Start In Auburn

Auburn invests in the infrastructure that makes innovation possible.

On Friday, June 5, 2026, The Auburn University Board of Trustees approved a 77-acre expansion of The Park, bringing the total size to just over 240 acres.

The expansion will accommodate a newly established Advanced Manufacturing Research District, anchored by the industry-leading Auburn University RFID Lab. This new district will create more opportunities for private-sector partners to co-locate with Auburn experts.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4aAe8Kj

Congratulations to Auburn-based startup VivoSphere, LLC, on winning $100,000 in the Alabama Launchpad Cycle 1 2026 Life Sciences Competition! 🎉

Founded by Yuan Tian and Elizabeth Lipke, VivoSphere is advancing drug discovery through innovative 3D tissue-engineered models that help create more human-like responses in drug screening. Their work has the potential to reduce clinical trial failures and lessen reliance on animal testing, making a meaningful impact on the future of healthcare and biotechnology.

Looking for a smarter way to organize research, customer feedback, and business information?

Join SCORE's free webinar, NotebookLM for Business: Your AI-Powered Research Partner and learn how to use Google's AI-powered tool to turn documents, notes, reports, and research into actionable business insights. Participants will discover how to summarize information, identify trends, improve decision-making, and create practical next steps using their own trusted sources.

Date: June 23rd, 2026
Time: 1:00pm
Duration: 1 Hour
Price: Free

To register: https://www.score.org/business-education/notebooklm-for-business-your-ai-powered-research-partner/

Auburn University Board of Trustees Approves Auburn Research Park Expansion

Today, the Auburn University Board of Trustees approved a 77 acre expansion of Auburn Research Park. The expansion will support a recently announced initiative to establish an Advanced Manufacturing District in The Park. This new district, anchored by Auburn's world-class RFID Lab (shown), will enhance Auburn’s research programs in advanced manufacturing by consolidating many of these research efforts into one cohesive community where private sector collaborators can co-locate and accelerate technology development and manufacturing sector growth.

Learn more: https://harbert.auburn.edu/news/2026/04/auburn-research-and-technology-foundation-breaks-ground-on-new-rfidlab.html

Alabama Launchpad helps entrepreneurs turn innovative ideas into real businesses through mentorship, expert feedback, business training, and seed funding opportunities. What you need to apply:

A complete application
A 90-second video introducing you, your team, and your company
A pitch deck, based on our template attached in the application
Agreement to the Terms and Conditions
$150 application fee (paid through PayPal)
Meet all Quality Check Standards

Find out more on the Alabama Launchpad website. https://alabamalaunchpad.com/launch-prep/

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor those who gave their lives in service to our nation. 🇺🇸

Applications are now open for Alabama Launchpad Cycle 2 — an opportunity for entrepreneurs to put their ideas to the test and compete for funding to help grow their business.

Priority Deadline – July 1, 2026

Final Deadline – August 13, 2026

You can’t win if you don’t enter!

Congratulations to Auburn University student and founder Joseph Rusk and The BreadBoard Company for winning $75,000 in the Alabama Launchpad Cycle 1 2026 Technology Competition. 🚀

The BreadBoard Company is inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders by making robotics and electronics approachable, engaging and fun for young learners through hands-on kits and guided instruction.

Read more about Joseph and The BreadBoard Company here:
https://lnkd.in/gN3F9CUa

Have a business idea you want to grow? gALPHA is a FREE four-week program designed to help entrepreneurs, students, and innovators turn ideas into action.

Through mentorship, one-on-one coaching, and a supportive startup community, participants learn how to develop ideas, build MVPs, and create a roadmap for growth. Whether you’re starting a retail business, service, product, or tech startup, gALPHA helps you take the next step.

gALPHA earth takes place in-person in Sylacauga, AL (July 7th- August 7th, 2026) and is open to entrepreneurially minded individuals across East Alabama. Application Deadline- June 28th, 2026

Each step plays a role in protecting your business, your money, and your future growth.

If you’re serious about starting a business, don’t rush it—build it right from the beginning.👏