Alabama Launchpad has selected 11 finalists to participate in Cycle 2 2023.
The finalists will compete for a combined $75,000 at a public finale scheduled to take place Aug. 17 in Auburn.
Alabama Launchpad features entrepreneurs in two stages of development: those in the concept stage, which are usually pre-revenue, and those in the early seed stage, looking to accelerate the growth of their existing businesses. According to Pitchbook, Alabama Launchpad is the state’s most active early seed funding source.
“By providing critical funding and support to startups at the concept and early seed stages, Launchpad is building a sustainable pipeline of innovation and job creation in Alabama, which can transform the economic landscape of the state," said Miller Girvin, executive vice president of innovation and talent at the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama.
To date, Alabama Launchpad has funded 114 startups and invested over $6.1 million in nondilutive funding. Its winning companies have a combined post-money valuation of over $1 billion and have generated over 1,300 jobs across the state.
The following 11 finalists were selected from a field of 32 applications, representing eight cities and towns across the state. Three companies from Auburn, the host location of this cycle’s competition, have earned spots as finalists.
The five concept stage companies competing for $25,000 are:
- CheckMySpot, a telehealth app designed to promote the early detection of skin cancer. Users upload cell phone images of a single skin lesion. The app’s dermatology providers review the photo within 24 to 48 hours and, if needed, expedite a referral to the user's dermatologist or one nearby.
- NanoPrintek, which introduces what it claims is the world's first dry nano printer that transforms the way electronics are printed. The technology allows pure, multi-material, multifunctional and hybrid materials printing on demand.
- SwiftTrax, which builds innovative tech solutions for the trucking industry in an automated and modular format.
- The Gathering Lab, which offers a new way to make human connections, removing many of the barriers placed on consumers who hope to build strong, meaningful networks. It matches diverse groups of eight to 12 people based on similar interests, values and goals and invites them to have dinner together in a way that's designed for authentic connection.
- VivoSphere, which creates more human-like tissue for more human-like drug response, aiming to reduce false positive drug candidates at early stages to avoid costly failure during clinical stage.
The six companies in the early seed stage, who will be competing for $50,000, are:
- Autonoma, which creates autonomous vehicle simulation and validation tools. It combines an AV simulator with high-bandwidth, low-latency wireless communications to allow a real vehicle to "see" a virtual environment around it. This is intended to allow for a safer transition from simulation to onroad operation because edge cases can be tested.
- BluTapp, which is an innovative personal device enabling the remote treatment of anxiety, PTSD and trauma. Designed as a tool for clinicians and a self-guided treatment for consumers, BluTapp lowers the barriers to evidence-based mental health treatment.
- CharIT, which is a Fintech software company modernizing a charitable giving tool by building it on modern technology and marketing it to the masses.
- CROUX, which is a former Alabama Launchpad concept stage winner, connects talent with flexible work opportunities. Formed by founders from the hospitality industry, CROUX leans on the idea that the future of the industry starts with better treatment of its people.
- Health OpX, which is a software aiming to bring nonprofits technologically forward so they can report their impact to donors and partner with health care organizations. These partnerships target nonprofits such as food pantries, diaper banks, churches and more into access points of care for underserved communities.
- NIXA, which is developing Level 2 EVSEs and pioneering the smart home ecosystem.
Alabama Launchpad’s Cycle 2 2023 finale will take place at The Park at Auburn University.
