We’ve reached a milestone in the FINNOVATION Fellowship, and it’s a big one.
After an intense Discovery Module filled with research, reflection, iteration, and final presentations, we’ve selected the nine entrepreneurs who will advance to the Fellows Module, beginning January 13.
This decision was not easy! The finalists showed not just strong ideas, but strong execution and growth. The Fellows Module is designed for founders who are ready to deepen their work, sharpen their strategy, and build what’s next with focus.
Please join us in celebrating our 2026 Fellows Cohort:
- Alexandra De Kesel Lofthus: addressing the lack of sustainable strategies and systems in nonprofit organizations tackling complex health and social challenges.
- Alison Brueggemann: tackling the gap in appealing, accessible, science-based education about the female body for all gender identities.
- Caroline Hegstrom: providing cold-climate gardeners with seeds and resources adapted to USDA Zones 3 and 4 to boost local food production.
- Devin Boeing: closing the digital divide by increasing technology and AI literacy for youth and underserved communities.
- Emma Hoyhtya: improving community arts education by ensuring fair pay and support for performing arts instructors.
- Malik Mitchel: helping older adults age in place safely through coordinated home maintenance and repair services.
- Ramadhan Mohamed: addressing textile waste and economic exclusion through ethical, small-batch manufacturing and training.
- Dr. Sheila Sweeney: increasing access to culturally grounded emotional wellness tools for women of color and caregivers.
- Tyjuan Morrow: promoting equity and sustainability in cannabis through subscription delivery from diverse, ethical producers.
|
|
Thank you to our community!
|
|
|
A huge thank you to our final presentation judges for your time and feedback. Your involvement helps ensure this fellowship stays rigorous, fair, and founder-centered.
- Jacquie Berglund: Board Chair | Founder, Finnegans, Inc., FINNOVATION Institute & FINN Lab
- Kari Niedfeldt-Thomas: Board Member | President & CEO, Better Business Bureau of MN & ND | Mayor, City of New Brighton
- Renay Dossman: Board Member | President, Neighborhood Development Center (NDC)
- Connie Rutledge: Executive Director, FINNOVATION Institute
- Stephanie Malon-Rufi: Alumni Coordinator, FINNOVATION Institute | Founder, Spark Good
- Brittany Clausen: Former Fellow | Founder, Envision Greatness
- Erik Halaas: Former Fellow | Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program Manager, Macalester College | Founder, Live On Minnesota
- Natalia Mercado: Director of Business Services, Neighborhood Development Center (NDC)
- Paul Taylor: Founder, Serial Mentors Ltd.
- Seth Werner: Sr. Pricing Analyst, Cargill
And to every entrepreneur who participated in the Discovery Module: you should be proud!
We can’t wait to continue this journey with the Fellows cohort, and we’re excited to keep building alongside the entire FINNOVATION community.
|
|
|
The FINNOVATION Fellowship program is made possible through generous support from the Bush Foundation, whose mission is to invest in great ideas and the people who power them.
|
|
|
|
|
