A magnet for Innovators, Inventors, and Entrepreneurs

alabama entrepreneurship institute

AEI sparks innovation, fosters new jobs, and cultivates thriving businesses. From startup to success, AEI is dedicated to propelling enterprises forward with research-backed best practices.

Current and Graduated EDGE Tenants
150 +
in Aldag Prizes Distributed
$ 600 K
River Pitch Contestants
600 +
Get the Complete AEI Story

Programs & Competitions

Programs

Supporting entrepreneurs — new to established.

Growth Forum
Global Entrepreneurship Week
Crimson Entrepreneurship Academy

Competitions/Events

Distinct opportunities to earn startup capital and gain invaluable feedback.

Edward K. Aldag Jr. Student Business Plan Competition
River Pitch
Faculty | Staff Innovation Competition

Growth and Innovation
Leaders Forum

Building great businesses by connecting and learning together.

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A silver star against a red background.

Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year Awards

Join us on April 9 as we honor the remarkable legacy of UA graduates whose innovation and leadership continue to shape the business landscape. For our inaugural year, we are seeking nominations for two distinct categories the Young Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year and Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year.

Nominate An Alumni By March 6
RSVP to Attend the Event

Tuscaloosa's Home for Startups

Located in the heart of Tuscaloosa just 5 minutes from The University of Alabama campus, The EDGE is a partnership with UA, the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce and the City of Tuscaloosa. Resources from all three groups come together to help grow a vibrant ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship, business growth, and personal enterprise. The Alabama Entrepreneurship Institute is a campus-wide initiative powering the programs that are offered at The EDGE.

The EDGE fuels entrepreneurial success by offering startups the space and know-how they need. We champion both emerging and established businesses, providing a dynamic environment for learning and growth. Our mission: fuel job creation, ignite innovation, and propel businesses.

26K square feet of co-working, collaboration, and events space, with 20+ offices, 100 workstations, as well as conference rooms.

The Space

Memberships are offered on an annual or monthly basis; a daily drop-in program is also available for those with short-term or intermittent needs.

Membership

Events that bring people together to focus on building businesses and pitch competitions that support new ideas: All can be found at the EDGE.

Events