Five Forestry Startups Selected For Alabama Forestry Accelerator

gener8tor, Grow Southeast Alabama and HudsonAlpha Wiregrass welcome the second Alabama Forestry Accelerator cohort

DOTHAN, Ala. - Five startups building for the forest-products industry have been selected for the Alabama Forestry Accelerator, a gBETA program run by national venture capital firm gener8tor. DNA Source, enVerde, Gulf Coast Biomass, Proon-Tech and Treelyon will participate in the program, based at the Wiregrass Innovation Center in Dothan.

The Alabama Forestry Accelerator is a free seven-week program designed to set a path for startups to pursue investment opportunities. It charges no fees and takes no equity. Founders receive intensive concierge coaching and access to gener8tor's national network of mentors, customers, corporate partners and investors. This cohort also spends three in-person stretches in the Wiregrass, including an industry tour, and hears weekly from forestry leaders such as the Alabama Forestry Commission.

gener8tor received more than 30 applications for the program. The five selected companies were chosen based on their growth potential, investor readiness and commitment to doing business in the Wiregrass. See below for more details on each company.

"Forestry has long been one of the cornerstones of Alabama's economy, and nowhere is that more true than here in the Wiregrass. The companies selected for this year's Alabama Forestry Accelerator represent the next generation of innovation in an industry that supports thousands of jobs and countless rural communities across our state," said Dean Mitchell, Director of HudsonAlpha Wiregrass. "We're proud to help these entrepreneurs grow their ideas and strengthen a sector that matters so deeply to our region's future."

The program is made possible by a partnership with Grow Southeast Alabama and HudsonAlpha Wiregrass, with support from Innovate Alabama, Alabama Power and ALFA.

"Grow Southeast Alabama is proud to bring this program back to the Wiregrass for a second cohort. Forestry is one of our region's biggest industries, and these founders are bringing new technology and new investment to it," said Melody Lee, Executive Director of Grow Southeast Alabama.

At the end of the program, the founders will pitch their companies to investors, community partners and the public at a showcase on Friday, Dec. 11, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the Wiregrass Innovation Center, held as part of the monthly Wiregrass Innovation Network meeting. RSVP here.

Startups and founders interested in learning more about gBETA's programming or applying to a future cohort can visit the Alabama Forestry Accelerator website or reach out to Olivia Payton at [email protected]. Those interested in mentoring these companies or getting involved in other ways are also encouraged to connect.

Alabama Forestry Accelerator Fall 2026 Cohort