Innovation Depot Launches Third Boost Cohort, Supporting Startups in Transition from MVP to Market

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Following the success of its previous cohorts, Innovation Depot is proud to announce the launch of Boost Cohort 3, a hands-on program designed to help early-stage founders sharpen their Minimum Viable Products (MVPs), engage with real customers, and move closer to market readiness.

Boost fills a crucial gap in Birmingham’s startup support pipeline by providing tailored resources for founders who have validated their tech ideas and are ready to begin serious customer acquisition and business development.

Key Features of Boost:

Focused on Early Growth: Boost serves founders who are preparing to go from prototype to product, with the goal of securing their first customers and early traction.

Customer-Centric Curriculum: The program emphasizes customer discovery, iterative product development, and go-to-market strategies rooted in real feedback and industry-tested frameworks.

Expert Guidance: Participants gain access to Innovation Depot’s expansive network of mentors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders who offer practical insight and support.

Real-World Application: Boost is structured around interactive, results-driven workshops, giving founders the opportunity to test assumptions, build momentum, and refine their go-to-market approach.

“We’re excited to welcome this next group of founders to Boost and help them navigate one of the most critical phases of building a startup,” said Ritchie Kruunenberg, VP of Strategy & Startup Growth at Innovation Depot. “Our goal is to equip founders with the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to confidently take their MVPs into the market and begin growing sustainable 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 Boost Cohort 3

Innovation Depot is proud to introduce the eight promising founders selected for Boost Cohort 3:

• Ethan Hendrix, FICOM Technologies, LLC

• Jeff Brown

• Joshua Gilmer, Luau

• Katie Marietta-Tondin, Lit Up

• Keith Saffold

• Miho Kubagawa, Launch Loop

• Paula Guevara, Bilinci

• Sanjay Kumar

These founders represent a diverse range of ideas and industries, united by a shared goal: transforming early-stage prototypes into viable, customer-ready products.

Innovation Depot remains committed to nurturing Birmingham’s tech talent and creating an environment where startups can thrive through collaboration, mentorship, and strategic support.

About Innovation Depot:

Innovation Depot is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit tech and entrepreneurial support organization headquartered in a 140,000-square-foot campus in downtown Birmingham. The Depot provides a range of founder-focused programs, mentorship opportunities, and incubation space for startups at every stage. To learn more, visit innovationdepot.org.