Innovation Computer
 | |
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer |
| Founded | 1979 in Cleveland, Wisconsin, United States |
| Founder | Steve Voigt |
| Defunct | c. Template:End date and age |
| Fate | Dissolution |
Innovation Computer Corporation (initially known as Innovation Company) was a U.S.-based computer manufacturer located in Cleveland, Wisconsin, operating from 1979 until the early 1990s. The firm specialized in producing IBM PC-compatible systems and related peripherals, notably the SSI-2001 sound card. Innovation was one of the pioneering American personal computer firms to establish commercial relations with the Soviet Union during the late 1980s, prior to the USSR’s collapse in 1991.
Independent period (1979–1988)
Established by entrepreneur Steve Voigt in 1979, Innovation initially functioned as an electronics consulting enterprise focused on designing circuit boards for industrial clients predominantly within the Midwest region. Voigt, an alumnus of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee with expertise in applied science and engineering, had formerly managed the electronics division at Kohler Company.
By approximately 1983, Innovation collaborated with Bronson Electronics from Seymour, Wisconsin, to produce a color graphics adapter compatible with the IBM PC. The company outsourced circuit board manufacturing to local subcontractors and secured distribution agreements with resellers such as ComputerLand, Leading Edge Products, and IBM between 1983 and 1986. Revenue reached $4 million by 1985. In January 1986, ComputerLand commissioned Innovation to develop an IBM PC-compatible system; however, due to limited capital and hesitation from local investors, Innovation was unable to fulfill production schedules. Consequently, ComputerLand purchased the design and arranged overseas manufacturing under the BC-88 brand.
By mid-1986, Innovation employed approximately ten staff members and obtained a $1.2 million investment from Milwaukee-based investor Steve Einhorn. This funding facilitated relocation to Sheboygan, Wisconsin, where the company leased a former warehouse for assembly operations. In June 1987, Innovation launched its inaugural computer model, the 1010 XT. This system featured an innovative backplane architecture replacing the conventional motherboard with a processor card compatible with standard ISA expansion slots. It supported both standard 4.77 MHz and turbo 8 MHz clock speeds and incorporated enhanced BIOS diagnostics that improved plug-and-play functionality. Manufactured in South Korea, the 1010 XT earned favorable reviews and achieved sales exceeding 500 units monthly by August 1987.
Building on this momentum, Innovation introduced the 2010 AT Personal Workstation based on IBM’s PC AT platform. Utilizing their processor-on-a-card technology, they also developed the Innovation D-Z expansion card for Leading Edge’s Model D computers, which increased processor frequency from 4.77 MHz to 7.8 MHz with reversible clock settings.
In April 1988, Innovation launched upgrade kits designed to replace existing motherboards in IBM PCs or compatibles with their proprietary backplane system and processor cards. These kits enabled users to upgrade from PC to XT (1010P), PC to AT (2010P), XT to AT (2010I), and AT to i386 (3020I), catering to customers interested in extending the longevity of their computer hardware investments.
Merger period (1988 – 1990s)
From February through May 1988, Innovation combined forces with New Software International based in Attleboro, Massachusetts and California Microelectronics located in Campbell, California. These organizations targeted the Soviet Union market, which struggled to obtain advanced personal computers. This consolidation facilitated capital acquisition and improved supply coordination with ELORG, the Soviet government’s official computer trading entity. The collaboration resulted in the creation of Elorg Soft, where Innovation supplied computer component kits for assembly within the USSR.
Despite this, New Software later pursued separation, and by October 1988, the companies resumed independent operations. In November of the same year, Innovation executed a reverse merger with a Boston holding company under Frank G. Wright’s ownership, who also had interests in Soviet computer commerce. This transaction injected $8 million in funding to support growth at Innovation’s headquarters in Cleveland.
In December 1988, Innovation introduced two desktop models powered by the 286 processor: the 2000 ST and 2000 ET. The 2000 ST (Stealth PC) was distinguished by its sleek matte black chassis and an innovative flat-panel monochrome plasma screen mounted on an adjustable arm—a design that anticipated similar Apple innovations by more than ten years.
By mid-1989, Innovation released the SSI-2001 sound card compatible with IBM PCs. This card was notable for incorporating the MOS Technology 6581 "SID" chip, famed for its exceptional audio capabilities on the Commodore 64. The SSI-2001 garnered positive evaluations from prominent industry magazines such as Byte and Compute!.
In November 1988, Innovation International joined with Moscow’s NPO Energia to establish I3C, tasked with distributing Innovation’s computers throughout the Soviet market. The company secured its initial contract from the Institute for Automated Systems and subsequently landed a $6.5 million order for laptops powered by the 80286 processor intended for deployment on the Soviet space station Mir. An additional laptop order worth $2 million was placed in early 1991 before the collapse of the USSR. Founder Voigt maintained connections with Russia via his successor firm American Innovation. By 1996, Innovation had ceased operations and allowed its trademark to expire.
For his contributions to advancing space technology through these collaborative efforts, Voigt was honored with a medallion from the Russian Federation during the 1990s, an accolade shared with prominent figures including Gorbachev and Reagan.