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.

This episode is part of the Medical Innovation Series, Season 1 of The Hatch Podcast. Dive into the groundbreaking world of gene therapy with Chris Lucas, Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of DNA Nanobots, on this episode of The Hatch Podcast. Learn how this biotech startup is leveraging DNA nanotechnology to transform drug delivery, reduce side effects, and make treatments more accessible. Discover their journey from Ohio State University labs to partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies. Tune in for insights on the future of non-viral gene therapy, challenges in biotech innovation, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

What You’ll Learn:

1. The Science Behind DNA Nanobots: How DNA is used to build nanoscale devices for targeted drug delivery.
2. Game-Changing Innovations: Why non-viral gene therapy is the future of medicine.
3. Overcoming Challenges: Lessons learned in transitioning a biotech startup from idea to execution.
4. Entrepreneurial Advice: Chris’s tips on simplifying your story and building impactful partnerships.

Quotes:

• "We consider ourselves the FedEx for pharmaceuticals, delivering medicine exactly where it needs to go."
• "Our nanotechnology approach is like a rocket ship—precisely targeted and consistent in design."
• "Simplify the story. Less is more when it comes to explaining innovation."

Sources and Links:

• Learn more about DNA Nanobots: www.dnanobots.com
• Hatch Fairhope: www.hatchfairhope.com
• Learn about Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Cure Duchenne
• Explore DNA nanotechnology: Research by Dr. Carlos Castro at Ohio State University.

Conclusion:

Chris Lucas and his team at DNA Nanobots are revolutionizing gene therapy with non-viral, targeted solutions. Their innovative approach promises to reduce costs, improve patient outcomes, and make gene therapy accessible for rare diseases and beyond. Stay tuned for updates as they continue to break new ground in biotech innovation.

What if you could transform the lives of millions by making health management not just simpler, but also smarter? 

This episode is part of the Medical Innovation Series, Season 1 of The Hatch Podcast, where we explore groundbreaking advancements and stories from leaders driving. We are excited to host Hashem Aliedeh, the visionary founder of Avicenna Diagnostics. Driven by a passion to combat the global diabetes crisis, Hashem shares his journey from a practicing medical doctor to an innovator in the field of glucose monitoring, focusing on the most vulnerable segment—seniors. With a staggering 530 million people grappling with diabetes worldwide, Hashem’s insights into how Avicenna’s advanced glucose meters and intuitive software are setting a new standard for clinical outcomes among adults aged 60 and above are not to be missed.

In our conversation, Hashem discusses the strategic pivot to focus on elderly diabetics, whose unique challenges are often overlooked. He opens up about the technological and financial hurdles faced in developing medical sensors and how Avicenna’s solutions prioritize data quality and contextual insights, pushing the boundaries of diabetes management. Beyond the technicalities, we explore the rewarding essence of entrepreneurship and the power of unwavering commitment to one’s vision. For those inspired to embark on their own innovative journeys, Hashem generously shares invaluable advice based on his personal experiences and highlights the importance of perseverance. Join us for an enlightening session that promises to inspire and inform.

This episode is part of the Medical Innovation Series, Season 1 of The Hatch Podcast.

Dive into the future of drug discovery with Caley Anderson, Business Development Director at Collaborative Drug Discovery, in this episode of The Hatch Podcast. Discover how CDD Vault is transforming scientific research, swapping outdated paper notebooks and spreadsheets for a cutting-edge, secure SaaS platform that drives real-time global collaboration. Caley unveils how CDD Vault is breaking down data silos and accelerating innovation, enabling scientists to register entities, perform complex multi-query searches, visualize data dynamically, and leverage AI to enhance analysis—all in one robust system.

With a legacy of 20 years and partnerships with leading organizations like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the NIH, Collaborative Drug Discovery has become a force in advancing research for rare and neglected diseases. Caley shares her journey from the healthcare business world to pioneering breakthroughs in drug development, underscoring the transformative impact of CDD Vault on researchers worldwide.

