Month: October 2024

Innovation Depot Launches Record-Breaking Voltage Cohort 9

Posted on October 22, 2024

Birmingham, Ala. (October 22, 2024) – Innovation Depot is thrilled to announce the launch of the ninth iteration of its Voltage program, welcoming an impressive cohort of 33 entrepreneurs working on 29 unique ideas—the program’s largest and most dynamic group to date. Voltage, which began in 2021, continues to expand its reach and impact, drawing a diverse range of motivated participants eager to transform their tech-driven ideas into reality.

The five-week program is designed to accommodate busy schedules, offering flexibility and access to vital resources. Entrepreneurs in the cohort benefit from expert guidance and cutting-edge tools, all while testing and refining their concepts outside of the traditional 9-to-5 workday.

This year’s cohort highlights Voltage’s growing influence, marked by a record-breaking number of applicants and participants. This growth is a clear indication of the program’s continued success in empowering the next wave of tech innovators.

Ritchie Kruunenberg, Director of Marketing & Operations at Innovation Depot, emphasized the significance of this milestone:

“Voltage’s continued growth speaks volumes about the demand for programs that support early-stage ideas. This cohort isn’t just larger in numbers; it’s filled with individuals who are incredibly motivated and ready to put in the work to make their ideas a reality. Our program has helped over 130 participants to date, and each cohort just keeps getting stronger. We’re excited to see what this group will accomplish.”

Brooke Gillis, CEO of Innovation Depot, also commented on the program’s remarkable trajectory:

“The growth of Voltage is a testament to its importance in Birmingham’s tech ecosystem. Each year, we see more aspiring entrepreneurs join the program, many of whom go on to launch successful startups from Innovation Depot. This surge in participation reflects not only the success of past cohorts but also the increasing visibility and impact of the program.”

Experienced mentors from AppThink, powered by HVL, continue to guide participants through the program, ensuring they make well-informed decisions as they bring their ideas to life. The program kicked off last week with an energizing event at Monday Night Brewing, where participants engaged in relationship-building activities led by Raven Johnson through The Gathering Lab.

Big welcome to the members of Cohort 9:

Elias Hendricks, Christina Renteria, Nathan Chester
Bryan Lai
Katie Marietta-Tondin
Le’Terrica Montgomery
Lori Edmonds, Jenna LaChenaye, Josephine Prado
Danielle Womack
Jacob Norgord
Adam Richey
Stephanie Willis
Oscar Whit Kilby
Paula Guevara
Miho Kubagawa
Matt Stroman
Erica Robinson
Tatianna Turrentine-Long
Kris Hazard
Donisha Collier
Sarah Minor
Joshua Gilmer
Venu Gopal Kundella
LaTrisha Moore
Myles Taylor
Jinida Holt
Kimberley Barnes
Keith Saffold
Jasmine Fells
Lathan Bennett
Hazina Dorius
Zachary Farmer

About Innovation Depot:

Innovation Depot, a 501(c)3 nonprofit tech and entrepreneurial support organization. Housed in a 140,000 square foot building in downtown Birmingham, The Depot offers various programs for aspiring founders as well as incubation space for scaling companies. For more information, please visit innovationdepot.org.



Behind the Refresh: Insights from Innovation Depot’s Director of Marketing on a Bold New Look

Posted on October 22, 2024

We’ve been working hard behind the scenes, and now it’s time to share something special. In collaboration with Telegraph Creative, Innovation Depot has a bold new look that’s built around the grit and grind of startup life. This rebrand isn’t just visual—it’s a reflection of the relentless energy, determination, and creativity that define our community of founders.

Every founder here is chasing their dream 24/7, and we’re the hub that offers the resources, support, and trust they need to keep pushing forward. Whether you’re stepping into our building or exploring us online, you’ll feel that hustle and heart. It’s more than a workspace. Our new brand captures the spirit of innovation and collaboration while being both comforting and cutting-edge.

Let’s dive into what’s new & check out the new website at www.innovationdepot.org!

 

Dark Mode or Light Mode: For the Early Risers and Night Owls 🌑☀️

We know startup life doesn’t run 9-to-5. Some days start before the sun rises, and others stretch long into the night. That’s why our new website offers both dark and light mode—because we cater to everyone. Whether you’re hustling in the early hours or burning the midnight oil, our site is built to match your rhythm. Choose the setting that works for you, and let the inspiration flow.

A Pop of Yellow: Bright, Bold, and Full of Energy

We’re proud to introduce our new accent color—yellow. It’s a soft, vibrant shade that adds just the right amount of energy to our sleek, minimalist design. Yellow is the perfect representation of what Innovation Depot stands for: creativity, optimism, and a bright future ahead. As THEtech hub of Birmingham for the past two decades, this pop of color mirrors the energy and ambition of the countless founders who have grown within our walls and continue to drive innovation forward.

The pop of yellow combined with a palette of sleek grays and calming whites perfectly complements the industrial chic vibe of our building. The grays draw inspiration from the original columns and exposed ceilings of the old Sears department store, blending the past with the present. This minimalist look reflects both the history and modern energy of our space, creating an environment that’s as inspiring as it is functional—where innovation and creativity can thrive.

Explore, Connect, and Grow—All in One Place

Our new website isn’t just about looks—it’s designed to make your life easier. Whether you’re looking for information on our programs, learning about the amazing companies that call Innovation Depot home, or searching for the perfect space to host an event or team day, everything is streamlined and simple to navigate. Located in the heart of the Deep South, we’re proving that high-tech innovation knows no boundaries—Birmingham is where bold ideas thrive.

It’s now easier than ever to:

• Explore our companies and the exciting work they’re doing.

• Find out how you can join this thriving ecosystem and take your startup to the next level through programming or a membership.

