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2024 Inno Under 25: Chris Patel, Birmingham


Chris Patel
Chris Patel was one of seven honorees in the BBJ's 2024 Inno Under 25 Spotlight.
Submitted by Chris Patel

Age: 21

Education: Degree in finance and entrepreneurship from UAB

Why is innovation important to you and why do you think it’s important to the future of Birmingham?

Innovation is vital to me because it represents the means to turn challenges into opportunities and drive progress. For Birmingham, it’s crucial because it drives economic growth, improves our daily lives and helps the city compete on a bigger stage. Embracing innovation can attract businesses and make Birmingham a more dynamic place to live and work.

What is Birmingham doing right and what can we do to improve our innovation scene?

Birmingham’s got a solid start with its startup support and active community. To level up, we could focus on boosting funding for new businesses, improving tech and entrepreneurship education and encouraging more collaboration among local groups.

How is Birmingham competing with larger innovation and entrepreneurial markets like Nashville, Austin, and Atlanta? What do you think we have that they don’t?

Birmingham might be smaller, but we’ve got some real advantages. The lower cost of living is a big plus, and our tight-knit community offers personalized support. Plus, the city’s growth potential means there’s room to make a big impact and stand out.

RELATED: Meet all of the Inno Under 25 honorees


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