Join us for a compelling look at the future of scientific collaboration, data management, and innovation. 

What if a technology could transform surgical precision while protecting doctors from harmful radiation? 

This episode is part of the Medical Innovation Series, Season 1 of The Hatch Podcast. Join us as we explore this groundbreaking innovation with Ryan DeBoer, CEO of the Shape Sensing Company. Our latest episode is your gateway to understanding how 3D guidance systems, rooted in NASA's strain measurement technology, are revolutionizing endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Ryan shares his  journey from medical device commercialization to pioneering a new era in minimally invasive surgeries, where accuracy and safety are at the forefront. With over 2.8 million procedures potentially benefiting from this advancement, this episode is a must-listen for anyone intrigued by the future of medical technology.

What happens when the discipline of a military career meets the world of innovative sleep technology?

This episode is part of the Medical Innovation Series, Season 1 of The Hatch Podcast, where we explore groundbreaking advancements and stories from leaders driving the future of healthcare and technology.Join us as we sit down with former Air Force intelligence officer Conner Herman. Conner shares her extraordinary journey from post-9/11 operations to founding Percy, a startup revolutionizing sleep care for individuals with autism. Her transition was fueled by her personal battle with postpartum depression and a profound understanding of the crucial role sleep plays in overall health. Her story is one of resilience and innovation, proving that military precision and personal challenges can lead to groundbreaking solutions in sleep care.

Discover how severe burnout and a grand mal seizure led Conner to study behavioral psychology and uncover the science behind sleep behaviors. This understanding has been instrumental in creating Percy, an AI-driven solution designed to implement effective sleep interventions without medication. We also explore the transformative support of the Hatch Powered by Bessel program, which has been pivotal in advancing Percy’s mission. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone fascinated by medical innovations and their real-world impact.

Key Topics Covered:
- Conner Herman’s journey from Air Force intelligence officer to health tech entrepreneur 
- The impact of personal health challenges on professional direction 
- The science behind sleep behaviors and the importance of sleep in overall health 
- How Percy is revolutionizing sleep care for individuals with autism using AI technology 
- Overcoming challenges in developing non-pharmaceutical sleep interventions 
- The role of the Hatch Powered by Bessel program in supporting Percy’s mission 
- Insights into behavioral psychology and its application in sleep technology 

Guest Bio:
Conner Herman is the founder of Percy, a startup dedicated to revolutionizing sleep care for individuals with autism through AI-driven solutions. A former Air Force intelligence officer, Conner's personal experiences with severe burnout and health challenges led her to study behavioral psychology and focus on the science of sleep behaviors. Her work combines military precision with innovative technology to improve patient outcomes without the use of medication.

Links & Resources:
- Learn more about Percy at www.percysleep.com
- Connect with Conner Herman on LinkedIn: Conner Herman
- Learn more about the Hatch Powered by Bessel program: www.hatchfairhope.com

Join the Conversation:
Follow Hatch Fairhope on social media for updates, and subscribe to the Hatch Podcast for more inspiring conversations with innovators pushing the boundaries of technology and healthcare.

Subscribe & Listen: 
https://www.hatchfairhope.com/podcast

Revolutionizing Orthopaedic Care: A Conversation with Greg Parranto, CEO of Endeavor Orthopaedics

Episode Description:
Curious about the revolutionary advancements in orthopaedic care?

This episode is part of the Medical Innovation Series, Season 1 of The Hatch Podcast, where we explore groundbreaking advancements and stories from leaders driving the future of healthcare and technology. Join us as we sit down with Greg Parranto, CEO of Endeavor Orthopaedics, to hear his fascinating journey from Army combat engineer officer to a pivotal player in the medical device industry. Greg shares how his passion for innovation and commitment to improving patient outcomes led him to spearhead Endeavor's mission of tackling complex bone fractures with state-of-the-art solutions.

