HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology Wiregrass

Big news for Dothan and the Wiregrass! 🌱‼️

The U.S. National Science Foundation has selected the BRIDGES Regional Innovation Engine, led by HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and partners across Alabama and Tennessee, as one of 12 new NSF Regional Innovation Engines nationwide.

Backed by an initial $15 million cooperative agreement and the potential for up to $160 million over ten years, this award means new opportunities for farmers, students, and entrepreneurs.

Through BRIDGES, HudsonAlpha and community partners will:

Support farmers with new perennial crops like switchgrass and Miscanthus to diversify income. Grow local manufacturing opportunities based on bio-based materials created through research. Empower entrepreneurs and start-ups through BRIDGES fellowship and venture programs. Expand workforce training with community colleges and mid-career learners.

Dothan will serve as one of the key hubs for BRIDGES activities, helping model how science can strengthen communities from the ground up.

We’re proud to celebrate this award and are excited for what it means for Dothan, now and for decades to come!

Read the full announcement: hudsonalpha.org/hudsonalpha-bridges-engine-awarded-160-m-nsf-grant

We had an incredible week with some of the Wiregrass’s finest educators! 🌿

HudsonAlpha hosted GTAC: Essential Biology, a five-day professional development course focused on genetics concepts taught in general biology. Educators gained hands-on experience, new classroom tools, and deeper insight into how to bring cutting-edge science to their students.

We’re proud to support these amazing teachers who are shaping the next generation of scientific thinkers! 👩‍🔬📚

At HudsonAlpha, we don’t just train students, we equip teachers to inspire and prepare the next generation of innovators.

This week at the Wiregrass Innovation Center, we welcomed middle school educators for the LifeScience Links Summer Training. Through hands-on learning and exploration, these teachers are gaining the tools to connect life science standards to real‑world biotechnology applications and careers.

By empowering educators, we’re expanding our impact by helping science classrooms across Alabama bring biotechnology to life!