BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Last night, Alabama Launchpad, a project of the EDPA, held an awards ceremony at the WorkPlay amphitheater to honor those who have made huge strides in innovation in the state in the past year. 

There were eight awards to be given out. Vice President of the EDPA, Angela Wier said they received over 70 nominations for the awards. 

"The competition was really strong for 2014, and we would like to congratulate all of the winners on their success," Wier said. "We were delighted to receive such an exceptionally high standard of entries, signifying the amazing level of talent, creativity and innovation in our state. Innovation occurs across all industries, fostering Alabama's economy and creating jobs."

The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama awarded $250,387 to five of the six Alabama startup companies that spent Thursday morning pitching their ideas "Shark Tank"-style as part of the Alabama Launchpad competition.

Companies with ideas ranging from cancer screening to car wheel alignment, and from personalized gift boxes for hospital patients to software to help nonprofits raise more money made 10-minute pitches to a five-judge panel at Birmingham's WorkPlay.

In the end, the panel awarded most of the $300,000 available through the EDPA Alabama Launchpad program. The funds will be used toward "proof of concept" to help five startup teams grow their businesses in Alabama.