Alabama Launchpad

08/13/2026

Joseph Rusk, founder of The BreadBoard Company, applied to Alabama Launchpad at 11:59 p.m. on deadline day.

Then he won.

Yes, really. 🚀

He didn't let the deadline pass him by, and neither should you!

Joseph points to the connections, coaching, pitch experience and finalist stipend that helped him test and improve his product along the way.

Now it’s your turn.

Alabama Launchpad Cycle 2 applications close TONIGHT, August 13.

If you believe in what you're building, don't count yourself out before you apply.

You still have time. (Even if your submission locks in at 11:59. 😉)

🚀 Apply now: https://alabamalaunchpad.com/launch-prep/

07/09/2026

Most people think the hardest part of starting a business is coming up with the idea. John Joseph of The E-Center says the real challenges are mindset, finding the right market, and making sales.

Read what he's learned from working with hundreds of founders over the past nine years. Check out the full blog here: https://shorturl.at/U1GVH

Thinking about applying? Alabama Launchpad Cycle 2 applications close August 13: https://alabamalaunchpad.com/launch-prep/

05/18/2026

🚀 Meet the Alabama Launchpad Cycle 1 2026 Winners!

This cycle, we celebrated founders building impactful solutions across both technology and life sciences — and we’re proud to support their next stage of growth through non-dilutive funding, mentorship and statewide connections.

🏆 VivoSphere, LLC
Winner of the Life Sciences Track | $100,000 Awarded
Led by co-founders Yuan Tian and Elizabeth Lipke, VivoSphere is advancing drug discovery through innovative 3D tissue-engineered models designed to improve screening accuracy and reduce clinical trial failure.

🏆 Joseph Rusk and The BreadBoard Company
Winner of the Technology Track | $75,000 Awarded
The BreadBoard Company is inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders by making robotics and electronics approachable and engaging for young learners through hands-on educational kits and guided instruction.

These founders represent the innovation, talent and entrepreneurial momentum growing across Alabama. Congratulations to all of our finalists and winners from Cycle 1 2026!

Learn more about Alabama Launchpad and apply for Cycle 2 2026 at alabamalaunchpad.com. Link in bio!

05/18/2026

Congratulations to VivoSphere, LLC on winning $100,000 in the Alabama Launchpad Cycle 1 2026 Life Sciences Competition!

Based in Auburn, Alabama, VivoSphere is advancing drug discovery through innovative 3D tissue-engineered models designed to improve screening accuracy and reduce reliance on animal testing.

We’re proud to support founders building meaningful solutions and growing Alabama’s innovation economy.

Read more:

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (May 18, 2026) — Alabama Launchpad, a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama in partnership with Innovate Alabama, announced VivoSphere LLC as the winner of the Alabama Launchpad Cycle 1 2026 Life Sciences Track competition.

05/18/2026

Joseph Rusk, a rising senior in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, won Alabama Launchpad’s Cycle 1 2026 Technology Division finals on May 7 in Birmingham, securing the $75,000 top prize for his startup, The BreadBoard Company.

05/11/2026

Congratulations to Auburn University Samuel Ginn College of Engineering student and founder Joseph Rusk and The BreadBoard Company for winning $75,000 in the Alabama Launchpad Cycle 1 2026 Technology Competition. 🚀

The BreadBoard Company is inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders by making robotics and electronics approachable, engaging and fun for young learners through hands-on kits and guided instruction.

Joseph’s vision, creativity and entrepreneurial drive represent the kind of innovation continuing to grow across Alabama’s startup ecosystem, and we are proud to support founders building meaningful solutions for the future.

Read more about Joseph and The BreadBoard Company here:

https://alabamalaunchpad.com/news/joseph-rusk-and-the-breadboard-company-win-alabama-launchpad-cycle-1-2026-technology-competition/

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (May 11, 2026) – Alabama Launchpad, a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) in partnership with Innovate Alabama, is proud to announce Joseph Rusk and The BreadBoard Company as the winner of the Alabama Launchpad Cycle 1 2026 Technology Track competitio...

04/15/2026

Looking for your next big opportunity—or just want to plug into Birmingham’s startup scene?

Join us tomorrow at Innovation Depot for the Alabama Launchpad Regional Meetup!

✨ Hear from special guest Caroline McMeans, co-founder of Homepoint and former Alabama Launchpad winner. Their tech-forward real estate platform is changing the way people buy and sell homes.
✨ Connect with founders and entrepreneurs in your community
✨ Take the mic with a 90-second pitch

📅 Thursday, April 16
⏰ 4:30–5:30 PM
📍 Innovation Depot | 1500 1st Ave N

Hosted in partnership with Innovation Depot.

Save your spot: https://alabamalaunchpad.com/regional-meetups/

03/12/2026

The next generation of Alabama startups is here.

Alabama Launchpad has announced the 10 finalists for the Cycle 1 2026 competition, featuring founders building innovative companies in technology and life sciences across the state.

From AI platforms and prosthetic innovations to advanced drug testing models and healthcare technologies, these startups are tackling real challenges while helping grow Alabama’s economy.

Each finalist receives $2,500 in funding and 12 weeks of mentorship as they prepare to compete for up to $100,000 in non-dilutive funding.

Since 2006, Alabama Launchpad has invested more than $6.6 million in 120+ startups, helping generate 1,600 jobs and more than $260 million in follow-on funding.

Meet the finalists and learn more 👇
https://alabamalaunchpad.com/news/alabama-launchpad-announces-10-finalists-for-cycle-1-2026-competition/

03/09/2026

🚀 Tech and Life Sciences Founders — Applications Are Open

Are you building something new?

A software or AI platform solving a real problem?
A medical device improving patient outcomes?
A biotech innovation?
A cybersecurity or defense technology?

Alabama Launchpad Cycle 2 is now accepting applications.

Selected founders will receive:
✔️ $2,500 to test business strategies
✔️ Guidance from experienced Launch Advisors
✔️ The opportunity to pitch for $75,000–$100,000 in funding

📅 Priority Deadline: July 1, 2026
Apply early to receive feedback and strengthen your application.

📅 Final Deadline: August 13, 2026

If you're building the future in tech or life sciences, this is your opportunity to move your idea forward.

Apply today → https://alabamalaunchpad.com/launch-prep/