Conquer Accelerator Programs
Accelerate Your Startup Growth and Success
Get access to the resources, mentorship, and network you need to rapidly scale and conquer in a competitive marketplace.
✔ Tailored Curriculum
✔ Personalized Coaching
✔ Access to Capital
Who are Conquer Accelerator programs for?
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Detroit-Area HealthTech Startups
Our DETROIT accelerator (powered by Henry Ford Health) is open to Detroit-area companies providing HealthTech products or services.
Stage: Preference is given to companies at the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or beta stage, with a focus on those showcasing early traction.
Location: Program is hosted in Detroit.
Duration: 10-weeks
Term: Spring (Jan-Apr) -
Finance & Insurance Tech Startups
Our FINANCE & INSURANCE accelerator (powered by MSUFCU) is open to financial or insurance technology companies operating anywhere in the United States.
Stage: Preference is given to companies at the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or beta stage, with a focus on those showcasing early traction.
Location: Program is hosted in East Lansing.
Duration: 10-weeks
Term: Spring (Jan-Apr) -
Michigan Startups in Any Industry
Our EAST LANSING and GRAND RAPIDS accelerators are open to Michigan-based companies operating in any industry.
Stage: Preference is given to companies at the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or beta stage, with a focus on those showcasing early traction.
Location: Programs are hosted in East Lansing and Grand Rapids.
Duration: 10-weeks
Terms: Summer (July-Sept) and Fall (Sept-Nov) -
Tech-Transfer Startups Seeking SBIR/STTR Research Funding
Our SBIR/STTR GRANT-WRITING accelerator is open to Michigan-based companies operating in any industry, with preference for highly-technical companies needing additional research to commercialize their technology, including university technology transfer projects.
Stage: Preference is given to at the Proof of Concept (POC) stage, traction not necessary.
Location: Program is hosted in East Lansing.
Duration: 10-weeks
Term: Summer (July-Sept) -
Early-Stage Startups In Any Industry
Our PRE-ACCELERATOR is open to early-stage companies located within Michigan.
Stage: Early-stage, Proof of Concept (POC) companies needing to get to a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and early traction.
Locations: Programs are hosted in East Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Detroit.
Duration: 9-18 months
Term: Programs operate on an ongoing, ad-hoc basis. -
Idea-Stage EdTech Startups
Our EDTECH pitch contest and innovation bootcamp (powered by Michigan Virtual) is open to anyone located within Michigan, especially K-12 educators.
Stage: Ideation or early-stage
Location: Live Online
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Looking for STUDENT startup support?
The Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation provides startup resources and mentorship to MSU students of any major.
What are the Conquer Accelerator program benefits?
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Tailored Curriculum
We offer a meticulously designed curriculum, focused on the unique challenges and opportunities within multiple sectors. You’ll gain insights into the latest industry trends, regulatory frameworks, market dynamics, and customer behavior to build a strong foundation for your business.
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Expert Mentorship
You’ll be mentored by industry leaders, successful entrepreneurs, and subject matter experts. These mentors will provide invaluable guidance, share their experiences, and offer strategic advice to shape your startup’s growth journey.
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Access to Capital
Funding is a critical part of scaling a business. You’ll have opportunities to pitch your ideas to our network of investors and secure potential funding to accelerate growth.
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Learning Modules
To encourage continuing entrepreneurship education, we’ve organized innovative learning modules covering a wide variety of subjects integral to the growth of your startup. These activities will inspire you to explore novel solutions, foster creativity, and identify unexplored market opportunities.
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Validation and Testing
You’ll have the chance to validate your products or services in real-world scenarios through partnerships with industry-leading corporations and access to a pool of potential customers.
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Collaborative Environment
Our program creates a dynamic and collaborative ecosystem where like-minded entrepreneurs can interact, share experiences, and learn from each other. The power of networking within the program can lead to potential partnerships and future collaborations.
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Legal and Regulatory Support
Navigating the complex legal and regulatory landscape can be overwhelming for startups. Our team offers legal and compliance support to ensure participants meet the necessary requirements and stay compliant with industry standards.
Loved by founders like you!
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"They ask questions that investors care about, which will push you to think about your business in a different way."
Chase Bonhag, CEO
FirstIgnite -
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"This has been a great opportunity to get behind-the-scenes insights on how to build for specific markets."
Aleksandra Medina, Co-Founder/CPO
Fritch -
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"Whether you're looking for entrepreneurship fundamentals or to scale a project, this can help your company grow."
Andrew Hauerman, Founder/CEO
The Patient Company
Our results speak for themselves.
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Survival
78% of companies are still operating today
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Leverage
Companies raise an average $45 for every $1 invested
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Follow On
27% of companies receive additional funding from Red Cedar Ventures
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Revenue
Portfolio companies earned over $5M total revenue (2023)
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Diversity
55% of companies have underserved founders
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Exits
16% of companies have achieved successful exits
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Job Creation
Companies have created more than 75 new jobs
Meet Our Sponsors.
Let’s connect!
Ready to join the next Conquer Accelerator program cohort? You can apply now, or join our email list to stay updated on upcoming application periods, networking opportunities, and other happenings within the ecosystem!