Five early-stage companies were selected by a five-judge panel Friday to advance to the Alabama Launchpad Startup Competition finale in December.
Ten teams pitched before the judges Friday at Evonik Industries in Birmingham. The five companies earned a chance to win a share of up to $250,000 in funding and will advance to the Competition Finale that will be held on Dec.10 at the Design Lab-Huntsville at Historic Lincoln Mills, 1300 Meridian Street North, 2nd Floor. The event begins at 4 p.m.
Alabama Launchpad, a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, is continuing its efforts to help high growth companies start, stay and grow in Alabama.
Moving the finale to another part of the state is part of the non-profit’s efforts to increase participation of startups from across Alabama.
In Alabama Launchpad’s earlier years when there was one cycle of competition, the finale was rotated alphabetically to each city that had a participating university in partnership with Alabama Launchpad, which was started in 2006.
“Huntsville has a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, and Alabama Launchpad wants to help feed that growth by hosting our upcoming finale event at the Design Lab at Lincoln Mills,” said Greg Sheek, Alabama Launchpad programs director. “We hope our event not only spurs new entrepreneurs in Huntsville but draws more applicants to Launchpad for future rounds.”
The startups to proceed are:
• LiTeWater, based in Tuscaloosa, filters and eliminates harmful bacteria and viruses from tap water through a breakthrough ultraviolet water treatment technology.
• MechOptix, Inc., based in Huntsville, has developed Stoptix, an automatic brake lamp that protects your vehicle from rear-end collisions.
• PartCycle Technologies, LLC, based in Florence, is an e-commerce marketplace for the auto parts industry that connects people who need auto parts with those who have them for sale, using a trustworthy, simple platform.
• ACE Creative Engagement, LLC, based in Huntsville, is a consumer grade tool to address the pains of live video broadcasting.
• Vital Metrix, Inc., based in Huntsville, provides data to a patient’s cardiologist while the patient is home and allows for the better treatment of congestive heart failure and quality of life.
“We’re looking forward to the finale and helping the startups develop their ideas into successful, high-growth ventures and future jobs, which benefit the broader landscape of Alabama’s economy,” Sheek said.
About the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama: Now in its 25th year, the non- profit Partnership represents the private sector’s contribution to economic development in Alabama. Fully funded by more than 70 leading companies invested in the state’s long-term economic success, EDPA provides leadership and services that recruit new businesses to the state, retain existing businesses and renew Alabama’s economy by encouraging innovation both within existing industries and through the commercialization of new technologies. www.edpa.org
About Alabama Launchpad: Alabama Launchpad helps high growth companies start, stay and grow in Alabama while supporting, advocating and recognizing entrepreneurship statewide.
www.alabamalaunchpad.com
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Birmingham, Ala., Oct. 2
For Immediate Release
Contact: Val Walton | 205.943.4715 | vwalton@edpa.org