Sloss Tech 2025 is set to make its return to downtown Birmingham from June 25th to 27th, marking a notable shift to a three-day format for the first time. Organizers are promoting this year’s event as the most extensive technology and innovation gathering in the Southeast, with plans for over 1,000 attendees to engage in Birmingham’s historic theatre district.

This year’s conference will showcase a lineup of prominent keynote speakers, including Zack Kass, a former OpenAI leader, venture capitalist Rashaun Williams from Shark Tank, entrepreneur Johnny Cupcake, and Dr. Ruha Benjamin, a professor at Princeton who focuses on social equity. Additionally, an afterparty called Shindigit@L will feature a performance from the Grammy-winning artist, Alabama-born Pink Beard.

“What began as a single-day event has transformed into a significant technological gathering in the Southeast,” noted Deon Gordon, president and CEO of TechBirmingham. “The three-day expansion reflects Alabama’s growing status as a center for inclusive innovation, fostering greater opportunities for connections between entrepreneurs and investors. This year promises world-class speakers, competitions for transformative startups, and celebrations of the authentic communities that make Sloss Tech unique.”

Innovate Alabama will also showcase its second-year sponsors, host discussions, and highlight local founders and ecosystem builders. “We’re eager to see the future of this event,” stated Innovate Alabama’s CEO, Cynthia Crutchfield. “The progress we’ve observed last year was remarkable, and this year’s emphasis on every region of the state indicates the exciting momentum building within Alabama’s tech sector. We’re particularly enthusiastic about offering programming that reflects all corners of Alabama.”

Keynote speakers emphasize innovation, entrepreneurship, and equity

Zack Kass, a futurist and previous market head at OpenAI, will share insights drawn from his work with major companies like Coca-Cola and Morgan Stanley, focusing on navigating the AI landscape. Rashaun Williams, a venture capitalist and Shark Tank guest, has been a part of over 50 successful ventures, with early investments in companies like Robinhood and Lyft, even earning accolades like Black Enterprise’s Investor of the Year in 2018.

Johnny Cupcake, recognized as America’s number one young entrepreneur by BusinessWeek, has cultivated a highly loyal customer base since starting his T-shirt company at 19. He shares insights on memorable customer experiences with leading brands like Apple and Disney. Dr. Ruha Benjamin, a professor of African American Studies at Princeton, addresses the challenging interplay of technology and social equity, bringing valuable perspectives to the event.

The $75,000 pitch competition highlights local startups

This year, Sloss Tech will introduce the Sloss.tech/ideas Pitch Competition, supported by the Regions Foundation. Sixteen startups from the Southeast will compete for a total of $75,000 in prizes, including a $50,000 grand prize and several smaller category awards. This competition aims to spark innovation across sectors like Agtech, HealthTech, and Emerging Tech.

“The support from Regions Foundation enhances our collective goal of empowering entrepreneurs who are poised to shape the Southeast’s economy,” remarked Gordon. “We’re advancing toward a future defined by innovation.”

Executive Director of the Regions Foundation, Marta Self, expressed anticipation for the finalists, noting that they embody the entrepreneurial spirit necessary for regional economic growth. “We’re excited to see how these companies leverage this platform to scale and create jobs within their communities.”

Among the selected finalists are startups like Good Agriculture (Atlanta), Vanquishbio (Birmingham), Heride (Atlanta), and Symbyai (Huntsville).

Free student tickets and Grammy Award-winning afterparties conclude the experience

Sloss Tech will again offer 200 complimentary tickets to students and early career professionals, geared towards connecting them with recruiters and professional development resources. “Participants often leave with valuable job opportunities and connections,” said Shannon Allen from Innovate Alabama. “What excites me most is that students can explore cutting-edge tech careers right in their hometowns.”

On June 27th, the Shindigit@L afterparty will conclude the event with a performance by Grammy Award-winning Pink Beard, who recently gained recognition for contributions to their musical work. Tickets for the afterparty will be available online, with discounts for Sloss Tech attendees.