Fairhope, Ala. – Hatch Fairhope, Baldwin County’s premier technology and entrepreneurial hub, proudly announced the successful completion of its first cohort in the Powered by Bessel accelerator program. The program culminated with a showcase on August 22nd, where eight tech startups had the opportunity to pitch their companies to potential investors and community stakeholders to receive equity-based funding.
Multiple companies in the Hatch Powered by Bessel program have already secured funding, advanced to the commercial development stages, and signed distribution and exclusive licensing deals to introduce their devices to the market this year. For example, DNA Nanobots, a biotechnology leader in DNA nanoparticles engineered for targeted therapeutics, received exclusive commercial licensing for gene editing technology from the University of California Berkeley. Endeavor Orthopaedics also signed a distribution contract with Point Clear Solutions for their Summit Patella Plating System and raised over $400,000 during the program. In addition, MACB, a company owned by local orthopedic surgeon and medical school professor Dr. Dan Matthews, licensed its technology designed to enhance the efficiency of total knee arthroplasty procedures. Other entrepreneurs who completed the accelerator program include NEMS Recovery, Nevent, PERCY, and The Shape Sensing Company.
Over the course of the last ten weeks, the eight participating startups received mentorship and attended specialized workshops with technology experts, preparing them to bring their innovations to market. The Hatch Fairhope Powered by Bessel program launched in June and is specifically designed for startups aiming to scale breakthrough innovations. “The Powered by Bessel program marks the exciting first step in an ongoing journey of technological innovation in Baldwin County,” said Keith Glines, Hatch Fairhope Experience Architect and Creative Director.
Many local and state leaders attended the program finale, including keynote speaker Ben Fulmer, MD. Dr. Fulmer is a board-certified neurosurgeon in Mobile, Alabama, and co-founder and CEO of Fulmer Instruments. Dr. Fulmer’s company is driven by his vision to transform the operating room with cordless, handheld instrumentation that integrates data analytics and artificial intelligence.
Cynthia Crutchfield, CEO of Innovate Alabama, also attended the cohort finale and delivered remarks at the event. Innovate Alabama is a statewide public-private partnership implementing programs and policies that empower entrepreneurs, business owners, and students to build a business, a career, and a life in Alabama. “Our tax credit program is specifically designed to cultivate a flourishing ecosystem in Alabama, where tech accelerators and businesses can thrive,” said Crutchfield. “Through tax credits, we aim to empower entrepreneurial support organizations to achieve their goals.” Because of Innovate Alabama’s funding, Hatch is better positioned to provide tech opportunities for the region and boost the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Innovate Alabama admitted the Baldwin Community + Economic Development Foundation (BCEDF), one of Hatch Fairhope’s partners, into their Innovate Alabama Network in 2023 and granted it $250,000 to support Hatch Fairhope and its programming. The BCEDF is a nonprofit under the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance (BCEDA). “We are honored to partner with Innovation Alabama, the City of Fairhope, Coastal Alabama Community College, and PNC Bank in developing the local innovation economy,” said Lee Lawson, President and CEO of the BCEDA. “The accomplishments of all of the entrepreneurs in this new program are just beginning, and we look forward to the many opportunities their success will bring.”
As Hatch Fairhope’s inaugural cohort completes this milestone, the future of innovation in Baldwin County looks brighter than ever. The achievements of these startups serve as a testament to the strength of Baldwin County’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. With the continued support of local, state, and private partners, Hatch Fairhope is positioned to encourage technological advancements and grow businesses in Baldwin County.
About Hatch Fairhope
Hatch Fairhope is a business hub that provides facilities and resources for technology-based entrepreneurs to learn and grow their businesses in Baldwin County. Hatch Fairhope is funded by the Coastal Alabama Community College, The City of Fairhope, PNC Bank, and the Baldwin Community + Economic Development Foundation (BCEDF). The BCEDF is a member of the Innovate Alabama Network, which positions Hatch Fairhope as one of the state’s leaders in nurturing Alabama’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Hatch Fairhope’s new home at the former Fairhope K-1 Center in downtown Fairhope is currently under construction and is expected to be operational in 2026. Find out more at HatchFairhope.com.