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.