Alabama
State Resources
Alabama proudly holds a central stage for key events in the Civil Rights Movement, is a hub for aerospace and defense industries, and a home to major auto manufacturing companies. Its southern hospitality, college football rivals, and Gulf Coast beaches provide a rich blend of features. The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) is a private, non-profit organization that supports Alabama’s economic development effort by focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship, business expansion, talent attraction, among other things. It promotes the Alabama SEEDS program, which is a matching grant governed by the State Industrial Development Authority. In 2024, the state’s previous economic development plan was replaced by a new plan called Catalyst.
Innovate Alabama
Innovate Alabama is a Supplemental Grant Program that has awarded over $14 million to 82 grant awardees. The program connects Alabama entrepreneurs of promising technologies or research with additional resources. Small businesses with an active Phase I or Phase II SBIR/STTR grant as of July 1, 2024, or afterward, are eligible for this non-dilutive funding. Individuals who have received SBIR/STTR Phase I can apply for additional funding up to $100,000; those who won a Phase II award can apply for additional funding up to $250,000.
Innovate Alabama Venture Studio and Fund
The Innovate Alabama Venture Studio and Fund was announced in June 2025. This is a new, state funded initiative between Innovate Alabama and Harmony Venture Labs. According to a 2025 article “Guided by the Alabama Department of Commerce’s Catalyst Plan and fueled by the attached Venture Studio Fund, the studio focuses on building ventures designed for strong market traction and long-term expansion across sectors such as fintech, logistics, agtech, medical technology, industrial systems, and construction innovation.”
Defense and NASA Conferences in Alabama
Alabama is home to five military bases, as well as the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. These have a tremendous and positive impact on the economy of Alabama. For small, advanced tech companies looking for opportunities to network within these industries, consider attending a Defense and NASA Conference taking place in Alabama. The following is a short list of upcoming conferences.
Hypersonic Weapons and Emerging Technologies Summit,
March 31 – April 1, 2026, Huntsville, AL
48th Aerospace Mechanisms Symposium,
May, 2026, Huntsville, AL
