Innovate Alabama

Montgomery is turning national attention into long-term opportunity. During the 2026 Department of the Air Force Information Technology & Cyberpower Conference (DAFITC), Montgomery TechLab brought together defense innovators, entrepreneurs, students, military leaders and industry partners to showcase the region’s growing technology ecosystem. From accelerator Demo Day pitches to cybersecurity competitions for students, these efforts are helping build talent pipelines, strengthen partnerships and create new pathways for innovation-driven economic growth. This is exactly the kind of ecosystem-building that helps position Alabama as a leader in technology, entrepreneurship and defense innovation. Read the full story in comments.

CerFlux, a Birmingham-based cancer biotechnology company, has received a $1.25 million award from the U.S. National Science Foundation to advance a collaborative cancer research program with the University of Virginia. The project will further develop CerFlux’s BEST™ platform, which is designed to create more predictive models for evaluating cancer therapies and improving drug-development decisions. By connecting cutting-edge research, entrepreneurial innovation and academic expertise, founders are moving transformative technologies from the lab toward meaningful outcomes for patients. Congratulations to the CerFlux team on this national recognition and important step forward in advancing cancer research. Read the full story in the comments.

We're excited to see the newly launched Alabama Space Accelerator, led by the Apollo Coalition, Inc. and Treble One, helping early-stage companies connect directly with commercial and federal space customers, while providing access to mentorship, training, test facilities and procurement opportunities. By investing in programs that strengthen pathways from research and development to commercialization, Alabama is helping entrepreneurs transform promising technologies into scalable businesses. Read the full story in comments.

Invariant Corporation, a Huntsville-based defense engineering and technology company, was recently named to the 2026 Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States. The company reported 265% revenue growth between 2022 and 2025 and ranked No. 1,322 on this year’s list. Founded in 2001 and operating as a 100% employee-owned company, Invariant’s growth reflects increasing demand for advanced defense technologies and the world-class talent being developed and retained in Alabama. Read full story in the comments.

Immediate, a Birmingham-based earned wage access and financial wellness platform, recently closed a $13 million Series B funding round led by BankTech Ventures. The funding will support product innovation, strategic distribution partnerships, continued employer-market growth and expansion of the company’s embedded financial services platform. The company now supports more than 625 employers nationwide, demonstrating how Alabama-founded companies are building scalable solutions that address real-world financial challenges for businesses and employees alike. Congratulations to the Immediate team on this exciting achievement. Read the full story in comments.

Innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It takes a community. Last week, Innovate Alabama brought its "Connecting Alabama: Igniting Regional Innovation" convening series to the River Region, recognizing 26 organizations, municipalities and institutions driving economic development, workforce growth and technological advancement across Montgomery and Lee counties. From higher education and local government to startups, small businesses and technology leaders, the honorees represent the many pieces that make a strong innovation ecosystem possible. As Hope Brasell, Innovate Alabama’s Director of External Affairs, shared: “It really takes the whole community — elected officials, educational institutions, small businesses and partnerships — to create the environment it takes for Alabamians to thrive here.” We’re proud to celebrate the organizations building connections, creating opportunities and helping shape what’s next for the River Region — and for Alabama. Together, we’re connecting Alabama and igniting regional innovation: https://lnkd.in/e-BGtpTK

Board Spotlight: Sen. Garlan Gudger The path to a thriving Alabama runs through the businesses, communities and people who make our state what it is. And Sen. Garlan Gudger brings that perspective to the Innovate Alabama Board of Directors. With roots in small business and experience in economic development and public service, Sen. Gudger helps advance work that connects Alabama businesses and communities with the capital, talent and resources they need to grow. We’re grateful for his leadership and the perspective he brings to the board. Thank you, Sen. Gudger, for your service!

Innovate Alabama is proud to see the University of West Alabama recognized as the nation’s No. 1 College for Rural America by Washington Monthly. The inaugural ranking evaluated 225 colleges and universities on their ability to create opportunity for students and meet the workforce needs of rural communities. UWA also ranked first nationally for earnings performance and degrees in high-demand rural fields. Read the full story:

Leidos is continuing its investment in Alabama’s future workforce. The Fortune 500 company has contributed another $10,000 to the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering (ASCTE) Foundation, bringing its cumulative giving to $1.025 million. From supporting ASCTE’s campus to providing student internships, Leidos’ continued partnership is expanding opportunities for Alabama students. Read the full story from Yellowhammer News. Link in comments.

What does it take to turn an idea into lasting impact? It takes founders willing to build, talent ready to grow, capital to fuel opportunity and strong partnerships to bring it all together. That was part of the conversation at today’s Birmingham Business Journal Women’s Summit, where Innovate Alabama was proud to partner with BBJ and bring our perspective on the people and ideas shaping Alabama’s future economy. Innovate Alabama Board Member Britney Summerville shared how Innovate Alabama helps innovators grow roots in Alabama — supporting founders as they move from idea to company and, ultimately, to long-term impact. She also highlighted Erika Boeing of Accelerate Wind, Sophia Lopez of Nyad, and Cori Fain-Forrest of Moxi — founders building companies and solving problems right here in Alabama. The day also included a special recognition for Mary Beth Grant, Innovate Alabama’s Capital Access Fund Director and a 2026 Women of Influence honoree. We’re proud to support the founders, innovators and leaders helping build Alabama’s next chapter.