DOTHAN, Ala. – Applications for the Builders + Backers Idea Accelerator Fall 2025 Cohort are now open, offering residents in Coffee, Dale, Geneva, Henry and Houston counties the opportunity to transform their innovative ideas into viable enterprises. Applications will be accepted through July 29.
The collaboration unites HudsonAlpha’s pioneering work in agricultural biotechnology with Builders + Backers’ proven venture studio model, creating a powerful platform for regional economic development. This initiative builds upon HudsonAlpha’s mission to spur agricultural technology advancement through research, education and economic development programs.
“If you have an idea, this program is for you!” said Dean Mitchell, director of HudsonAlpha Wiregrass. “As the City of Dothan prepares to open the Wiregrass Innovation Center in 2026, this collaboration with Builders + Backers provides immediate opportunities for local innovators to develop solutions that can strengthen our economy and create new jobs. As we are building the future based on innovation and technology, we encourage anyone with an idea that sparks creativity to apply.
Selected participants in the Fall 2025 Idea Accelerator will receive up to $5,000 in non-dilutive funding and dedicated assistance from Builders + Backers’ venture studio team and a proprietary AI platform to test and develop their ideas. The program especially welcomes innovations in agricultural technology, sustainable farming practices, and other solutions that can benefit the region’s agricultural economy.
“We’re excited to collaborate with HudsonAlpha Wiregrass and support their vision for regional innovation,” said Donna Harris, CEO of Builders + Backers. “The Wiregrass region has a proud agricultural heritage and tremendous potential for innovation. Our Idea Accelerator program will help surface and support promising ideas from across the community, contributing to the growing ecosystem of agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.”
The Idea Accelerator program combines a rapid Builder Bootcamp with hands-on experiment execution, enabling participants to rapidly test and validate their business concepts with the help of a dedicated Venture Studio team and an AI platform. Applications are now open through July 29, 2025, and the program will begin in August 2025. Interested residents can learn more and apply at bit.ly/call-4-ideas-25.
This initiative complements other HudsonAlpha programs, including research collaborations with local farmers and the Wiregrass Research and Extension Center, STEM education programs for local schools, and economic development efforts centered around the new Wiregrass Innovation Center, a $35 million facility under construction in downtown Dothan.
About HudsonAlpha Wiregrass
HudsonAlpha Wiregrass is an extension of the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, focused on spurring agricultural technology sector development in Alabama’s Wiregrass region through educational initiatives, research programs, and economic development activities. Visit: https://www.hudsonalpha.org/wiregrass/
About Builders + Backers
Builders + Backers helps entrepreneurial dreamers become builders who create and grow promising new companies. Our AI + Human venture studio helps everyday innovators turn ideas into startups—powered by expert-trained agents, real founder insight, strategic support and innovative funding. From idea to launch, we’ve reimagined how great companies get built. Visit: https://www.buildersandbackers.com/
Contact:
Ann Carr, Economic Development Manager
334-796-6792
acarr@hudsonalpha.org