Birmingham, AL — The 2024 Birmingham Regional of the Startup World Cup, hosted for the first time in Birmingham at Innovation Depot, has crowned Accelerate Wind as this year’s champion! This inaugural event, held on September 4, 2024, brought together the best and brightest startups from across the Southeast to pitch their innovations in front of an esteemed panel of judges and a live audience.

Accelerate Wind impressed the judges with their innovative low-cost wind turbines designed for commercial buildings, enabling businesses to generate renewable energy directly on-site. By winning the Birmingham Regional, they have earned the chance to compete for the global title at the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in San Francisco, where the top startups from around the world will battle for a $1 million investment prize.

“We are incredibly proud to host the Startup World Cup Regional here in Birmingham for the first time, and even prouder to see Accelerate Wind take home the top prize,” said Brooke Gillis, CEO of Innovation Depot. “Their innovative spirit and drive are exactly what makes Birmingham’s tech ecosystem so dynamic. We can’t wait to see how they continue to grow and make an impact on the global stage.”

This year’s competition featured 10 startups, each showcasing their unique ideas and solutions across a wide range of industries, from tech and healthcare to energy and sustainability. 

Accelerate Wind stood out for their visionary approach and potential for transformative change.

This event has not only highlighted the strong entrepreneurial spirit in Alabama but also shown the Southeast as a growing hub for innovation and technology.

This year’s judging panel included entrepreneurs, ecosystem supporters and industry experts. Judges included Tony Summerville, Founder & Chairman of Fleetio, Cynthia Crutchfield, CEO of Innovate Alabama, and Nate Schmidt, Director of Portfolio Success at High Alpha Innovation. 

About Innovation Depot

Innovation Depot is the largest tech incubator in the Southeast, providing world-class facilities, resources, and mentorship to entrepreneurs and startups. By fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, Innovation Depot helps transform ideas into thriving companies that contribute to the local and national economy.

About Startup World Cup

The Startup World Cup is a global conference and competition that brings together the top startups, venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, and world-class technology CEOs. Organized by Pegasus Tech Ventures, the event aims to connect startups with investors and other key players in the global entrepreneurial ecosystem. The grand finale takes place in San Francisco, where the global champion will win a $1 million investment prize.