The Auburn Ecosystem: Fueling Entrepreneurial Engines

Startup capital through investor networks, local pitch competitions, and targeted funding resources.

Alabama Launchpad

Alabama Launchpad is the state’s leading startup competition and seed funding program, helping early-stage entrepreneurs turn innovative ideas into thriving businesses through mentorship, funding, and strategic support.

Auburn University KickStart Fund

This venture fund provides direct grants to early-stage companies led by Auburn University students and faculty to bridge the gap between startup and seed funding. The KickStart Fund also connects entrepreneurs with strategic partners, builds out financial projections and puts together business plans to attract investors and turn great ideas into successful businesses.

Pitch Competitions

Auburn University holds several dynamic pitch competitions giving startups and small businesses the chance to showcase their ideas, gain exposure, and win funding.

Auburn Ideas Jam

The Auburn Ideas Jam is a low-barrier pitch competition hosted by Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business, inviting students and East Alabama community members to present early-stage business ideas in a supportive environment, with multiple $1,000 prizes awarded to help turn concepts into startups.

Halloween Pitch Competition

The Auburn University Halloween Pitch Competition is an annual event hosted by the New Venture Accelerator and the Harbert College of Business, where students from diverse academic backgrounds present innovative business ideas to compete for seed funding and gain valuable entrepreneurial experience.

Tiger Cage

The Auburn University Tiger Cage Business Idea Competition is an annual event hosted by the Harbert College of Business and the New Venture Accelerator, where student-led startups compete for over $100,000 in seed funding by pitching their innovative business ideas to industry professionals and investors.

Innovate Alabama

Innovate Alabama is the state’s first statewide public-private partnership dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation by providing funding, resources, and strategic programs that empower innovators to grow roots and build a thriving, inclusive economy across Alabama.