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Built with a strong bench of more than forty entrepreneur and business leader mentors, the Conquer Accelerator provides selected teams with ten weeks of intensive programming, focusing on completing tailored, goal-driven benchmarks. Teams work with instructors and mentors on topics like fundraising, technology, and longevity.

The Conquer Accelerator is a collaborative effort at Michigan State University and is made possible through generous partnerships with the Michigan State University Foundation and Spartan Innovations. 

Any qualifying business may apply to the Conquer Accelerator. An existing affiliation with Michigan State University is not a prerequisite. For those startups from within the Michigan State University system, the Conquer Accelerator fills a crucial gap in the development cycle of new companies within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

Selected teams receive a $20,000 investment and work through an intensive ten-week program. In addition to the monetary investment, Conquer Accelerator teams are provided with one-on-one mentorship and support and resources to enable them to grow their companies, as well as access to additional funding upon completion of certain program requirements.

To find out more details on the Conquer Program click here: (pdf)

Join the next cohort. 

East Lansing:
Applications open March 14

Startup applicants should reflect the following attributes:

  • Products or services that solve problems for specific target customers
  • Capital-efficient business, operational at less than $1M in external funding
  • Scalable distribution or proven ability to scale sales
  • Simple revenue model: transactions, subscriptions, affiliates
  • Functional prototype or prior product success
  • Measurable traction, ex.: engaged users, revenue, attractive unit economics
  • Three (or more) members in a cross-functional team
  • Ability to be located in East Lansing, Michigan for the entire duration of the program

 

 

 

 

Grand Rapids:
Applications open June 20

Startup applicants should reflect the following attributes:

  • Products or services that solve problems for specific target customers
  • Capital-efficient business, operational at less than $1M in external funding
  • Scalable distribution or proven ability to scale sales
  • Simple revenue model: transactions, subscriptions, affiliates
  • Functional prototype or prior product success
  • Measurable traction, ex.: engaged users, revenue, attractive unit economics
  • Three (or more) members in a cross-functional team
  • Open to Michigan based small business
  • Located in the city of Grand Rapids

While the Conquer Grand Rapids program remains industry agnostic, strong preference will be shown for applied manufacturing and medical health technology companies.

Conquer Accelerator – Grand Rapids is a collaborative effort with the City of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids SmartZone LDFA, Spartan Innovations, Red Cedar Ventures, and Michigan State University.