UA, TCEDA Partner With Firm To Bring Accelerator Programs To Tuscaloosa

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority (TCEDA) on Monday announced that The University of Alabama is partnering with pre-seed investor Techstars to bring a new hydrologic innovation-focused accelerator and pre-accelerator program to Tuscaloosa.

Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.

Techstars WaterTech and Sustainability is an accelerator program for early-stage startups, and Founder Catalyst WaterTech and Sustainability is a pre-accelerator program for idea-stage startups. The programs will create a pathway for founders to progress through their entrepreneurial journey in building water technology companies.

"The decision to establish the Techstars program in Tuscaloosa underscores the richness of resources available in Alabama, making our state an ideal location for fostering groundbreaking innovation," Innovate Alabama Chair and Tuscaloosa native Bill Poole. "At Innovate Alabama, we are building a future where entrepreneurs thrive, and the presence of Techstars further solidifies our commitment to this vision."

The programs will also merge with UA’s water-related research capabilities and Techstars’ accelerator model.

TCEDA says the partnership is a collective effort to drive the water technology sector while also highlighting business and innovation opportunities in Tuscaloosa.

TCEDA was awarded a grant from Innovate Alabama move forward and establish the Techstars WaterTech and Sustainability accelerator.

“TCEDA is proud and honored to work with The University of Alabama and Techstars to bring this program to our area. We are particularly grateful to Innovate Alabama for their support and for recognizing the potential impact of a water technology accelerator program,” TCEDA Executive Director Justice Smyth said. “This collaboration not only positions Tuscaloosa as a hub for hydrologic innovation but also underscores the tremendous business opportunities that exist within our vibrant community. We are enthusiastic about the prospect of nurturing a new generation of entrepreneurs who will play a pivotal role in addressing the critical challenges related to water use and management.”

The University of Alabama is also home to the Alabama Water Institute, which administers the Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology (CIROH); the University’s College of Engineering and College of Arts and Sciences; the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Water Center, and the soon-to-be-opened U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility.

TCEDA says applications for the Founder Catalyst pre-accelerator program are now being accepted through March 3, 2024.

The 10-week program will provide idea-stage to early-stage founders access to valuable startup education, mentorship, community building, and access to Techstars’ global network of entrepreneurs, mentors and corporate partners.

TCEDA said those interested in the program are asked to visit Founder Catalyst WaterTech and Sustainability to learn more.

Techstars WaterTech and Sustainability is a 13-week, equity-based accelerator program for early-stage startups that will launch in September.

Founders selected for the program will receive hands-on mentorship, curated entrepreneurial content and programming, up to $120,000 in funding.

Founders will also have access to Techstars’ global network of mentors, investors, alumni and the application window opens in March.

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com