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Startup Incubators In Michigan - 2024

Explore the most comprehensive List Of Startup Incubators In Michigan to accelerate your business growth and innovation in the Great Lakes state.

Lisa Shmulyan
Founder 101
February 15, 2024

Michigan stands out with its lively startup scene. It helps entrepreneurs grow through various incubators and support groups. These groups aim to boost businesses, spark innovation, and increase jobs in Michigan. The Michigan Business Innovation Association (MBIA) is at the heart of this, bringing together top business incubators, accelerators, and support organizations1.

This network is crucial for sharing ideas and communicating among support organizations and their leaders. Entrepreneurs and other important people also get involved in these exchanges1. Moreover, Michigan excels in several industries like software and e-commerce. This makes it a rich place for businesses to grow and innovate2. For startups getting off the ground, there are many resources and financial aids available. This support makes Michigan an ideal spot for new businesses.

Key Takeaways

  • Michigan has a dynamic startup ecosystem with robust support for entrepreneurs.
  • The Michigan Business Innovation Association integrates diversified economic development partners and entrepreneurial support organizations1.
  • Diverse sectors in Michigan include software, cybersecurity, mobility, and e-commerce2.
  • Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000 for idea and seed-stage companies in Michigan2.
  • MBIA serves as a hub for ESOs, promoting collaboration and idea exchange1.

Ann Arbor SPARK

Ann Arbor SPARK promotes economic growth in Washtenaw and Livingston counties. It was started by former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder in 2005. This non-profit helps local businesses prosper3.

Overview

Ann Arbor SPARK runs two business incubators in Washtenaw County. These are the SPARK Central Innovation Center in Ann Arbor and the SPARK East Innovation Center in Ypsilanti. They offer affordable office spaces and help for startups4.

The organization shares its success, like funding and job creation, with the country and its partners4. It also helps Ann Arbor businesses with studies, economic data, and salary benchmarks5.

Industries

Ann Arbor SPARK supports many industries. For new mobility companies, there's TechLab. Life sciences companies have the Michigan Life Science and Innovation Center (MLSIC) and the Michigan Research Institute for lab space3.

It also assisted Wacker Chemical Corporation in setting up their Innovation Center in Pittsfield Charter Township. This highlights the area's appeal to big businesses5.

Investment and Exits

Since starting, Ann Arbor SPARK has made 95 investments and had 16 successful exits3. They offer coworking spaces, like the SPARK East membership, at good prices. A desk costs $200 a month3.

Ann Arbor SPARK connects businesses with important partners. This helps startups grow in the Ann Arbor area. It gives them funding and guidance5.

To learn more, visit Ann Arbor SPARK’s Centers of Innovation. Discover coworking spaces, grants, and business networks to help tech startups5.

Conquer Accelerator

Launched in 2016 by Paul Jaques, Conquer Accelerator is an intensive bootcamp for startups. It's located in East Lansing's entrepreneurial hub. The goal is to set new benchmarks for entrepreneurs in Michigan's incubator scene. This platform helps startups grow efficiently.

Program Details

The program runs for 10 weeks, filled with specific goals. This short period provides intense support and access to a broad network. It focuses on connecting startups with angel investors, venture capitalists, and industry experts6. The program supports various industries, helping different startups succeed7.

Industries Covered

Conquer Accelerator supports many sectors, even though it's not industry-specific. This approach benefits Michigan's economy through the success of various startups7. To date, the accelerator has made six investments and achieved one major exit success6. This shows its dedication to growing diverse business ventures.

Proto Accelerator

The Proto Accelerator supports growth in Information Technology and insurance tech. It started in 2015, working hard to help Michigan startups grow8. They do this through special programs.

Focus Areas

The Proto Accelerator focuses on InsurTech and IT. It aims to build a strong startup community. Startups get guidance, networking, and resources to grow fast8.

Program Duration

The program lasts 13 weeks, providing intensive development time. Startups get the support and advice they need. This helps them overcome product development challenges.

Proto Accelerator serves as an incubator, launching three investments. It shows their commitment to new technologies in Michigan8.

Seamless Accelerator

Since its start in 2015, Seamless Accelerator has become a key player in linking startups with big companies and the government. It mainly boosts Michigan's innovation and offers chances to reach wider markets. This helps grow important fields like Smart Homes and Healthcare9.

