Alabama Launchpad

🚀 Meet the Alabama Launchpad Cycle 1 2026 Winners!

This cycle, we celebrated founders building impactful solutions across both technology and life sciences — and we’re proud to support their next stage of growth through non-dilutive funding, mentorship and statewide connections.

🏆 VivoSphere, LLC
Winner of the Life Sciences Track | $100,000 Awarded
Led by co-founders Yuan Tian and Elizabeth Lipke, VivoSphere is advancing drug discovery through innovative 3D tissue-engineered models designed to improve screening accuracy and reduce clinical trial failure.

🏆 Joseph Rusk and The BreadBoard Company
Winner of the Technology Track | $75,000 Awarded
The BreadBoard Company is inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders by making robotics and electronics approachable and engaging for young learners through hands-on educational kits and guided instruction.

These founders represent the innovation, talent and entrepreneurial momentum growing across Alabama. Congratulations to all of our finalists and winners from Cycle 1 2026!

Learn more about Alabama Launchpad and apply for Cycle 2 2026 at alabamalaunchpad.com. Link in bio!

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

Based in Auburn, Alabama, VivoSphere is advancing drug discovery through innovative 3D tissue-engineered models designed to improve screening accuracy and reduce reliance on animal testing.

We’re proud to support founders building meaningful solutions and growing Alabama’s innovation economy.

Read more:

VivoSphere Wins $100,000 in Alabama Launchpad Cycle 1 2026 Life Sciences Competition - Alabama Launchpad BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (May 18, 2026) — Alabama Launchpad, a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama in partnership with Innovate Alabama, announced VivoSphere LLC as the winner of the Alabama Launchpad Cycle 1 2026 Life Sciences Track competition.

Rising senior in electrical and computer engineering wins first place, $75,000 at Alabama Launchpad pitch competition Joseph Rusk, a rising senior in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, won Alabama Launchpad’s Cycle 1 2026 Technology Division finals on May 7 in Birmingham, securing the $75,000 top prize for his startup, The BreadBoard Company.

Congratulations to Auburn University Samuel Ginn College of Engineering 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.

Joseph’s vision, creativity and entrepreneurial drive represent the kind of innovation continuing to grow across Alabama’s startup ecosystem, and we are proud to support founders building meaningful solutions for the future.

Read more about Joseph and The BreadBoard Company here:

https://alabamalaunchpad.com/news/joseph-rusk-and-the-breadboard-company-win-alabama-launchpad-cycle-1-2026-technology-competition/

Auburn University Student Joseph Rusk and The BreadBoard Company Win $75,000 in Alabama Launchpad Cycle 1 2026 Technology Competition - Alabama Launchpad BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (May 11, 2026) – Alabama Launchpad, a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) in partnership with Innovate Alabama, is proud to announce Joseph Rusk and The BreadBoard Company as the winner of the Alabama Launchpad Cycle 1 2026 Technology Track competitio...

Looking for your next big opportunity—or just want to plug into Birmingham’s startup scene?

Join us tomorrow at Innovation Depot for the Alabama Launchpad Regional Meetup!

✨ Hear from special guest Caroline McMeans, co-founder of Homepoint and former Alabama Launchpad winner. Their tech-forward real estate platform is changing the way people buy and sell homes.
✨ Connect with founders and entrepreneurs in your community
✨ Take the mic with a 90-second pitch

📅 Thursday, April 16
⏰ 4:30–5:30 PM
📍 Innovation Depot | 1500 1st Ave N

Hosted in partnership with Innovation Depot.

Save your spot: https://alabamalaunchpad.com/regional-meetups/

The next generation of Alabama startups is here.

Alabama Launchpad has announced the 10 finalists for the Cycle 1 2026 competition, featuring founders building innovative companies in technology and life sciences across the state.

From AI platforms and prosthetic innovations to advanced drug testing models and healthcare technologies, these startups are tackling real challenges while helping grow Alabama’s economy.

Each finalist receives $2,500 in funding and 12 weeks of mentorship as they prepare to compete for up to $100,000 in non-dilutive funding.

Since 2006, Alabama Launchpad has invested more than $6.6 million in 120+ startups, helping generate 1,600 jobs and more than $260 million in follow-on funding.

Meet the finalists and learn more 👇
https://alabamalaunchpad.com/news/alabama-launchpad-announces-10-finalists-for-cycle-1-2026-competition/

If you’re building in Technology, Alabama Launchpad helps founders refine their strategy, strengthen their pitch, and compete for $75,000 in funding.

🚀 Apply by February 18: https://alabamalaunchpad.com/launch-prep/

Whether you’re building in Life Sciences or Technology, Alabama Launchpad helps founders sharpen their business, gain expert guidance, and compete for meaningful funding—$100,000 for Life Sciences and $75,000 for Technology.

If you’re ready to move from idea to impact, this is your moment.
🚀 Apply by February 18 here https://alabamalaunchpad.com/launch-prep/

If you’re building in Life Sciences, Alabama Launchpad helps turn innovation into real-world impact with expert guidance, meaningful mentorship, and the opportunity to compete for $100,000 in funding.

🚀 Apply by February 18 here: https://alabamalaunchpad.com/launch-prep/