DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, in partnership with venture firm and startup accelerator gener8tor, has launched its Fall 2025 AgTech Accelerator featuring 10 startup companies selected for the new cohort.
The seven-week, non-investment program is designed to help early-stage agricultural technology companies advance their innovations, build industry connections and prepare for future investment opportunities.
“This cohort of ten companies is our biggest group yet,” said Dillon Fritz, HudsonAlpha’s Vice President for Economic Development and Commercialization. “Seventy percent have Alabama roots, two have international founders, and all represent strong innovation across the agtech industry.”
Founders kicked off the program in DOTHAN, the site of HudsonAlpha Wiregrass, where the institute focuses on agricultural research, education and innovation. While in the Wiregrass, participants met with local farmers, toured regional operations and explored investment and collaboration opportunities.
“The HudsonAlpha AgTech Accelerator selects the best and brightest startups, and this group is no exception,” said Chris Udall, Managing Director of the Accelerator. “This pre-investment group landed in Dothan with a passion for finding solutions to improve the livelihoods and yields of our farmers.”
The accelerator is supported by the Innovate Alabama Tax Credit Program. The cohort’s final presentations and closing events will take place Dec. 18.
Organizers said investors, mentors and community members interested in connecting with the companies may contact Udall at [email protected].
Participating companies include:
• Aerhart (Malibu, Calif.) – Developing advanced aerospace propulsion and high-efficiency aircraft designs to support rural logistics.
• AgriSoleil LLC (Harvest, Ala.) – Integrating solar technology with regenerative farming, including a pilot partnership with Whole Foods Market.
• Agriwater (Knoxville, Tenn.) – Providing on-site wastewater treatment systems for livestock operations and pathways for carbon credit revenue.
• EqGrow (Birmingham, Ala.; Madrid, Spain) – Creating digital tools that connect farmers with food buyers and renewable-energy partners.
• Hypogenica LLC (Tuscaloosa, Ala.) – Using bacteria-based carbon capture to produce high-purity calcite for industrial use.
• Khaya Biosciences (New York, N.Y.) – Transforming food and ag waste into bacterial nanocellulose for sustainable materials.
• Omfeonix Agritech (Kent, UK; Huntsville, Ala.) – Building an AI-powered control system for aquaponics and controlled-environment farms.
• SouthGen Solutions (Midland City, Ala.) – Using unmanned aircraft systems and precision agriculture to help farmers target and treat crop issues.
• Vacavision (Boston, Mass.) – Offering AI-driven livestock monitoring to detect health concerns, fertility cycles and stress.
• Yellowhammer Co-op (Auburn, Ala.) – A statewide agricultural cooperative helping bring lab-developed plant and animal health innovations to market.