Industries and Collaborations

Seamless Accelerator is a pro at making cross-industry ties, which is vital for companies growing in Michigan's innovation space. It focuses on many sectors, giving startups the tools and connections to succeed. Working with big corporations helps these young companies reach the market faster and grow9.

Also, this accelerator makes sure to support a mix of industries. This draws in startups from IT (22%), Healthcare (16%), Automotive/Mobility (12%), to Energy (8%). By doing so, Seamless Accelerator plays a crucial role in advancing Michigan's innovation in many areas

.

Automation Alley

Founded in 1999 by Brooks Patterson, Automation Alley shines as a top Technology Association. It focuses on advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0. Based in Troy, Michigan, its goal is to boost the local economy and have a worldwide impact.

Overview

From the start, Automation Alley has sparked technological growth and economic uplift in Michigan. It deeply supports tech-based startups and innovative ideas. The organization works with universities, research groups, and governments to bring new tech to the market10.

They offer guidance in business growth, networking, market research, product development, and getting ready for venture capital10.

Industry Focus

Automation Alley focuses on advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0. They help with Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Tech Transfer (STTR). They also do tech evaluations10. Plus, they're one of two incubators in Michigan in the Industry 4.0 Accelerator program, a national first11.

This program has $1.3 million for new and growing companies. It supports firms adopting Industry 4.0 tech11.

Lean Rocket Lab

Lean Rocket Lab is based in Jackson, Michigan. It's known as a Business Incubator backed by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)12. This place aids business growth in many areas13.

Services Offered

Here, entrepreneurs get a wide range of help to grow their ideas. Services include:

  • Free and reduced-cost services, along with matching resources12.
  • Backing for various MEDC programs such as the Business Accelerator Fund (BAF), First Customer program, and the Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC)12.
  • Guidance from the Manu-Tech Virtual Incubator, helping businesses from start to growth12.
  • The Industry 4.0 Accelerator program, which has a $1.3M fund. This program boosts new manufacturing technologies12.
  • Lean Rocket LOCAL supported 11 companies with funds and resources for their expansion12.
  • A Resource Library offering software deals, learning materials, introductions to investors, and tools for market validation12.

Industries

Lean Rocket Lab helps many sectors, especially manufacturing and cyber security12. It aims to push for tech advancement and efficiency. These are vital for Michigan's economy.

NextEnergy

Since its start in 2002, NextEnergy has grown into a top innovation center. It focuses on bringing new energy technology to the market. Working closely with businesses, NextEnergy boosts Michigan's incubators, especially in energy and transport tech14.

NextEnergy isn't just about traditional energy methods. It explores a broad range of new products and services. These aim to improve how we use energy and keep our planet safe14. It's a key supporter for startups in Michigan, helping new ideas flourish in the energy field15.

Michigan is becoming known for innovation, thanks to efforts like NextEnergy's. It's all about preparing for the future by supporting energy technology today15. With projects that push for groundbreaking solutions, NextEnergy boosts Michigan's role in energy innovation15.

Centrepolis Accelerator

The Centrepolis Accelerator is at the heart of Lawrence Technological University. It leads the way in growing hardware businesses and sustainability tech. It supports startups in Cleantech and Circular Economy Technologies. This makes it key to Southeast Michigan's industry.

Specializations

The Centrepolis Accelerator stands out in boosting innovation and green technologies. It boasts over 30 Experts-in-Residence, each with around 25 years of experience. They help new hardware businesses grow16. Their knowledge covers a range of sectors. This matches Lawrence Technological University's broad offer of over 100 doctoral courses16.

One major effort by Centrepolis is the Industry 4.0 Accelerator. It's a joint project with Automation Alley and Lean Rocket Lab. So far, it's drawn applications from 34 countries and held 16 tech demos16. The project got $1.3 million from Automation Alley and $200,000 from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. These funds help test new tech with smaller manufacturers16.

The Centrepolis Accelerator won a $50,000 award from the U.S. Small Business Administration. This was part of the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition. It highlights its role in boosting hardware businesses in Southeast Michigan16. In this competition, $5.4 million was shared among 84 winners. Centrepolis stood out as one of the top two in Michigan1617.

