Sloss Tech 2025 has shared they are set to make history as the Southeast’s most comprehensive technology and innovation experience, expanding to three days — June 25-27 — with an unprecedented lineup of keynote speakers, a $75,000 startup pitch competition and a Grammy-winning headliner for the inaugural ShinDigit@l afterparty.
After six consecutive sold-out years, Sloss Tech has evolved from a one-day gathering into a comprehensive celebration of technology, innovation and Southern hospitality that will welcome more than 1,000 attendees to downtown Birmingham’s historic theatre district.
“What began as a one-day gathering has evolved into the Southeast’s definitive tech event,” said Deon Gordon, president and CEO of TechBirmingham. “By expanding to three days, we’re creating more opportunities for meaningful connections between founders and funders while showcasing Alabama’s growing reputation as a hub for inclusive innovation. This year represents everything we’ve been building toward – world-class speakers, transformative startup competition and the kind of authentic community celebration that makes Sloss Tech truly special.”
The conference features Innovate Alabama as presenting sponsor for the second consecutive year. Innovate Alabama will activate in their ‘AlabamaHQ’ home base at The William, highlighting founders and ecosystem builders from across the state.
“Innovate Alabama is thrilled to return as presenting sponsor for Sloss Tech 2025,” said Cynthia Crutchfield, CEO of Innovate Alabama. “The impact we witnessed last year was remarkable, and this year’s focus on highlighting each region of the state represents the incredible momentum building across Alabama’s tech community. We’re particularly excited about the opportunity to present programming that encompasses all corners of Alabama at AlabamaHQ. This statewide approach will empower more Alabamians to connect, collaborate and contribute to our growing innovation economy.”
Star Power Meets Southern Innovation
Sloss Tech 2025 has assembled a roster of speakers representing diverse perspectives on technology, innovation and social impact:
- Zack Kass, advisor, futurist and former Head of Go-To-Market at OpenAI, brings extensive expertise from leading the teams responsible for sales, partnerships and customer success at OpenAI. Now serving as Executive-in-Residence at the University of Virginia, Kass works with Fortune 1,000 companies including Coca-Cola, Morgan Stanley and Amgen to navigate the AI landscape.
- Rashaun Williams, venture capitalist and “Shark Tank” Guest Shark, has made over 170 investments with more than 50 successful exits as co-founder of Queensbridge Venture Partners. The Atlanta Falcons Limited Partner was an early investor in Robinhood, Coinbase, Ring and Lyft, and was named Black Enterprise’s Investor of the Year in 2018.
- Johnny Cupcakes, the award-winning entrepreneur named America’s #1 Young Entrepreneur by BusinessWeek, has built a brand with cult-like loyalty since launching his t-shirt company at age 19. His strategies for creating memorable customer experiences have been shared with major clients including Apple, Disney, IBM and Harvard University.
- Dr. Ruha Benjamin, the Alexander Stewart 1886 Professor of African American Studies at Princeton University and founding director of the Ida B. Wells Just Data Lab, joins the conference in partnership with the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Her award-winning work examines the intersection of technology, innovation and social equity.
$75,000 Competition Puts Southeast Startups in Spotlight
The centerpiece of Sloss Tech 2025 is the inaugural Sloss.Tech/Ideas pitch competition, made possible through financial support from the Regions Foundation, a nonprofit backed primarily by Regions Bank. Sixteen promising startups from across the Southeast will compete for a total of $75,000 in prizes, including a $50,000 grand prize, $10,000 People’s Choice Award and three $5,000 category winner prizes.
“Thanks to the support of Regions Foundation, Sloss.Tech/Ideas will strengthen our shared commitment to support the entrepreneurs shaping the Southeast’s next economy in mobility, agriculture, biotech and beyond,” said Gordon. “From steel to startups, Birmingham has always been a city of builders. Now, we’re forging the future in innovation.”
The competition showcases startups across four key technology sectors: Agtech and Foodtech, Healthtech and Biotech, Mobility and Transportation Technology and Emerging Tech. The grand prize winner will automatically secure a coveted spot at Venture Atlanta 2025, the East Coast’s largest venture conference.
“These finalists represent the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation that drives economic growth throughout our region,” said Marta Self, executive director of the Regions Foundation. “We’re excited to see how these companies will use this platform to accelerate their growth and create jobs in their communities.”
Selected finalists include Good Agriculture (Atlanta), harnessing AI to help farmers manage back-office tasks; VanquishBio (Birmingham), developing NK cell-derived therapy for hard-to-treat cancers; HERide (Atlanta), a women-first rideshare platform built for safety; and SymbyAI (Huntsville), which automates scientific research with AI.
More Sloss.Tech/Ideas finalists can be found here.
Breaking Down Barriers to Tech Careers
For the third consecutive year, Sloss Tech 2025 will offer 200 free tickets to students and early-career professionals through its Next in Tech program, sponsored by Innovate Alabama and other partners. Since 2023, the program has provided nearly 200 participants with access to industry knowledge, professional development and direct connections with recruiters from companies like Protective Life and NASCAR.
“We’re seeing participants leave Sloss Tech with job offers, mentorship connections and startup ideas that they’re actually pursuing,” said Shannon Allen, who leads talent development at Innovate Alabama. “What excites me most about the Next in Tech program is watching students realize they don’t have to choose between cutting-edge tech careers and staying close to home.”
Grammy Winner Caps Off Historic Conference
The celebration continues beyond the conference with the inaugural ShinDigit@l: Rhythm and Code afterparty on June 27 at WorkPlay, featuring Grammy-winning artist Pynk Beard. The Dolemite, Alabama native recently claimed his third Grammy Award in 2025 for his contributions to the Best Musical Theater Album for “Hell’s Kitchen” and has written hits for Jennifer Lopez, Alessia Cara, John Legend and Alicia Keys. Tickets to ShinDigit@l can be purchased here. All Sloss Tech ticketholders will receive a discount for tickets.
This year’s Sloss Tech represents a pivotal moment in positioning Alabama as a catalyst for regional innovation that extends beyond traditional tech hubs. The expanded three-day format creates more opportunities for meaningful connections while showcasing the intersection of technology and Southern hospitality that makes the region unique.
“Alabama’s tech community stands out for being genuinely supportive and collaborative,” said Maria Underwood, current board chair for TechBirmingham. “What founders discover when they come to Sloss Tech is an enthusiastic community ready to help them succeed.”
Sloss Tech 2025 offers multiple ticket options to accommodate diverse attendees. General admission tickets are available for $299, providing access to all keynotes, panels and networking events with complimentary refreshments. VIP packages at $499 include exclusive speaker receptions, VIP lounge access, early access to workshops and complimentary ShinDigit@l tickets. The conference has also partnered with Birmingham Area Software Enthusiasts to deliver specialized developer programming, accessible through full conference or separate track tickets.
General admission tickets are available now at www.sloss.tech until sold out. For more information about Sloss Tech 2025, the pitch competition or the Next in Tech program, visit www.sloss.tech or contact TechBirmingham at [email protected].
