AJ Singhal, Founder of Kalm Therapeutics
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — November 11, 2025 — Kalm Therapeutics, an emerging Alabama-based biopharmaceutical company, has been named the winner of $100,000 in non-dilutive funding in the Alabama Launchpad Life Sciences Track, a program powered by the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) in collaboration with Innovate Alabama.
The award recognizes Kalm Therapeutics’ breakthrough work developing the first naturally derived prescription patch for eczema and psoriasis, offering an innovative approach to protecting and treating sensitive skin.
Advancing Alabama’s Life Sciences Innovation
Founder AJ Singhal accepted the $100,000 prize, along with ongoing mentorship and access to Alabama’s expanding network of investors and research partners. Singhal emphasized the impact of the award on the company’s mission:
“This award will allow Kalm to treat more patients and run additional biomarker tests during our upcoming clinical trial for people suffering with chronic eczema,” said Singhal. “As a small pharma company from Alabama, this recognition from EDPA truly makes us feel the love from Sweet Home Alabama.”
Kalm Therapeutics’ skin-patch technology delivers a natural, biomaterial-based medicine directly to the epidermis, while shielding the skin from scratching, infection, moisture loss, and environmental irritants. The innovation aims to improve the quality of life for millions struggling with chronic inflammatory skin conditions.
A Competitive Field of Finalists
Kalm Therapeutics was selected from a strong pool of life-science innovators, including
- Flexicoat (Mountain Brook, AL) — Developing next-generation biomedical device coatings that create lubricious, self-sterilizing, superhydrophilic surfaces in under 15 minutes.
- Gulf Sterilization Inc. (Mobile, AL) — Providing contract sterilization services to the health care industry to ensure safe and effective medical devices.
The finalists presented their business models to a panel of expert judges: Nancy Wenger Keller, MBA candidate at MIT Sloan and biotech professional; Dr. Jamie Tyler, professor of neuroscience at UAB; and Kellie Clark, former healthcare practice chair at gener8tor and board member of Health Rounds.
“Each finalist demonstrated an inspiring level of innovation and purpose,” said Keller. “It’s exciting to see Alabama’s life sciences community growing with such energy and focus.”
Supporting Alabama’s Startup Ecosystem
The 2025 Cycle 2 competition marks the second round under Alabama Launchpad’s new three-track format, which provides $2,500 in upfront funding to each finalist and a 12-week mentorship program to accelerate commercialization and growth.
Earlier this fall, Alabama Launchpad also recognized top entrepreneurs across other sectors:
- Caroline and Trey McMeans, founders of Homepoint, received $70,000 in the Tech Track (October 26).
- Stephane Lee, founder of VRobotics, earned $50,000 (October 28).
For more information on Alabama Launchpad and upcoming competition cycles, visit www.alabamalaunchpad.com.
About Kalm Therapeutics
Kalm Therapeutics is an Alabama-based biotechnology company developing naturally derived prescription therapies for chronic skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. The company’s proprietary patch technology delivers natural medicine directly to affected areas, protecting skin and accelerating healing.
About Alabama Launchpad
Managed by the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) in partnership with Innovate Alabama, Alabama Launchpad is the state’s premier startup competition. It provides early-stage funding, mentorship, and visibility to the state’s most promising entrepreneurs and innovators.