100K Ventures

In 2018, David Ollila and his team started 100K Ventures in Flint, Michigan. This diverse industry accelerator helps startups grow. It supports a wide variety of businesses without sticking to one industry.

100K Ventures boosts startups in Flint, making a big impact on Michigan's business scene. This program helps businesses grow by providing crucial support. With the Michigan Economic Opportunity Fund, startups can get up to $50,000 in loans. This fund aims to help women, veterans, and entrepreneurs of color18.

The First Capital Fund gives up to $150,000 to new tech businesses18. This money helps young startups begin their journey and grow their ideas. Another chance comes from the Pre-Seed Fund III. It offers $100,000 to $250,000 to startups that qualify18.

Two more important funds are Michigan Rise Pre-Seed Fund and SPARK Capital. They each invest up to $250,00019. This money is crucial for tech startups in Michigan to build a strong base and speed up their growth.

High-tech and COVID-19 innovation businesses can get help from the Business Accelerator Fund (BAF). BAF provides up to $50,000 in services. Most projects get between $7,000 and $15,00018. This support is key for startups to tackle tech market challenges and adapt quickly.

TechTown

TechTown Detroit was set up in 2000 by Wayne State University, Henry Ford Health System, and General Motors. It's a big player in boosting tech startups and helping businesses in Detroit grow20. It provides coworking spaces and offices, helping new and established businesses thrive and innovate.

In 2019, TechTown had a huge impact. It helped 538 companies, created 27 jobs, and helped raise over $23 million20. From 2007 to 2019, it created 1,573 jobs, helped 2,863 companies, and raised $168,168,25920.

Many programs add to TechTown's success. For example, Co.act Detroit ran 54 programs in 2019. It worked with over 5,200 nonprofit community members and gave $65,000 in space for free20. The Erie Hack event was also significant, with five teams from Metro Detroit competing. Over 250 innovators formed 52 teams20.

The MedHealth project hosted its third summit in 2019. It also had a Startup Day with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services20. The Motown Musicians Accelerator Program helped Detroit musicians too. It offered coaching, mentorship, networking, and $20,000 grants20.

TechTown also got big funding recently. It secured a $400,000 federal grant and a $755,000 grant for medical tech21. These grants show how much the federal government trusts and invests in TechTown. Moreover, the Detroit Urban Solutions program got a $545,600 grant21.

Beyond grants, programs like Motor City Match gave $1 million to local businesses21. Comcast pledged $10,000 grants to 100 businesses owned by women and people of color21, boosting TechTown's support for diverse entrepreneurs.

TechTown stands out for its help with tech startups, business growth, and coworking spaces in Detroit. To learn more about their impact, check out the TechTown Impact Report.

List Of Startup Incubators In Michigan

Michigan has a strong network of startup incubators that boost the local economy. The Michigan Business Innovation Association plays a key role, offering a wide Michigan business support network8. Startups here get access to mentorship, funding, office space, and networking chances.

For instance, Ann Arbor SPARK, started in 2005, has made 95 investments and seen 16 exits8. Conquer Accelerator, created in 2016, has put money into 6 startups, with 1 successful exit within its 10-week period8. Proto Accelerator, from 2015, specializes in IT and InsurTech, making 3 investments over 13 weeks8. These programs show the strength of Michigan's startup growth.

Seamless Accelerator, introduced in 2015, focuses on Smart Homes, Healthcare, and Software, achieving 2 investments8. Lean Rocket Lab, since 2019, works with Manufacturing, Robotics, AI, Data Analytics, and more8. They add to Michigan's wide range of incubator options.

Automation Alley, since 1999, focuses on Industry 4.0 and has made a single investment8. NextEnergy, from 2002, works with Energy Technology partners8. These reflect the variety in Michigan's startup community.

Centrepolis Accelerator supports Cleantech and Climatech in Southeast Michigan8. 100K Ventures, from 2018, aids startups in Flint without focusing on a specific industry8. Moreover, TechTown, since 2004, offers space and resources to all types of startups8.

April Jones-Boyle's Build Institute, beginning in 2012, supports versatile startups in Detroit8. The I4.0 Accelerator, from 2020, focuses on Manufacturing and tech for 24 weeks8. Desai Accelerator, running since 2015, mainly aids Technology startups8.

