Kickoff Draws 100 Builders Including 30+ High School Students; Demo Night January 29
FAIRHOPE, AL (January 16, 2026) - Nearly 100 builders officially launched their two-week innovation journey last night at the Hatch-a-thon Winter 2026 Kickoff, held at Baldwin Preparatory Academy in Loxley. With almost 200 people now registered for the event's Demo Night finale on January 29, the region's premier innovation competition is on track to be its largest yet.
The kickoff drew over 100 attendees, including more than 30 high school students participating in the region's first-ever dedicated student track. Over the next two weeks, teams will develop solutions for 26 real business challenges submitted by local organizations, nine of which come from area nonprofits.
"What we're building here goes beyond a single event," said Kai Gray, Executive Director of Lower Alabama AI. "We started the Hatch-a-thon to connect local talent with local businesses and show each group that the other exists. Our goal is simple: keep talented people here in Southern Alabama and help local companies find the skills they need right in their own backyard. Seeing nearly 100 builders and 30-plus students ready to tackle real challenges from our own community. That's exactly the innovation ecosystem we're trying to build."
The challenges represent a diverse cross-section of Baldwin County's economy, spanning manufacturing, marketing, technology, and nonprofit sectors. All event sponsors were in attendance to present their challenges and meet prospective teams, including Harris Vacation, Mississippi Export Railroad, C2 Wealth Strategies, Motive AI, University of South Alabama, and Pilot Catastrophe Services.
"This is what economic development looks like when you invest in your own people," said Keith Glines, Executive Director, Hatch Fairhope. "We have incredibly talented individuals living right here in Southern Alabama, and we have businesses hungry for innovative solutions. The Hatch-a-thon creates the bridge between them. Tonight, I watched students stand shoulder-to-shoulder with experienced professionals, all of them ready to build something meaningful for our community. That's the future of this region."
Demo Night: Open to the Public
The competition culminates on Thursday, January 29 at the University of South Alabama Fairhope Campus, 111 St. James Avenue (corner of St. James Ave and Summit St.) in downtown Fairhope. Demo Night runs from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM and is free and open to the public. Attendees will witness live presentations from competing teams, participate in People's Choice voting, and see firsthand the innovative solutions developed for local businesses.
The Hatch-a-thon is presented by Lower Alabama AI, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and Hatch Fairhope, a nonprofit division of the Baldwin Alliance.
For more information or to register as a Demo Night attendee, visit hatchathon.hatchfairhope.com/register/attendee.
Media Contact: Keith Glines, keith@hatchfairhope.com. CELL: (251) 709-7952
About Lower Alabama AI Lower Alabama AI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on building an inclusive AI community in Southern Alabama where locals learn, connect, and innovate. The organization brings AI opportunities to entrepreneurs and individuals through education and practical applications.
About Hatch Fairhope Hatch Fairhope is a nonprofit division of the Baldwin Alliance, Baldwin County's economic development agency. Hatch is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in Baldwin County through coworking space, programming, and community connections.
