Alabama team seeks new life sciences markets in Europe
BERLIN — Alabama business and community leaders are in Europe this week, seeking new market opportunities for the state’s growing bioscience industry in the countries of Germany and Denmark. The 22-member delegation also is promoting the cutting-edge developments happening at research centers from Huntsville to Birmingham to Mobile and beyond, an effort to encourage new…
Innovation Depot building ‘critical mass’ in Birmingham tech district
Innovation Depot, a thriving downtown Birmingham business incubator, saw 17 companies graduate last year, a record number. Their wings didn’t take them far away – most of them located nearly, contributing momentum to the city’s growing innovation ecosystem. Innovation Depot CEO Devon Laney told the Alabama NewsCenter that building this “critical mass” is a very…
Birmingham region scorecard: 2,000 new jobs from 2016 projects
The Birmingham Business Alliance said today that economic development activity in its seven-county region generated more than 2,000 jobs and nearly $587 million in new capital investment during 2016. At a breakfast meeting today, BBA leaders also outlined their strategy of harnessing the Birmingham area’s extensive research and technology capabilities to spur growth and create…
Florence culinary incubator stirs entrepreneurship dreams
FLORENCE, Alabama – Entrepreneurs looking to break into the highly competitive food industry have found invaluable tools and support in northwest Alabama. The Florence-based Shoals Entrepreneurial Center is home to a culinary incubator that offers a fully equipped, FDA-approved commercial kitchen for fledgling startups to rent at reasonable rates. Beyond that, the center’s staff provides…
Tuskegee researchers’ discovery could protect food supply
TUSKEGEE, Alabama – Researchers at Tuskegee University’s College of Veterinary Medicine have been awarded a patent for a faster and more efficient way to detect live bacteria that could contaminate the nation’s food supply. U.S Patent No. 9434976 was issued for the rapid and more reliable detection of viable foodborne, biothreat pathogens and other infectious…
Accelerate Alabama 2.0 updates state’s strategic growth plan
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Accelerate Alabama, the strategic economic development growth plan that has driven the creation of more than 75,000 jobs since its adoption, is being updated with refined targets and tactics. Accelerate Alabama 2.0, as it’s called, aims to amplify the success of the original strategic plan, which went into effect in 2012, said…
Milestone: Airbus Engineering celebrates decade in Alabama
MOBILE, Alabama – Airbus today marked a major milestone in Alabama as it celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the engineering operation that was the forerunner to its aircraft manufacturing facility here. Employees of Airbus Engineering were joined by state and local leaders to recognize the success of the Airbus Engineering Center in Mobile. “Our success…
Zyp BikeShare adds ‘grab and go’ way to travel in Birmingham
Hundreds of bright green bicycles have collectively logged nearly 100,000 miles crisscrossing Birmingham, as the city’s new bike sharing system has become a hit with residents and visitors alike. Zyp BikeShare, an initiative of REV Birmingham that launched in October 2015, gives riders a new way to make a quick trip to the grocery store,…
Alabama makers help business recruiters tell state’s story in unique way
When it comes to courting new and expanding companies, Alabama’s business recruiters don’t have to look far for help. They often turn to local artists, manufacturers and other makers when they want a special gift for company officials or international dignitaries, and they have plenty of options to choose from. From delicate blown glass sculptures…
Alabama academic researchers work to power new discoveries
Researchers at universities across Alabama are involved in groundbreaking work that is bringing promising new developments to industry, healthcare and community life. In many instances, the projects have been recognized by national research groups, which are funneling millions of dollars in funding into the state. At the University of South Alabama, an engineering professor has…