Michigan hosts 15 accelerator programs, 10 incubators, and 7 angel networks7. Detroit is at the forefront with 6 accelerators and 3 incubators7. Ann Arbor leads in angel networks, with 47. Other cities like Grand Rapids and Midland also offer startup support7. This makes Michigan a supportive place for new startups.

Conclusion

Startup incubators and accelerators have made a huge impact in Michigan, boosting business growth and innovation. A leading example, Ann Arbor SPARK, has been central to the entrepreneurial spirit since 2006. It has brought 68 startups to its hubs and hosts around 70 events annually, like meetups22. The University of Michigan also plays a big role with its $1.55 billion research budget in 2018, adding to Ann Arbor's economic influence22.

Success stories from places like 20Fathoms add to the state's startup ecosystem. For example, Ken Davies landed $70 million in funding, showing what well-supported startups can achieve23. 20Fathoms has helped others too, like Starboard and ATLAS Space Operations, grow and create jobs with its mentorship and resources23.

Michigan's economic growth is closely linked to the solid support from incubators and accelerators. Their success highlights how important guidance and planning are for startup success. With great resources and networking, Michigan leads in entrepreneurship, sparking innovation and opening new markets2223. For detailed insights, check the study from Michigan State University's Center for Economic Development available here.

FAQ

What are the main startup incubators in Michigan?

Michigan is home to key startup incubators such as Ann Arbor SPARK, Conquer Accelerator, and Proto Accelerator. Other important ones include Seamless Accelerator, Automation Alley, and Lean Rocket Lab. NextEnergy, Centrepolis Accelerator, 100K Ventures, and TechTown are also vital.

Can you provide an overview of Ann Arbor SPARK?

Founded in 2005 by Rick Snyder, Ann Arbor SPARK is a non-profit organization. It aims to boost business opportunities in Washtenaw and Livingston counties. This organization is part of the Michigan Business Innovation Association (MBIA), focusing on economic development.

Which industries does Ann Arbor SPARK support?

Ann Arbor SPARK helps a variety of industries. They aim to inspire innovation and grow businesses in Washtenaw and Livingston counties.

How many investments and exits has Ann Arbor SPARK achieved?

Up to this point, Ann Arbor SPARK has made 95 investments. They have also had 16 successful exits.

What are the program details of Conquer Accelerator?

Conquer Accelerator offers a focused 10-week program. It's designed with specific goals for startups across different industries. Paul Jaques launched it in 2016.

Does Conquer Accelerator focus on any specific industries?

Conquer Accelerator doesn't target any specific sector. It is open to all industries.

What areas does Proto Accelerator focus on?

Proto Accelerator is primarily interested in hardware and insurtech startups. Their focus is on Information Technology and InsurTech specifically.

How long is Proto Accelerator's program?

Their program lasts 13 weeks. It's tailored to help startups advance their products.

Which industries does Seamless Accelerator support?

Seamless Accelerator aids industries like Smart Homes and Healthcare. Their goal is to connect startups with corporations and the government.

Can you provide an overview of Automation Alley?

Founded in 1999 by Brooks Patterson, Automation Alley is a non-profit business association. It focuses on Industry 4.0 and advanced manufacturing. Their aim is to enhance the regional economy on a global level.

What industries does Automation Alley concentrate on?

Automation Alley's main focus is on advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technologies.

What services does Lean Rocket Lab offer?

Lean Rocket Lab provides business incubation and coworking spaces. They support sectors like manufacturing and cybersecurity, along with other services.

Which industries does Lean Rocket Lab cater to?

Lean Rocket Lab serves a wide range of industries, focusing on Manufacturing and Cyber Security.

What does NextEnergy focus on?

NextEnergy is dedicated to promoting new energy solutions. They collaborate with various business partners in this endeavor.

What are the specializations of Centrepolis Accelerator?

Centrepolis Accelerator supports hardware startups. Their focus areas are Cleantech and Circular Economy Technologies.

What does 100K Ventures do?

100K Ventures boosts startup growth in Flint, Michigan. It works across various sectors and was started in 2018 by David Ollila and his team.

How does TechTown support tech startups?

Since 2004, TechTown has been crucial in supporting Detroit's tech startups. They offer coworking and office spaces, and host events for business development.

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