Greg dives into the cutting-edge technology that sets Endeavor Orthopaedics apart, especially their unique approach to treating avulsion fractures. Learn about Dr. Brent Norris's groundbreaking solutions for effective soft tissue management and how they’re transforming patient care. Greg also discusses the hurdles faced in bringing these pioneering products to market and offers a glimpse into the future of orthopaedic treatments. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in medical innovations and their real-world impact.

Key Topics Covered:
- Greg Parranto’s transition from Army combat engineer to CEO of Endeavor Orthopaedics 
- The revolutionary technology behind avulsion fracture treatments 
- Insights into soft tissue management and how it's changing orthopaedic care 
- Overcoming challenges in bringing medical innovations to market 
- The future of orthopaedic treatment and innovation 
- Dr. Brent Norris’s contributions to orthopaedics and patient care 
- The mission and impact of Endeavor Orthopaedics in the medical field 

Guest Bio:
Greg Parranto is the CEO of Endeavor Orthopaedics, a company dedicated to revolutionizing the treatment of complex bone fractures through innovative medical devices. With a background as an Army combat engineer officer and over a decade of experience in the medical device industry, Greg is passionate about advancing orthopaedic care and improving patient outcomes.

Links & Resources:
- Learn more about Endeavor Orthopaedics at www.endeavorortho.com.
- Connect with Greg Parranto on LinkedIn: Greg Parranto

Join the Conversation:
Follow Hatch Fairhope on social media for updates, and subscribe to the Hatch Podcast for more conversations with innovators pushing the boundaries of technology and healthcare.

Subscribe & Listen:
https://www.hatchfairhope.com/podcast

Hatch Podcast Show Notes: Episode #1

Episode Title: 
Medical Innovation & Startups: A Conversation with Chris Danek, Founder of Bessel

Episode Description:
This episode is part of the Medical Innovation Series, Season 1 of The Hatch Podcast, where we explore groundbreaking advancements and stories from leaders driving the future of healthcare and technology.

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of medical innovation and startups with Chris Danek, the founder of Bessel. Chris shares his extensive experience in life sciences, his journey from engineer to entrepreneur, and how Bessel is helping startups navigate the complex road from concept to commercialization.

Chris discusses the Hatch Fairhope Accelerator, Powered by Bessel, which recently launched its first cohort. He explains the fundamentals of starting a company, the importance of accelerators, and the impact startups can have on healthcare. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with insights into medical technology, innovation, and the future of healthcare.

Key Topics Covered:
- The role of startups in addressing big healthcare problems
- What accelerators do for startups and what a cohort is
- Chris Danik’s journey from R&D engineer to founding Bessel
- Success stories of medical innovations, including companies like AtherMed
- The Hatch Fairhope Accelerator, powered by Bessel, and its impact on the Gulf Coast region
- The importance of community and collaboration in the entrepreneurial journey
- Highlights from the Powered by Bessel curriculum: fundraising, technology strategy, and the Bessel Rapid Innovation Framework
- The future of Bessel and its mission to improve millions of lives through innovation

Guest Bio: 
Chris Danek is the founder of Bessel, a company focused on turning breakthrough medical ideas into successful innovations. With over 20 years of experience in the life sciences and a passion for guiding startups, Chris brings a wealth of knowledge in commercializing medical devices and advancing healthcare technology.

Links & Resources:
- Learn more about Bessel at www.bessel.co
- Connect with Chris Danek on LinkedIn: Chris Danek (https://www.linkedin.com)
- Learn more about Hatch Fairhope and the accelerator program: www.hatchfairhope.com

Join the Conversation:
Follow Hatch Fairhope on social media for updates, and subscribe to the Hatch Podcast for more inspiring conversations with innovators pushing the boundaries of technology and entrepreneurship!

Subscribe & Listen: https://www.hatchfairhope.com/podcast