Alabama researchers power innovations for aerospace industry
Universities across Alabama are hubs of research and collaboration focused on the aerospace and aviation industries, and the innovations launched on campus hold major real-world promise. Professors and students alike are involved in the efforts, which range from emerging technologies in niche corners of the sector to broad initiatives that would be felt among many…
Polaris’ Alabama plant ships first all-electric off-road vehicles
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — Polaris Inc. today announced a milestone for its Alabama manufacturing facility — the first fully electric RANGER XP Kinetic off-road vehicles are headed out of the Huntsville factory to dealerships for customer pickup. Production of the electric vehicles began earlier this month at the 900,000-square-foot facility, according to Polaris, the Minneapolis-based producer…
Innovation Fund supports growth of ‘cancer companion’ app developer
A promising Birmingham startup that aims to help cancer patients and their families along the difficult treatment journey is recalibrating its growth plans after receiving financial support from the Alabama Innovation Fund. Fighting Cancer Network Inc., which is developing a “cancer companion” app to house informational videos as a resource for patients and caregivers, received…
Alabama bioscience sector poised for growth through major investments
Growth projects valued at almost $200 million are now under way in Alabama’s bioscience sector, setting the stage for robust new research funding and the recruitment of additional scientists to conduct cutting-edge projects. The growth spurt will build on new investments announced in 2021 by life science companies in the state that totaled $166 million,…
NASA’s newest rocket, SLS, blasts off with Alabama DNA
NASA’s Space Launch System — the space agency’s most powerful rocket ever — blasted off on its inaugural mission early this morning, thanks to major contributions from scientists, engineers, technicians and other workers in Alabama. Following the successful launch, NASA’s Orion spacecraft is on its way to the Moon as part of the Artemis program.…
HudsonAlpha AgTech Accelerator launches with first start-up class
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — Five innovative start-up companies make up the inaugural class in the HudsonAlpha AgTech Investment Accelerator, a new initiative from the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and the global venture and accelerator firm gener8tor. The 12-week accelerator invests $100,000 in five startups at the forefront of the agricultural technology industry. The Huntsville-based accelerator seeks…
Li-Cycle opens lithium-ion battery recycling ‘Spoke’ in Alabama
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama — Li-Cycle, a leading North American recycler of lithium-ion batteries, has launched commercial operations at an advanced recycling facility in Tuscaloosa that will support the company’s growing electric-vehicle battery supply customer base across the Southeast. Li-Cycle’s Alabama Spoke, as the facility is called, utilizes the company’s patented, environmentally friendly technology to recycle and…
HudsonAlpha teams with Dothan on Wiregrass biotech institute
DOTHAN, Alabama — The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology announced a public-private partnership today with the City of Dothan to create the HudsonAlpha Wiregrass Institute to advance education, agricultural research and economic development through entrepreneurship. Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba said the partnership has the potential to chart a new course for the Wiregrass region’s economy and its…
Aerospace research in Alabama powers new industry discoveries
Researchers in Alabama are leading efforts to expand and sharpen the capabilities of the global aerospace and aviation industries. Their focus varies widely, from deep space exploration to military helicopter operations, with the projects happening in laboratories across the state. “Some of the most innovative research to navigate new frontiers in space and defense is…
Alabama aerospace industry blasts off with dynamic developments
Spaceplane landings. New generation launch systems. A “digital first” factory to advance hypersonic technologies. Rocket engines roaring to life. Research accelerating 3-D printed parts in commercial aircraft. In case you missed a headline or two, these dynamic developments are taking shape right now in Alabama’s aerospace industry. And that’s only part of the picture as…