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Innovate Alabama’s annual State of Innovation Day 2024 took center stage on December 10, at Regions Field in Birmingham. The event celebrated Alabama’s growing prominence as a hub for technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. It featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, all aimed at showcasing the state’s dynamic innovation ecosystem and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
“Today is a great day for innovation in Alabama. We have come together to celebrate the progress and accomplishments of our founders, investors, students, corporate partners and ecosystem builders,” said Cynthia Crutchfield, CEO of Innovate Alabama.
The event highlighted the crucial role of public officials in supporting Alabama’s innovation economy. Bill Poole, chair of the Innovate Alabama Board of Directors, expressed gratitude for the public-private partnership model, noting, “A public-private partnership only thrives when the public sector stakeholders are committed, and I am confident that is the case here in Alabama. We are grateful for the public officials who are committed to fostering innovation and driving progress in our state, especially our public sector Innovate Alabama board members: Governor Ivey, Senate President Pro Tempore Reed, Senator Singleton, Representative Garrett, and Representative Daniels.”
A standout moment of the day was a spotlight on Jesse Draper, founding partner of Halogen Ventures, who announced a significant milestone for Alabama entrepreneurs. Through Innovate Alabama’s InvestAL initiative, Halogen Ventures has committed $10 million to investing in Alabama founders. “This would not be possible without Innovate Alabama,” said Draper. “We are excited to work and partner with you. Alabama has world-class universities and more innovation accelerator programs than I can count. The state is full of incredible opportunities, and I am looking forward to catalyzing change.”
The event also featured a fireside chat with Alabama native Dr. Lonnie Johnson, founder of Johnson Energy Storage and inventor of the Super Soaker. Dr. Johnson discussed his groundbreaking work in energy storage and emphasized the importance of mentorship in nurturing innovation. “I think of inventing as planting seeds, which will grow and branch into job creation and, ultimately, improvements to quality of life. When innovators are excited and follow through; that makes all the difference,” he said.
Two key panel discussions underscored Innovate Alabama’s core missions. The Talent Development panel, moderated by Senator Bobby Singleton, brought together six students from Innovate Alabama’s programs to share their experiences and aspirations. Participants included Raegan Harris from the University of Alabama, Irene Kihara from Jefferson State Community College, Calvin Kim, a high school senior, Kashmere Miller from Tuskegee University, Hunter Stepanovich from the University of Alabama, and Jesse Yankey from Alabama A&M. These students highlighted the critical role of nurturing homegrown talent to power Alabama’s innovation economy.
Another panel explored how Alabama’s natural beauty and recreational assets contribute to attracting and retaining top talent. Moderated by Dr. Tim Lindblom, dean at Jacksonville State University, the discussion featured Kellie Clark of gener8tor, Christopher Joe of The Joe Farm, and Chad Scroggins, county manager of Shelby County.
The event concluded with the presentation of the Innovate Alabama Innovator of the Year Award to Dr. Todd Greer, executive director of Innovation Portal, in recognition of his contributions to the state’s innovation ecosystem. The Alabama Founder Fest Showcase followed, spotlighting six Alabama-based entrepreneurs whose innovative ideas and products have made a significant impact.
Innovate Alabama continues to drive its mission of fostering a resilient, inclusive economy through initiatives like the InvestAL program and partnerships that support entrepreneurship and innovation. For more information about Innovate Alabama and its upcoming initiatives, visit innovatealabama.org.
