including 23 female- or minority-owned businesses. Chambers also takes pride in launching a program that offers up to $250,000 in supplemental funding, enabling startups to cover critical expenses not typically included in federal grants.

An entrepreneur himself, Chambers understands the challenges of early-stage businesses. “Cash is really the most important thing you have on your mind,” he says, stressing how this additional funding helps startups overcome financial hurdles. He commended Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and the Alabama legislature for prioritizing and consistently funding Innovate Alabama, describing it as unprecedented in the state’s history.

“I just can’t be prouder of the Innovate Alabama board and what they’re doing. And our leadership, Cynthia Crutchfield and her staff, they’ve just done an amazing job. You see the State of Innovation event that we have here today? It’s a whole new Alabama,” Chambers said.