HUNTSVILLE, AL (November 3, 2025) – Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has presented the award Hudson’s Alpha Institute for Biotechnology More than 2 million through Alabama Research and Development Advancement Fund Supporting three initiatives using biotechnology to strengthen Alabama’s agriculture and forestry sectors. Auburn University and the University of Alabama also received funding during this period.
“Researchers at these institutions have a track record of driving innovation that improves the lives of people in Alabama and beyond,” said Gov. Ivey. “Their far-reaching research impacts everything from the next wave of technology to the conservation of our forests. I am proud to support this important and important work through these grant awards.”
Each HUDNSLF project combines state investment with matching funds from the Institute, collaborating organizations, federal grants and private donors. This funding model increases the value and impact of these public funds while strengthening Alabama’s innovation ecosystem.
TRIALS (Technology and Research for Innovation Ag Leaders) – 9,309,576
In collaboration with agtech startups Chunix and Southgene Solutions, the trials are a two-year pilot program led by Hudsnalfa in Alabama’s wiregrass region, designed by Husdanlfa faculty investigator Josh Clevinger, Ph.D. The trials focus on accelerating on-farm adoption of new agricultural technologies. Growers often face small profit margins and environmental uncertainty, making it a risky endeavor to test new products. Trials addresses the challenge by connecting growers with researchers and ag tech companies to conduct field trials together, tracking yield, soil health and economic outcomes.
The project will examine innovations such as Chonex’s StrongSile biofertilizer and SouthGen’s precision agriculture tools and drone imaging, generating real-world data that farmers can use to guide their decisions. In addition to increasing productivity in Alabama’s $211 million peanut industry, the project will provide education and outreach through farmer consultations, producer panels, and summer biotrain internships. The trials aim to create a scalable model that supports small to medium farms and helps rural communities benefit from the next generation of agtech solutions.
Biotech to speed up crops for Alabama—$938,992
The $1.87 million initiative, led by Hudson Alpha faculty investigator Kankshitha Swaminathan, Ph.D., is supported by ADECA and matching funds from partners including Mars Inc. These new technologies will enable farmers to adopt crops designed for greater flexibility, yield and sustainability, addressing both current market crops and future alternatives.
Beyond its R&D goals, the project invests in building Alabama’s scientific workforce through experiential learning for high school, undergraduate, and post-baccalaureate students. Programs like the Janes and Greens Summer Academy and hands-on research experiences expose students to science, biotechnology, and real-world laboratory skills. By combining innovation, workforce training, and business engagement, this project positions Alabama as a center for agricultural bioscience and agtech entrepreneurship.
Protection of Alabama Wild Forests- 999,803
In partnership with Paint Rock Forest Research Center In Jackson County, this $2 million project brings together one of Alabama’s premier natural forestry studies with Hudsnulf’s expertise in plant genomics to secure the future of the state’s multibillion-dollar forestry industry. Led by Hudsonolafa faculty investigator Jeremy Schmitz, researchers at the Hudsonolafa Genome Sequencing Center will analyze genetic diversity in at least 10 tree species, including up to 90 pilot species including elms, ash, black walnut and shortleaf pine, to identify traits that may promote forest resilience. The goal of this project is to develop valuable germplasm resources for use in regional tree breeding programs that promote sustainability throughout the Southeast.
The Paint Rock site, which spans the Cumberland Plateau in the Paint Rock Valley, provides a living laboratory for the study of genetic variation in native forests. With a 50% local match from Hudsnalpha and the Paint Rock Forest Research Center, the project supports forest-based small businesses and landowners while establishing Alabama as a national leader in conservation genomics and forest biotechnology.
“These grants represent a powerful vote of confidence in HUDNSLFA’s ability to innovate through collaboration. We are deeply grateful for the state’s support and visionary partners and donors whose matching investments make these transformational projects possible. Together, we are advancing a more sustainable, resilient and prosperous future for Alabama’s farmers, forests, and communities.”
Read the full announcement from Adika.
