Montgomery, AL – Governor Kay Ivey has announced $4.7 million in grants to support research addressing key challenges in business, government, and environmental sustainability. The funding will back projects that explore ways to enhance agricultural productivity, reduce pollution, strengthen infrastructure, and improve wireless communications across Alabama.
The 11 grants, awarded through the Alabama Research and Development Enhancement Fund, will support studies at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in Huntsville, Auburn University, and the University of Alabama. The program is administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) through its Energy Division.
“Researchers at these institutions have a track record of forging innovations that improve people’s lives in Alabama and beyond,” said Governor Ivey. “Their far-reaching research impacts everything from the next wave of technology to the conservation of our forests. I am proud to support this important and pioneering work through these grant awards.”
ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell highlighted the broad potential of the funded projects. “These projects have the potential to create significant advances that will have a positive effect on many lives,” he said. “ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Kay Ivey in support of these cutting-edge efforts.”
Established by the Alabama Legislature in 2019 under the Alabama Innovation Act, the fund promotes research collaboration and innovation across the state.
Grant Recipients and Projects:
HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology (Huntsville):
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$309,576 – Agricultural innovation in Alabama’s Wiregrass region
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$938,992 – Use of biotechnology to accelerate crop growth
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$999,803 – Safeguarding Alabama’s wild forests
Auburn University:
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$107,388 – Reducing ammonia emissions from poultry production
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$125,925 – Advancing information exchange for next-generation wireless technology
University of Alabama:
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$500,000 – Removing microplastics and pollutants from textile manufacturing
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$75,000 – Developing high-strength concrete for infrastructure
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$65,000 – Creating ultra-high-performance concrete for coastal areas
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$300,000 – Extracting critical minerals from steel production byproducts
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$399,214 – Using AI for improved water treatment and 3D printing waste management
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$880,743 – Enhancing food production, processing, and distribution systems
ADECA oversees a wide range of programs promoting economic development, law enforcement, energy conservation, and environmental management throughout Alabama.
