Wiregrass Innovation Center to host Pitch Competition for Alabama entrepreneurs $50,000 allocated for pitch winners.

City of Dothan hosts its first-ever Pitch and Connect event

DOTHAN (March 10, 2026) - Entrepreneurs and innovators from across the Wiregrass region and beyond are invited to make history at the inaugural event held inside the newly-opened Wiregrass Innovation Center. Total investment dollars available is $50,000 brought to you by Halogen Ventures.

On Thursday, April 16, at 10 a.m., local entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to pitch, connect and grow in a dynamic pitch event presented by Halogen Ventures, in partnership with BioAlabama and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. Participating companies will pitch their ideas to a room of industry leaders, investors and ecosystem partners, while also gaining valuable exposure and connections within Alabama’s growing innovation and life sciences community.

Companies interested in pitching can apply using the following link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfTuWHQ9B4ZPMv7KbyuYc_wodYu-NFsa2AJaIesgcQF6 G2U-g/viewform?usp=preview

Spots are limited, and early applications are encouraged. The deadline to apply is March 27th. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of innovation in the Wiregrass region.

This inaugural event also marks a major milestone for the new Wiregrass Innovation Center, setting the tone for the bold ideas, entrepreneurial energy and collaborative spirit that will define the region’s future.

“This event is about far more than pitching,” said City of Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba. “It’s about fostering relationships, fueling ideas and opening doors for entrepreneurs in a space that champions innovation and collaboration from day one.”

This event is designed for startups and emerging companies in Alabama seeking visibility, feedback and meaningful connections. Companies from the life science, biotechnology and agtech industries, are especially encouraged to participate.

Event Details:

● What: Wiregrass Pitch and Connect – Inaugural Pitch Event

● When: Thursday, April 16, at 10 a.m.

● Where: Wiregrass Innovation Center, 122 Museum Avenue, Dothan, Alabama 36303

● Presented by: Halogen Ventures

● In partnership with: BioAlabama and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology

● Application Deadline: March 27, 2026

For more information about HudsonAlpha Wiregrass, visit hudsonalpha.org/wiregrass.

About HudsonAlpha Wiregrass

The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is a non-profit organization with the mission to use biotechnology and basic biological research to make important discoveries, improve human health, stimulate economic development, inspire young people to seek careers in science and teach members of the public the importance of science in their everyday lives. The Institute launched the HudsonAlpha Wiregrass initiative in partnership with the city of Dothan in 2022.