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Launch USA

Student receiving check at Launch USA Competition.

What’s your big idea? 

The Melton Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation is proud to host Launch USA. This program is a unique opportunity for teams and individuals affiliated with the University of South Alabama to develop business ideas, receive funding, transform thinking and make an impact on the Gulf Coast community.

Who is eligible?

University of South Alabama students, faculty, staff and alumni are eligible to participate as teams or individuals.

How does this work?

Following the application period, up to six teams will be selected to participate in the program. After the selection of the 2026 cohort, the participants will complete the Launch USA | Boot Camp. This intensive training program will include information on intellectual property, business formation, digital marketing, market research analytics, nonprofit formation and more. Following the completion of the Boot Camp, teams will receive mentorship through the Innovation Portal. Each team will receive a stipend totalling $5,000, contingent on the completion of certain milestones, as they work on their concepts and refine their pitch.

The program culminates in a regional pitch competition featuring collegiate teams from across the Gulf Coast. Participants will present their refined business plans to a panel of expert judges for a chance to secure a portion of the $50,000 prize purse. 

Deadline to Apply = Friday, April 3

 
2026 Application
 

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • What is the program? Launch USA is an entrepreneurship program dedicated to helping student teams explore business ideas and transform them into viable business models. 
  • When does the program run? Please stay tuned for information about our 2026 program.
  • How do I apply? Once dates are released an application will be made available on this page. 
  • What stage does my business need to be in to apply? You can have a business idea in need of development or a fully fledged business plan. 
  • What can I expect from the program? Each company group will receive coaching from experienced professors during the program, prior to a pitch competition. If you are selected for further coaching, you will participate in sessions at the Innovation Portal in downtown Mobile. Then, teams will compete in a pitch competition for a grand prize.
  • Do I have to attend the sessions in person? Yes, all members of your team must make a commitment to the spring in-person session as well as the summer sessions. 
  • What will I gain from the process? Participants will receive coaching from experienced professors, as well as time-tested entrepreneurs as mentors. Plus, you’ll meet other entrepreneurs (or potential collaborators) who may be help to you as well.
  • What will my business gain from the process? You will learn specifics on how to take an idea through a process toward a viable business plan. 
  • How specific do I need to be in my application? The more specific the better!
  • Are parents of current South Alabama students available? Yes, but the South Alabama student must be an integral part of the team.
  • If I participated in a previous Launch USA team, may I participate this year? If your team was selected to participate in Launch USA last year, you may not submit your same idea again this year. However, you may apply with a new idea.
  • May I submit more than one idea? No, each person should only submit one idea.
  • May I be part of more than one team? No, each person should only be part of one team.