A growing Gulf Coast innovation hub took another step forward on May 7 as Hatch Fairhope and Bessel hosted the finale of their second annual biotech and medtech accelerator program, bringing 10 startup companies to Fairhope for an evening of investor pitches, networking and demonstrations of emerging healthcare and technology solutions.

Hatch Fairhope operates as Baldwin County’s technology village and entrepreneurial hub, offering accelerator and community programs aimed at helping early-stage companies develop and scale, a news release said. The Powered by Bessel program focuses on life sciences and deep tech startups working across healthcare, agriculture and advanced technology. Bessel partners with Hatch to support founders through structured strategy frameworks and AI-enabled team support designed to expand development capacity.

Together, the organizations hosted founders, investors, academic leaders and economic development partners from across Alabama and beyond for the event, which marked the conclusion of a 12-week accelerator cycle.

“What’s happening in Fairhope is real,” Hatch Director Keith Glines said in the release. “We’re proving that world-class biotech innovation doesn’t have to come from Boston or San Francisco — it can grow right here on the Gulf Coast. This cohort brought the talent, the science and the grit, and the room on May 7th showed that the investment community is paying attention.”

The 2026 cohort included companies working across medical technology, agriculture, mental health and regulatory automation.

Gulf Sterilization, led by Michelle Scott, is developing contract sterilization services using chlorine dioxide as a safer alternative to ethylene oxide for medical device manufacturers. Rekovar, Inc., led by Shiva Sharareh, is building an AI-driven neonatal monitoring platform called NeoMonki aimed at improving outcomes for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.

VivoSphere LLC, led by Dr. Yuan Tian, is focused on 3D tissue engineering for drug discovery and screening aligned with updated federal modernization efforts. Spectratherm LLC, led by Dr. David Nelson, is developing microcirculation technology designed to improve surgical outcomes for peripheral artery disease and reduce amputations.

Other participants included Psigryph, led by Sean Thompson, which is developing a nano-delivery platform for targeted molecular delivery across agriculture and pharmaceuticals; Omfeonix Agritech, led by Kelly Ochuko Egode, which created an AI system for aquaponics and controlled environment agriculture; and MedHive, Inc., led by Vipul Kashyap, which is automating regulatory documentation for medical devices including 510k submissions.

New Mindset Consulting, led by Marlo Young, focuses on preventative mental health literacy for workforce and education systems. OSAZ AI, led by Osazomon Imarenezor, provides a secure clinical intake and imaging platform for dermatology and primary care. Southern Rooted, led by Hannah Keel, represents an early-stage venture focused on life sciences and regional innovation.

The event included a networking reception followed by pitches to investors and ecosystem partners representing the University of South Alabama, Auburn University, Pilot Capital, Innovate Alabama, USA Health, the Alabama Department of Commerce, Southern Company, Alabama Power, the University of Mobile, Coastal Alabama Community College and the City of Fairhope.

The release said the accelerator delivered more than 240 hours of mentorship over 12 weeks, building on 192 hours provided to the inaugural 2024 cohort. Across two years, the program has supported 18 companies with more than 432 hours of direct mentorship.

Fairhope Mayor Sherry Sullivan said the program strengthens the city’s identity as a center for entrepreneurship.

“I loved being part of the Biotech Accelerator Pitch Night with Hatch Fairhope,” Sullivan said. “These events are about more than growing a company, they are about positioning Fairhope as a place where innovation and entrepreneurship can thrive. I cannot wait to watch Hatch and these companies grow.”

Hatch Fairhope operates at 314 Magnolia Ave. and serves as the home of the Powered by Bessel life sciences and deep tech accelerator. Bessel focuses on accelerating healthcare innovation through structured strategy systems and blended teams that integrate artificial intelligence with startup development. More information is available at www.Bessel.co or by contacting info@bessel.co.