Montgomery, Ala. – August 24, 2020 – Montgomery is proud to announce the launch of the Montgomery Techlab, a new tech startup accelerator program focused on mobile app development led by Marcus Shaw, executive director of Chattanooga-based The Company Lab (CO.LAB). The Montgomery Techlab enhances the area’s thriving collection of innovation assets including MGMWERX, MGMix and the United States Air Force’s Air University and BESPIN, which are successfully bridging public and private sectors to develop innovative solutions and drive entrepreneurship in the city.
Created through a public/private partnership between the City, County, local economic development partners, IT companies and the Maxwell-Gunter Community, it is the next step in creating an innovation district that will advance the area’s defined technology culture and will propel its tech and innovation entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The Montgomery Techlab will provide startups unique opportunities to work closely with industry leaders in digital services. These opportunities include mentoring, training, coaching, collaborative activities, budget building, trend analysis and testing. The Techlab will advance innovation in the mobile application development industry by connecting promising startups with leading organizations in the federal, state and local government and commercial sectors desiring to digitize their traditional service operations and engagement. Through an intensive 12-week program, companies will accelerate progress by building customer relationships, validating assumptions, pursuing strategic capital and expanding capacity.
“This initiative will further establish Montgomery as a city that cares about building a culture of innovation,” says Steven L. Reed, Montgomery Mayor. “Through this public/private partnership we can promote the growth of local, small and minority-owned businesses in Montgomery. By encouraging collaboration, the Techlab will nurture startups, entrepreneurs and industries to work together to achieve the full potential of their ideas.”
“This resource will leverage the region’s assets to create opportunity for local tech businesses that have been developing in Montgomery for the last several years,” says Elton Dean, Montgomery County Commission Chairman. “By utilizing our region’s existing infrastructure and physical and intellectual resources we can create a long-term sustainable environment for tech companies in our area.”
“We are focused on growing the city’s economy by leveraging our local and regional industry to create a more innovative Montgomery,” says Arthur DuCote, Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman. Through the existence of our unique infrastructure and resources, and the creation of the new Techlab, Montgomery will firmly position itself as a tech hub and incubator for tech startups.”
“The greater Montgomery region has several incredible assets that can stimulate growth in the region through innovation,” says Marcus Shaw, founding director, Montgomery Techlab. “The Montgomery Techlab will help galvanize academic, military, and other community resources to stimulate and support the success of innovators and entrepreneurs in the region.”
For more information on the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, visit www.montgomerychamber.com.
ABOUT MONTGOMERY
Montgomery, Alabama USA fosters a business-friendly environment and understands that a healthy mix of large and small businesses constitutes the lifeblood of the city and region. A long history of trusted public-private partnership between the city, county, state and local business leadership creates an inviting business ecosystem. Montgomery is built on a dynamic history rooted in revolution as the center of both the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. On the forefront of cutting-edge development, Montgomery is attracting new businesses with its open internet exchange and opportunities for business growth, and new residents are coming for the city's work culture, transportation options and quality of life, including a revitalization of unique spaces in historic downtown with new attractions and diverse entertainment options. For more information, visit www.choosemontgomery.com.
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Media Contacts:
Meg Lewis
Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce
mlewis@montgomerychamber.com
334.312.2007
