Southeast Shoutouts | Durham’s American Underground returning to where it first started
Kalm Therapeutics won $100,000 in non-dilutive funding in the Life Sciences Track of the Alabama Launchpad competition.
From Durham, NC:
WRAL News reports that, after more than a decade shaping Durham’s innovation scene from the center of downtown, American Underground (AU) is heading back to where it all began.
The entrepreneurial hub will return to a location at the American Tobacco Campus early next year, moving into Bays 9 and 10. The transition marks a return to the organization’s roots while starting a new chapter for one of the Triangle’s most recognizable start-up communities.
In the late 2000s, a small group of Durham founders was seeking solutions. Traditional business structures weren’t working for them: commercial leases of 5-10 years were untenable, and they were missing the guidance and understanding of peers who could share their unique entrepreneurial challenges. The people behind the revitalization of American Tobacco Campus saw an opportunity: a spacious basement area that could serve as a collaborative environment for emerging businesses.
“The thesis was that if we could grow businesses here in Durham, we could build the economy, because people will work here, stay here, hire here, spend their money here,” explains Laura Zabinski, AU’s Executive Director.
Opening in 2010, AU delivered a flexible, communal environment where start-ups could grow, share resources, and learn from each other. Paired with incubators and accelerators, the model was a hit. AU outgrew the basement space quickly, trying out several locations on their way to multiple downtown sites.
From Charlotte, NC:
Scout Motors, an emerging automotive manufacturer revitalizing a legacy American brand, will locate its headquarters in Charlotte, employing 1,200 workers by 2030. This represents a capital investment of nearly $207 million.
The headquarters, which will be located at the Commonwealth development in Plaza Midwood, will serve as the central hub for leadership and innovation.
“Charlotte is well known as the home of strong global brands, and we’re thrilled to welcome iconic Scout Motors to that list,” Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said. “This project is a major job creation milestone for the city and will serve as a catalyst for continued revitalization in a part of our city that’s seeing new life through infrastructure and development. We can’t wait to see the impact this company’s investment will bring to our city.”
This is one of the largest job creation announcements in Charlotte over the past decade.
Just under 80 miles away in Blythewood, SC, Scout is building a $2.3 billion production center for its all-electric SUV and pick-up in the Midlands area of the Palmetto State.
From Tampa, FL:
The Tampa Bay Business Journal reports that a lot has changed in the space of 30 days.
According to the article, just a month ago, Synapse Florida was preparing for its 2026 Synapse Summit at Raymond James Stadium. Everything was going to plan. The dates were set, sponsorship conversations were underway, and save-the-dates had already started to circulate.
But in a move that underscores how much the region’s innovation ecosystem has matured, Synapse has announced the end of its signature event to refocus on its broader mission as a catalyst and connector across the state.
Over the next few months, the organization plans to gather further input from across the ecosystem to explore future programming. Co-Founder Andy Hafer said that might mean small, focused gatherings or cross-sector convening designed to narrow in on sectors like cybersecurity, health sciences, and national security.
From Pensacola, FL:
Space Florida, the state’s aerospace finance and development authority, along with partners at the Florida Institute for Human & Machine Cognition (IHMC), Gain Venture Capital, and DeepWork Capital, have announced the recipients of the second-annual event, The Takeoff: Northwest Florida Pitch Day.
Held at IHMC’s Pensacola offices, the event aimed to serve as a connector for market-ready research and startups in the region with investors, accelerating their path to commercialization and scaling groundbreaking technologies. In total, six startups and three IHMC researchers presented at the event.
The start-up award recipients are:
- First Place: Apellix – $20,000;
- Runner Up: National Energy USA – $7,500; and
- Runner Up: Swarm Dynamics – $7,500.
The researchers who presented and received $5,000 each are:
- Daniel Duran, Mint;
- Dr. Matt Johnson, Crucible; and
- Jared Li, Link.
“The Takeoff showcases how innovation is thriving across every region of our state,” said Rob Long, President and Chief Executive Officer of Space Florida. “By linking entrepreneurs and investors, we’re creating new opportunities for high-tech growth and reinforcing Florida’s position as a leader in aerospace and advanced technologies.”
From Birmingham, AL:
Alabama Launchpad, a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) in partnership with Innovate Alabama, has announced that Kalm Therapeutics won $100,000 in non-dilutive funding in the Life Sciences Track.
AJ Singhal, Founder of Kalm Therapeutics, will receive $100,000 in non-dilutive funding, as well as access to follow-on mentorship and exposure to Alabama’s growing network of investors and innovation partners. Kalm Therapeutics is developing the first naturally-derived prescription eczema and psoriasis patch to protect and treat skin.
The company was selected from a competitive group of three life science-focused finalists.
Like what you've read?
Forward to a friend!