Huntsville startups among Alabama Launchpad finalists for Cycle 2 2025

BIRMINGHAM — Representing diverse industries, three Huntsville startups are among 11 Alabama Launchpad finalists, it was announced today.

Alabama Launchpad, a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, in partnership with Innovate Alabama, said its finalists for Cycle 2 2025 feature 11 high-potential startups competing within three industry-specific tracks: Life Sciences, Technology (Hardware & Software), and Consumer Goods.

The Huntsville-based finalists are Kalm Therapeutics (Life Sciences), Druid Agriculture and Tag! Fundraising (both in Technology – Hardware and Software).

The competition will award up to $100,000 in non-dilutive funding to winning startups. Finalists will compete within their designated industry tracks, pitching their ventures to exclusive investor committees in a private setting designed to prepare them for future conversations with investors or customers.

“With each cycle, we continue to see the depth of innovation and entrepreneurial talent across Alabama,” said Estes Hughes, vice president of innovation and talent at EDPA. “This group of finalists represents diverse industries, geographical regions and bold ideas. We’re excited to see how they will grow and contribute to our state’s economy.”

Since its launch in 2006, Alabama Launchpad has invested over $6.6 million in more than 120 startups, fueling job creation, economic growth, and innovation across the state. Collectively, these companies have generated over 1,600 jobs, secured more than funding, and surpassed $1 billion in combined valuation.

Life Sciences

• Gulf Sterilization Inc. (Mobile) — Provides contract sterilization services to the health care industry, ensuring safe and effective medical devices.
• Kalm Therapeutics (Huntsville) — Developing the first medicated, naturally-derived Eczema/Psoriasis Patch to protect and treat skin.
• Flexicoat (Mountain Brook) — Revolutionizing biomedical device coatings to create lubricious, self-sterilizing, superhydrophilic surfaces—safely and in under 15 minutes.

Technology (Hardware and Software)

• Homepoint (Birmingham) — A tech-forward real estate brokerage platform enhancing transparency and efficiency in home buying and selling.
• Druid Agriculture (Huntsville) — Building AI-enabled camera systems that transform precision agriculture and optimize farming operations.
• LUDS LLC (Vestavia Hills) — Establishing a zero-tolerance waste level that optimizes framing efficiency within the residential home building sector, while significantly reducing the amount of dimensional lumber waste produced at job sites.
• M&S Analytics, LLC (Birmingham) — A high-touch, personal bookkeeping software platform (Cloè) built for firms managing multiple clients. Designed to streamline data collection, bill pay and reporting, Cloé is a first mover in a rapidly growing market.
• Tag! Fundraising (Huntsville) — Tag! Fundraising helps student-athletes raise money without selling anything. With one link, they share their story and get real support from fans, friends, and community – fueling their goals through direct donations.

Consumer Goods

• Coop’s Maintenance (Tuscaloosa) — Simplifies landscaping and maintenance services for property owners with a streamlined platform.
• Maison Mariann (Mobile) — Beginning with a modern take on the timeless charm bracelet, Maison Mariann creates heirloom jewelry by blending timeless artistry with contemporary design.
• VRobotics LLC (Foley) — Produces VizBack – a smart LED backpack that enhances visibility, safety and personal expression for motorcycle riders.

This year, Alabama Launchpad established an updated competition structure to better support entrepreneurs. The format now features three industry-specific tracks — life sciences, technology and consumer goods — as well as $2,500 in upfront funding for each finalist to support business growth.

Finalists also receive 12 weeks of expert mentorship to refine business strategies and prepare for scaling. Expanded prize pools per track mean winners will take home up to $100,000, ensuring startups receive tailored guidance and resources specific to their industries to help them scale faster and attract future investment.

For the latest information, visit www.alabamalaunchpad.com.