• Check out the spaces available for rent, from conference rooms to event spaces.

 

We’ve designed this new site to be as dynamic as the people who use it. It’s a one-stop shop for everything Innovation Depot, showcasing the best of our community while making it easy for you to find what you need.

This is more than just a brand refresh—it’s about creating an experience that matches the incredible work happening inside Innovation Depot. Our new look is bright, bold, and built for the future.

Check out the new site at www.innovationdepot.org, explore what’s changed, and let us know what you think. We’re excited to see how this next chapter unfolds, and we hope you are too!

Ritchie Kruunenberg

Director of Marketing & Operations, Innovation Depot

Accelerate Wind Wins Birmingham Regional Startup World Cup 2024!

Posted on October 22, 2024

Birmingham, AL — The 2024 Birmingham Regional of the Startup World Cup, hosted for the first time in Birmingham at Innovation Depot, has crowned Accelerate Wind as this year’s champion! This inaugural event, held on September 4, 2024, brought together the best and brightest startups from across the Southeast to pitch their innovations in front of an esteemed panel of judges and a live audience.

Accelerate Wind impressed the judges with their innovative low-cost wind turbines designed for commercial buildings, enabling businesses to generate renewable energy directly on-site. By winning the Birmingham Regional, they have earned the chance to compete for the global title at the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in San Francisco, where the top startups from around the world will battle for a $1 million investment prize.

“We are incredibly proud to host the Startup World Cup Regional here in Birmingham for the first time, and even prouder to see Accelerate Wind take home the top prize,” said Brooke Gillis, CEO of Innovation Depot. “Their innovative spirit and drive are exactly what makes Birmingham’s tech ecosystem so dynamic. We can’t wait to see how they continue to grow and make an impact on the global stage.”

This year’s competition featured 10 startups, each showcasing their unique ideas and solutions across a wide range of industries, from tech and healthcare to energy and sustainability. 

Accelerate Wind stood out for their visionary approach and potential for transformative change.

This event has not only highlighted the strong entrepreneurial spirit in Alabama but also shown the Southeast as a growing hub for innovation and technology.

This year’s judging panel included entrepreneurs, ecosystem supporters and industry experts. Judges included Tony Summerville, Founder & Chairman of Fleetio, Cynthia Crutchfield, CEO of Innovate Alabama, and Nate Schmidt, Director of Portfolio Success at High Alpha Innovation. 

About Innovation Depot

Innovation Depot is the largest tech incubator in the Southeast, providing world-class facilities, resources, and mentorship to entrepreneurs and startups. By fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, Innovation Depot helps transform ideas into thriving companies that contribute to the local and national economy.

About Startup World Cup

The Startup World Cup is a global conference and competition that brings together the top startups, venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, and world-class technology CEOs. Organized by Pegasus Tech Ventures, the event aims to connect startups with investors and other key players in the global entrepreneurial ecosystem. The grand finale takes place in San Francisco, where the global champion will win a $1 million investment prize.



Innovation Depot Launches Boost 2, Driving Startups to Secure Their First Customers

Posted on October 22, 2024

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Aug. 29, 2024) – Building on the success of the inaugural cohort, Innovation Depot proudly announces the launch of Boost Cohort 2, an advanced program designed to help early-stage founders refine their Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) and secure their first customers. Boost addresses a critical gap in the startup ecosystem, supporting entrepreneurs who have validated their tech ideas and are now working towards making their ventures full-time pursuits.

Key Features of Boost:

  • Tailored for Emerging Startups: Boost continues to cater to early-stage founders who are ready to transition from idea validation to tangible market entry.
  • Customer Acquisition Focus: The curriculum emphasizes customer discovery, MVP iteration, and the strategies necessary to secure the first paying customer.
  • Comprehensive Support: Participants will benefit from the network of Innovation Depot’s mentors, industry leaders, and fellow entrepreneurs, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate the challenges of early customer engagement.
  • Hands-On Learning: The program provides practical, objective-driven sessions, allowing founders to test and refine their products in real-world scenarios.

“We are thrilled to welcome a new group of founders into Boost, a program that directly addresses the critical steps from MVP development to securing that pivotal first customer,” says Ritchie Kruunenberg, Director of Marketing & Operations of Innovation Depot. “Our goal is to provide these entrepreneurs with the tools, guidance, and network they need to transform their ideas into viable, market-ready businesses.”

Trevor Newberry, Co-Founder of AppThink and Director of Product at Harmony Venture Labs, also expressed his enthusiasm: “With Boost, we’re addressing a crucial gap in entrepreneurial training—securing that all-important first customer. The program is designed to not only guide founders through the process of product development but also to help them learn, iterate, and ultimately sell their products. We’re eager to see the positive impact this cohort will have on the Birmingham startup ecosystem.”

Meet the Second Boost Cohort

We are excited to introduce the innovative founders selected for Boost Cohort 2. This cohort showcases the diversity and creativity that Innovation Depot fosters:

Eric & Olivia Lott, Vendtor

Hunter Harper & Matt Byars

Jason Mann, Thrive14

John Walter, Proxylink

Katrina Jones, Sportsify

Lee Benson Martin, Mealvana

Rebecca Dobrinski, CommuServe

Shekinah Joy Lee, Purposed Joy

William Glass, Ostrich

As they progress towards launching their MVPs and gaining their first customers, Innovation Depot is committed to providing an environment that supports growth and collaboration.

About Innovation Depot:

Innovation Depot, a 501(c)3 nonprofit tech and entrepreneurial support organization. Housed in a 140,000 square foot building in downtown Birmingham, The Depot offers various programs for aspiring founders as well as incubation space for scaling companies. For more information, please visit innovationdepot.org.