Alabama Launchpad is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to support entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship education in Alabama. It was formed in 2006 by six of the state’s research universities and the business community. Founding universities include:

• Alabama A & M University

• Alabama State University

• Auburn University

• University of Alabama

• University of Alabama at Birmingham

• University of Alabama in Huntsville

The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA), representing 68 of the leading companies in the state, is also a founding partner. In 2008, the University of South Alabama joined Alabama Launchpad.

Alabama Launchpad Board of Directors

Goals

Alabama Launchpad works collaboratively with other organizations to increase economic development and entrepreneurial growth. The goals of Alabama Launchpad are:

• To increase the supply of entrepreneurs in Alabama

• To make it easy for new entrepreneurs to connect with a network of key individuals that can help them succeed

• To provide a vetting mechanism that helps local investors evaluate the risks of startup companies and become morecomfortable investing in Alabama technologies

• To increase collaboration among the participating universities

The Alabama Launchpad Business Plan Competition encourages faculty, students, employees and researchers to act on their talent, ideas and energy to produce tomorrow's leading firms. Through the business plan competition and other programs, Alabama Launchpad will provide unique opportunities to obtain startup capital, receive expert guidance, and establish working relationships within the business, academic, and investment capital communities.

Reason for Existence

Alabama Launchpad represents the commitment of academic and business leaders to create community environments that nurture entrepreneurship. Alabama Launchpad acknowledges the concept that existing industries create 70 to 90 percent of the new jobs in the state, and that commercialization of new technologies will leverage the existing base of industry and universities, and prepare us for the future. Alabama Launchpad will help entrepreneurs connect to investors, experienced technology managers, and service providers.