Southeast Shoutouts | North Carolina wins a big one
More than 50 founders are expected to pitch during the "Pitch Blitz" that is part of the two-day "Alabama Founder Fest" next month in Birmingham.
From Durham, NC:
The U.S. Department of Commerce and the Semiconductor Research Corporation Manufacturing Consortium Corporation (SRC) are entering negotiations for the Department to provide SRC $285 million to establish and operate a Manufacturing USA institute headquartered in Durham. With combined funding totaling $1 billion, this investment will support the launch of the first-of-its-kind CHIPS Manufacturing USA Institute.
The new institute, known as SMART USA (Semiconductor Manufacturing and Advanced Research with Twins USA), will focus on efforts to develop, validate, and use digital twins to improve domestic semiconductor design, manufacturing, advanced packaging, assembly, and test processes. SMART USA will join an existing network of seventeen institutes designed to increase U.S. manufacturing competitiveness and promote a robust R&D infrastructure.
SRC is an important part of North Carolina’s research ecosystem, including decades-long relationships with North Carolina’s universities.
From Birmingham, AL:
More than 50 founders are expected to pitch during the “Pitch Blitz” that is part of the two-day “Alabama Founder Fest” on December 10 and 11 at Innovation Depot. The 50 are part of what is described as the best start-ups from Techstars, gener8tor, and Alabama Launchpad programs.
“Vote for your favorites and get a peek at which companies will win over $75,000 in prize money,” the invitation for the “Pitch Blitz” reads. It will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CST on December 10 with the registration link here.
The next day, a select group of start-ups and investors who sign-up at this link will participate in an invitation-only event called “Deal Flow Day.” It runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST.
From Raleigh, NC:
RIoT, originally known as the Raleigh Internet of Things (IoT) meetup when it was established a decade ago, has announced the launch of the 19th cohort of the RIoT Accelerator Program (RAP XIX), welcoming six start-ups to the 12-week program.
Selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants, the start-ups in this cohort represent a diverse range of industries, including biotech, blockchain technology, cybersecurity, engineering talent development, information technology services, IoT, and medical technology. Each team brings a unique perspective and a passion for leveraging data and IoT technologies to solve real-world challenges.
Throughout the program, workshops will be hosted both virtually and in-person, providing flexibility while maintaining meaningful interaction. For three dedicated weeks, start-ups will meet in person in three strategic locations across Virginia — Roanoke, Danville, and Alexandria. These in-person sessions will enable participants to connect directly with a diverse range of stakeholders, including industry leaders, investors, and community partners, while engaging in tailored activities designed to drive growth and collaboration.
By leveraging this hybrid approach, RIoT ensures that start-ups not only receive the resources and mentorship they need but also build vital relationships and gain exposure to different ecosystems across the state.
From Durham, NC:
NC IDEA, a private foundation committed to supporting entrepreneurial ambition and economic empowerment in North Carolina, has announced that the organization has awarded a total of $350,000 in grants to seven North Carolina start-ups. The new grant recipients were announced live at the conclusion of Day One of the NC IDEA “2024 Ecosystem Summit.”
Since its inception in 2006, the NC IDEA SEED grant program has awarded more than $10 million in non-dilutive grants to 219 high-growth companies throughout the state, with the most recent awards representing the program’s 38th cycle.
“This cycle marks a huge milestone for the SEED grant program with over $10 million in funding since its inception,” said Thom Ruhe, President and Chief Executive Officer of NC IDEA. “It is a privilege to support the entrepreneurial journey of so many companies across our state, and this most recent cycle continues to remind us of the vibrant and resilient startup ecosystem of North Carolina.”
Click here for more information on the recipients.
From Orlando, FL:
Tech Hub Orlando opened its doors in downtown Orlando to innovators and entrepreneurs on earlier this month. Located in an historic building that was previously the Carey Hand Funeral Home and the University of Central Florida (UCF) Downtown Academic Center, the new multi-purpose space is designed to support the collaborative growth and development of start-up businesses.
Orlnda Inno reports that UCF’s Business Incubation Program, Innovate Orlando and OMG Labs partnered to bring Tech Hub Orlando to life in April. Each offers unique services to entrepreneurs. StarterStudio, Florida High Tech Corridor and Indienomicon Foundation are among nearly three dozen local businesses using office or co-working spaces in the 11,500-square-foot building.
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