Through a partnership with the Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority, the University of Alabama, and the world's most active pre-seed investors, Techstars of Tuscaloosa, Alabama First-of-its-kind accelerator focused on hydrological innovation.

Founder Catalyst WaterTech and Sustainability, a 10-week pre-accelerator non-equity-based program, provides idea- to early-stage founders with valuable startup education, mentorship, community building, and access to the Techstars entrepreneurial network. Masu. Mentors and corporate partners.

In 2022, the University of Alabama received $360 million in grants. study and improve This is the largest external grant in the institution's history and marks an avalanche of such innovative partnerships.

Techstars WaterTech and Sustainability, a 13-week equity-based accelerator program for early-stage startups, will launch in September 2024. Selected founders will receive hands-on mentorship, carefully selected entrepreneurial content and programming, and up to $120,000 in funding. Access to Techstars' global network of mentors, investors, alumni, and companies.

Related: Innovative startups selected for Techstars Alabama EnergyTech accelerator

Innovate Alabama, Alabama's first public-private partnership focused on entrepreneurship, technology and innovation, played a major role in making the new program a reality.

“TCEDA is proud and honored to partner with the University of Alabama and Techstars to bring this program to our region. We are especially grateful for the support of Innovation Alabama and the Water Technology Accelerator Program. We appreciate the recognition of the potential impact,” said Justice Smith, TCEDA Executive Director. “This partnership not only positions Tuscaloosa as a center for hydrology innovation, but also highlights the tremendous business opportunity that exists within our vibrant community.”

“We are enthusiastic about the prospect of developing a new generation of entrepreneurs who will play a vital role in tackling critical challenges related to water use and management.”

Innovate Alabama President Bill Poole spoke about the organization's choice to support the program.

“The decision to establish the Techstars program in Tuscaloosa highlights the wealth of resources available in Alabama, making it an ideal location to foster breakthrough innovation. ,” Poole said. “Innovating Alabama, we are building a future where entrepreneurs thrive. Techstars' presence further strengthens our commitment to this vision.”

Dan Blakely, UA's vice president for economics and business, called the school “a center for cutting-edge water research.”

“Our talented faculty, staff, and students help address critical water-related challenges through the programs and facilities on UA's campus,” Blakely said. “This accelerator will combine the strengths of UA’s talent and state-of-the-art facilities with the world’s most innovative startups to create sustainable solutions to society’s most pressing problems and transform the Tuscaloosa community into a hub. We will continue to develop the economy of water. ”

Techstar leadership emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship to solving global water challenges.

“Water is the most important resource and impacts everyone's life, but it is also the most difficult resource on earth,” said Shirley Romig, Chief Accelerator Investment Officer at Techstars. Masu. “We believe entrepreneurs play a critical role in addressing critical challenges around water use and management. We partner with TCEDA and UA to create a better future for all. We are excited to support and enable them to create.”

Applications for the Founder Catalyst Pre-Accelerator Program are open until March 3, 2024. The application process for the Techstars WaterTech and Sustainability Accelerator will begin in March.

Austin Shipley is a staff writer at Yellowhammer News.