Eleven North Alabama-based startups have been awarded supplemental grants through Innovate Alabama, part of a $3.3 million funding round aimed at advancing high-tech research and job creation across the state.
Program supports tech growth statewide
The funding comes from the Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant Program, which offers non-dilutive capital to businesses that previously secured federal SBIR or STTR grants. This program is designed to help companies move from research into real-world applications. With this round, Innovate Alabama has now distributed more than $17 million to 82 small businesses since the initiative began.
Leadership emphasizes long-term impact
“By providing follow-on capital through our Supplemental Grant Program, we’re equipping Alabama’s most promising startups with the resources needed to take their innovations to market,” said Cynthia Crutchfield, CEO of Innovate Alabama. She noted that the investments are helping to drive job creation, attract outside capital, and strengthen Alabama’s presence as a competitive hub for research and innovation.
North Alabama startups lead the way
Of the 20 businesses receiving funding, 11 are based in North Alabama. These include Huntsville’s Applied Technology Solutions, which works on hypersonic materials, and Cosmic Shielding Corporation, which specializes in radiation protection for space systems. Other recipients include radar technology firm Eikon Research; rocket propulsion developer Hybird Space Systems; and Hyperion Aerospace, known for its green thruster technology.
Also funded were KODA Technologies, Mathinvestments, nou Systems, SSS Optical Technologies, and Tellus1 Scientific—all based in Huntsville—as well as VETS LLC, headquartered in Madison. These startups span industries from defense and optics to finance and advanced manufacturing, reflecting the region’s expanding role in high-tech innovation.
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