BIRMINGHAM – Several cities, organizations and colleges in North Alabama are among those in the second round of designees of the Innovate Alabama Network.
Innovate Alabama announced 62 designees of the newest group, bringing the total to 113. The network is a comprehensive resource to connect communities, nonprofits and higher education institutions across Alabama fostering innovation in their local footprint.
The designees are receiving nearly $8 million in supporting funds through designation awards and project grants from Innovate Alabama, according to a news release.
“Through the Innovate Alabama Network, we’re focused on developing a statewide network for innovation programming and catalyzing entrepreneurship in all of our communities, large and small,” said Cynthia Crutchfield, CEO of Innovate Alabama. “The program has become extremely competitive in this second round, with record-breaking engagement. As we continue to expand the Innovate Alabama Network, we’re eager to build on this momentum and create more resources that help foster connections among the designees.”
In this application round, 24 nonprofit entities, 32 communities and municipalities and six colleges and universities received an Innovate Alabama Network Designation. The funding request exceeded $42 million with approximately $7 million in project-specific funding and $1 million in general awards for new designees.
The substantial amount requested underscores the program’s escalating competitiveness, the news release said.
Innovate Alabama is fueling the state’s entrepreneurial landscape by backing key organizations, both rural and urban, that shape it. Through investments that spark innovation, foster statewide collaboration and offer crucial seed funding, these organizations will ignite innovation at both a community and regional level.
The program’s designees, past and present, are not only contributing to the success of their local communities, but also helping set the foundation for future growth and innovation across Alabama.
“The Innovate Alabama Network’s support has transformed Trenholm State Community College’s electric vehicle training program by expanding access to classes and acquiring vital equipment, all of which has equipped our students with essential skills for this emerging industry,” said Dr. Kemba Chambers, president of Trenholm State Community College and first round Innovate Alabama Network designee. “The program’s emphasis on cross-collaboration with innovation-focused organizations across the state has truly enriched our network. Innovate Alabama’s dedication to innovation in education is evident, and we’re deeply thankful for the opportunities it creates.”
For information, click here.
Innovate Alabama Network’s North Alabama Designations for Round 2
- Athens State University
- City of Albertville*
- City of Attalla*
- City of Crossville*
- City of Florence*
- City of Gadsden
- City of Glencoe
- City of Guntersville*
- HudsonAlpha*
- Huntsville Madison County Chamber of Commerce Foundation
- Huntsville Metro Black Chamber of Commerce
- Shoals Area Chamber Foundation
- Shoals Business Incubator
- Town of Fyffe*
- Town of Sylvania*
(*notations made for entities who also received project grants)
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