Innovation Depot taps 10 for Voltage entrepreneur program – al.com

Birmingham’s Innovation Depot has commissioned 10 people to take their chances at turning ideas into commerce.

It’s the Depot’s Voltage program, an idea accelerator which supports entrepreneurs who have an idea for a tech or tech-enabled business which they transform into a prototype product. Over six weeks, participants receive instruction outside of traditional working hours as they test their ideas and plan the next step toward the marketplace.

Participants, who are not required to have previous tech or business experience, will work closely with mentors in the industry toward launching a successful startup, or pivoting to a new venture.

The program launched last year, and demand for entry into the program has been very high, Director of Acceleration Heather Milam said. Three Birmingham-based participants from last year were accepted into the Depot’s 2022 Velocity Accelerator program. One of those, Fundrage, a Chrome-extension that allows users to contribute to their favorite causes, received $75,000 in follow-on grant funding.

“Voltage is intended to help founders de-risk the startup process as much as possible,” Depot CEO Drew Honeycutt said. “Our primary aim is to share a proven blueprint for success, so founders have all the resources they need to test the viability of their idea. This way, we can help them save both time and money until they land on a solution with true product-market fit.”

The 10 participants, and their business challenges, are:

Allyn Abadie

Trying to fix the lack of accessible data analysis from wearables for athletic trainers/coaches working at the youth, secondary, JUCO, DIII, and DII levels.

Brittney B. Gray

Addressing fragmentation in the women’s health and breast care market.

Jalen Bridges

There’s no simple way to crowd-source data to help people find the best venues for their tastes.

Jay Johnson

Improving use of affordable college readiness resources to assist with college admission.

Jose Flores

Addressing the lack of options for gig economy drivers to affordably finance their first electric vehicle.

Melody Lovvorn

Lack of dating app options focused on personality compatibility, using proven methodology.

MK Hale

Trying to improve the technological tools available to streamline and simplify home organization.

Ryan Harrison

Improving resources for food truck owners to invest in their digital footprint.

Ashanti Quarles

Improving access to up-to-date resource listings to help practitioners connect their clients with social service providers.

Mac Lidikay

Improving the ability to digitally request songs, tip a DJ, or leave live feedback.