Funded by a grant from the Regions Foundation

Sloss.Tech/Ideas is a platform for early-stage companies in the Southeast U.S. to present their groundbreaking solutions in Agtech and foodtech; Healthtech and biotech; Talent and Productivity Tech; and Emerging tech to investors and industry experts.

When:

Wednesday, June 24th, 2026

Location:

Lyric Theatre

1800 3rd Avenue North

Birmingham, AL 35203

Why Apply to Sloss.Tech/Ideas?

$135,000 in total prizes, including a $100,000 Best in Show Grand PrizeAt least 25% of finalists walk away with cash prizes$375 travel stipend for every finalist company to support participationVIP access to Sloss Tech, unlocking curated exposure to investors, customers, partners, and collaborators across the SoutheastPre-event and on-site pitch coaching to sharpen your story before you step on stageHigh-signal founder-funder touchpoints, including the Startup Showcase and Founders & Funders programming

Proof point: 100% of finalists in Year 1 reported meeting at least one investor, customer, or partner they planned to follow up with after the conference.

If you’re a Southeast-based early-stage founder looking for capital, credibility, and real conversations that move your company forward, Sloss.Tech/Ideas is built for you.

Categories

Sloss.Tech/Ideas, funded by a grant from the Regions Foundation, is currently accepting applications from startups from the Southeast, focusing on the following technology.

Agtech and Foodtech

Innovative technologies and solutions transforming agriculture, aquaculture, and food industries, with an emphasis on sustainability, efficiency, and resilience. This includes advances in genomics-improved crop varieties, cold storage capacity, eco-friendly bio-stimulants, and innovations in food processing and supply chain resilience. Cutting-edge methods like hydroponics, vertical farming, and precision agriculture enable growers to enhance productivity and address emerging challenges while exploring opportunities in Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) and value-added food manufacturing.

Healthtech and Biotech

Innovative technologies revolutionizing healthcare, biotechnology, and life sciences by advancing biopharmaceutical manufacturing, regenerative medicine, and clinical trials with diverse populations. This category also highlights breakthroughs in diagnostics, bioinformatics, and synthetic biology, supported by workforce training and technology transfer. These innovations foster collaboration and growth in fields like drug development, medical devices, and environmental health.

Talent and Productivity Tech

Technologies that power how work is organized, managed, and delivered across modern organizations. This category includes platforms that support hiring, workforce planning, training, scheduling, compliance, productivity, and performance across a wide range of industries. Solutions often leverage data, automation, and AI to help organizations and workers operate more efficiently, adapt to changing skill demands, and succeed in evolving models of work.

Emerging Tech

Innovative technologies at the forefront of industry transformation, serving as a home for startups that defy traditional categories. This includes advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, internet of things (IoT), software as a service (SaaS), edtech, fintech, and Tech for Good initiatives. It also spans breakthroughs in chemical manufacturing, advanced engineering, forestry innovations, clean energy, and sustainability solutions. From real-time monitoring and smart infrastructure to energy-efficient data centers and sustainable materials, these technologies enhance connectivity, drive automation, and address global challenges. This category captures pioneering ideas shaping the future of tech and tech-enabled industries, bridging the gap between emerging needs and innovative solutions.

Sloss Tech will accept applications from February 3rd, 2026, to April 10th, 2026. To learn more and apply, click HERE.