What does it take to build a thriving tech ecosystem? Join the Hatch Podcast as we sit down with Charles Jackson, Innovation Development Manager at Alabama Power and a key figure in the Techstars Alabama Energy Tech Accelerator. From his Air Force service to shaping Alabama’s startup landscape, Charles shares insights on fostering innovation, supporting energy tech founders, and driving economic growth. Explore how corporate partnerships and intentional strategies are energizing industries and creating opportunities across Alabama.

What You Will Learn

• How Alabama Power is driving tech-based economic development
• The role of corporate partnerships in accelerating startup success
• Practical advice for energy tech founders partnering with large corporations

Key Topics Discussed

• The impact of the Techstars Alabama Energy Tech Accelerator on founders and job creation
• Success stories of startups like AIOps, ShipShape AI, and HD Data
• Strategies for expanding innovation to rural Alabama communities
• The importance of customer-focused innovation for startup success

Show Resources and Links

• Hatch Fairhope Website: https://hatchfairhope.com/
• Techstars Alabama Energy Tech Accelerator: https://www.techstars.com/accelerators/alabama-energytech
• Alabama Power Innovation: https://www.alabamapower.com/
• Biotech Innovation Summit Details: https://hatchfairhope.com/events/

Sponsor Spotlight

• C2 Wealth Strategies: Wes Cody and his team at C2 Wealth Strategies provide personalized financial planning to help you achieve financial freedom. https://c2wealth.com/
• Barranco and Associates: Johnny Barranco offers holistic accounting and financial consulting to align your finances with your long-term goals. https://barrancoandassociates.com/
• Content Fresh: Content Fresh transforms your social media presence with strategies that drive massive growth and engagement. https://contentfresh.com/
• Roadmap for Growth: Chris Francis and Rick Miller’s online course helps small service businesses scale, build teams, and create lasting systems. https://treebusiness.com/

Quotes

• “We’re not just focused on internal innovation, but tech-based economic development for the state of Alabama.” – Charles Jackson
• “You either participate in innovation, or innovation will happen to you.” – Charles Jackson
• “Spend time knowing your customers and responding to their needs, not just your own knowledge base.” – Charles Jackson

Conclusion
In this episode, Charles Jackson reveals how Alabama Power is fueling innovation and economic growth through strategic partnerships and the Techstars Alabama Energy Tech Accelerator. From supporting cutting-edge startups to expanding innovation into rural communities, his insights highlight the power of collaboration and customer-focused strategies. Tune in to learn how Alabama is becoming a hub for tech innovation, and share this episode with aspiring founders or anyone interested in the future of energy tech.

How is South Alabama shaping the future of its workforce? Join Dr. Josh Duplantis, Dean of Workforce and Economic Development at Coastal Alabama Community College, on the Hatch Podcast as he unveils the strategies driving economic growth and workforce innovation in the Gulf Coast region. From pioneering apprenticeships to launching biotech programs, discover how Baldwin County is diversifying its economy and preparing the next generation for high-demand careers. Tune in for insights on bridging education and industry to build a stable, thriving regional economy.

What You Will Learn

• How innovative apprenticeships are connecting local talent with high-demand industries.
• The role of data-driven strategies in workforce development.
• Why diversification is key to economic stability in Baldwin County.
• Emerging opportunities in biotech and life sciences in South Alabama.
• Practical steps for students to explore and prepare for rewarding careers locally.

Key Topics Discussed

• The "golden age" of economic growth in South Alabama and the challenges of meeting job demands.
• Coastal Alabama Community College’s role in fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems with Hatch Fairhope.
• The impact of diversification on stabilizing Baldwin County’s economy post-COVID.
• Labor market trends, including the retirement of baby boomers and skill gaps in male-dominated fields.
• The upcoming Biotech Innovation Summit and its significance for emerging industries.
• How programs like Baldwin Prep are preparing students for real-world careers.

Show Resources and Links

• Hatch Fairhope: hatchfairhope.com
• Coastal Alabama Community College: coastalalabama.edu
• Bio Alabama: bioalabama.com
• Skills for Success Program: alabama.gov/skills-for-success

Notable Quotes

• "As a community, you’re either growing or you’re dying. There’s not a lot of communities just maintaining status quo." – Dr. Josh Duplantis
• "Hospitality and tourism will continue to be the goose that lays the golden egg, but bringing in industries that make diversification possible brings stability." – Dr. Josh Duplantis
• "Collaboration is going to help our businesses, government entities, and colleges solve the talent challenges that are coming." – Dr. Josh Duplantis

Dr. Josh Duplantis paints an inspiring picture of South Alabama’s economic transformation, emphasizing the power of collaboration, education, and diversification. From apprenticeships to biotech innovation, Coastal Alabama Community College is at the forefront of preparing a skilled workforce for a dynamic future. Whether you’re a student, educator, or industry leader, this episode offers actionable insights into building a thriving regional economy. Don’t miss the Biotech Innovation Summit to see these ideas in action and join the conversation shaping South Alabama’s future.

How can innovative thinking in medicine redefine patient care and recovery?

In this episode of The Hatch Podcast, part of our Medical Innovation Series (Season 1), we explore cutting-edge advancements in orthopedic surgery with Dr. Dan Matthews, an accomplished surgeon, Air Force veteran, and medical entrepreneur. Dr. Matthews discusses the development of the MACB Introducer—a revolutionary device that reduces opioid use and accelerates recovery for knee replacement patients.

Through candid insights into his career and the challenges of medical entrepreneurship, Dr. Matthews explains how innovation, patient-centered solutions, and determination can transform healthcare. Whether you're in the medical field or simply interested in breakthroughs that enhance lives, this episode offers a deep dive into the intersection of technology and care.

What You’ll Learn:

• How the opioid crisis spurred Dr. Matthews’ medical innovation.
• The benefits of the MACB Introducer in knee replacement surgeries.
• Insights into navigating medical entrepreneurship.
• The role of robotics, AI, and innovation in healthcare’s future.

Quotes:

• “Innovation often starts with identifying a need and having the courage to pursue a solution.” – Dr. Dan Matthews
• “Opioids used to be the standard for post-surgical pain management, but we’ve proven that’s no longer necessary.” – Dr. Dan Matthews
• “AI and robotics have a role in healthcare, but nothing replaces the human touch and expertise.” – Dr. Dan Matthews

Sources and Links:

• Learn more about the MACB Introducer: MACB Solutions
• Dr. Matthews’ orthopedic practice: Alabama Orthopedic Sports Medicine
• Hatch Fairhope: HatchFairhope.com

Conclusion:
Dr. Dan Matthews exemplifies the spirit of innovation, turning challenges into opportunities to enhance patient care. His story offers valuable lessons for aspiring medical entrepreneurs and highlights the power of collaboration and persistence in bringing impactful solutions to life. Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes where innovation takes center stage.