Alabama’s efforts to extend access to broadband service to unserved areas received a boost Jan. 26 with the U.S. Treasury Department approval of the state’s plan for the Capital Projects Fund. The approval makes $191.8 million available for broadband expansion, Gov. Kay Ivey said. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) will administer the funds as part of a grant program to extend broadband service statewide. “Access to broadband is a necessity in today’s world, and I continue to make it a priority that our state has the full ability to be connected to high-spe ..read more

Researchers at the University of Alabama are exploring how a single spacecraft could service several satellites orbiting the Earth in one trip, potentially extending the missions of the satellites. Based on initial success in orbital calculations, Rohan Sood, associate professor of aerospace engineering and mechanics, received support from the United States Air Force for a project that could also benefit the U.S. Space Force in boosting national defense. A spacecraft visiting multiple orbiting satellites has always been a vision of the future, requiring innovative solutions, precise calculat ..read more

A promising Birmingham startup that aims to help cancer patients and their families along the difficult treatment journey is recalibrating its growth plans after receiving financial support from the Alabama Innovation Fund. Fighting Cancer Network Inc., which is developing a “cancer companion” app to house informational videos as a resource for patients and caregivers, received a $100,000 grant from the Innovation Fund late last year. The grant program is administered by the Alabama Department of Commerce. “We at Fighting Cancer Network are proud to be an Alabama company,” said Mat ..read more

Auburn University researchers are leading a $2 million Department of Energy grant that aims to produce hydrogen from blended feedstock, such as legacy waste coal, forest residues and municipal solid waste. “The benefits of converting waste coal, biomass and food waste are twofold,” said Sushil Adhikari, professor of biosystems engineering and principal investigator for the proposal. “First, it will help us to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from hydrogen production. Second, it will help to solve food waste problems.” Auburn’s co-principal investigator for the project is Oladiran Fasina, depa ..read more

Innovate Alabama opened applications for the second round of the Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant Program today. Alabama-based recipients of Phase I and Phase II federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants are eligible to apply for up to $250,000 in supplemental funding. The program supports Alabama entrepreneurs and innovators, particularly underrepresented groups such as women, minority and rural founders. In addition, the disbursement of funding will advance Alabama’s economy by driving research and commercialization, developing ..read more

DragonFly uses sensors to aid in flight, landing and taxiing ..read more

The goal is to leverage modern technologies to advance rural Alabama ..read more

The grant will fund Alex Harkess' work with sex chromosomes in plants ..read more

Stations part of luxury automaker’s $42.5 billion electrification plan ..read more

Cars will come with gaming and entertainment features ..read more