Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast

Just a few hours down the road in Birmingham, the “Techstars Alabama Energy Tech Accelerator” has welcomed 11 start-ups selected for its Fall 2024 Class. These dynamic early stage companies are pioneering advancements across a range of critical areas, including energy technology, climate innovation, sustainability, and customer experience.

The 13-week, mentorship-driven program is uniting founders from around the world. The 2024 class was selected for their groundbreaking products and solutions poised to address some of the globe’s most urgent challenges, including energy stability, supply chain and logistics safety, and sustainability. Of the 12 selected companies, nine are led by founders from underrepresented backgrounds.

This year, the accelerator will host a special in-person event on December 10 and 11 that will bring together founders, investors, and the local community to highlight and celebrate innovation in Alabama.

Those in the fifth cohort of the program are:

1. CogniTensor (New Delhi, India). For sustainability-focused organizations seeking to enhance ESG performance, Sustain3P is the intuitive platform that automates data management and reporting, setting new standards with its Global & Regional Emission datasets and AI-enabled insights.
2. Dodda AI (Seattle, WA). The start-up leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to eliminate errors in architectural drawings to reduce building permit acquisition time and reduce downstream mistakes and omissions in construction  which will lead to better execution by General Contractors and better overall building outcomes.
3. Edenic Energy (Virginia Beach, VA). The company aims to connect updated data to outdated buildings in disadvantaged communities using a Building Information Engine to address the high barriers of building retrofits and operational cost in old properties.
4. Eqtrade (Barcelona, Spain).  It empowers farmers with no business knowledge by providing a brain system, enabling them to transform their land into successful ventures and building financial strength through global agricultural trade and portfolio expansion. For buyers we inspire confidence in payments.
5. Mayahueltec (Santa María del Tule, Mexico). The company produces an agave based organic bio plastic, created from the fibrous waste product of artisanal mezcal production. Its proprietary material allows us to make a superior product at a lower cost than many of the bio and eco friendly products on the market today.
6. MEMPRO Materials Corporation (Cleveland, OH). It is able to co-produce metal oxide catalysts, like iridium oxide, while also producing high-surface-area ceramic fiber supports. This technology enables MEMPRO to produce green hydrogen with up-to 95 percent less rare-earth iridium.
7. Nimbus Aerospace (also from Seattle). The company makes a zero-emission, long-range, fully electric small business jet. Its first aircraft, the N1000 carries six to eight passengers, flies up to 1,100 miles, and will enter into service in 2029.
8. Plug Zen (Detroit, MI). It develops and manufactures revolutionary modular electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions.  The company’s patent pending modular system that can charge up to 10 vehicles simultaneously, wired or wirelessly.
9. REN3for (Houston, TX). The start-up is working on a complete weather prediction solution designed for wind, solar, and general consumer use, complete with a customizable dashboard. It will also incorporate a battery backup system to store excess energy during unfavorable weather conditions and release it during optimal weather conditions. Reverse Energy Solutions Corp (Chicago, IL). It is an eco-conscious start-up, revolutionizing photovoltaic (PV) module recycling. The company’s mobile dismantling factory cuts logistics costs by 90 percent, propelling RES to the forefront of sustainable PV recycling.
10. Soraytec (Skien, Norway). It offers a real-time Internet of Things sensor for waveform streaming and direct measurement of power lines to facilitate detection for preventive maintenance, improving safety, resilience and efficiency.
11. TMA (Berlin, Germany). The company digitizes gas and chemical assets to tackle their currently inefficient management, distribution, and maintenance

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