MSU Research Foundation Launches Two Conquer Accelerator Cohorts in Grand Rapids and Lansing

GRAND RAPIDS and EAST LANSING, Mich. (Sept. 25, 2025) — The MSU Research Foundation welcomed two new Conquer Accelerator cohorts this September. The Conquer Grand Rapids Accelerator expands support for West Michigan-based entrepreneurs, while the new Conquer EdTech Accelerator, powered by Michigan Virtual, draws early-stage education technology startups from across the country. Both run through November 2025, providing funding, mentorship, and tailored programming to help founders launch and grow their ventures.

Conquer Grand Rapids Accelerator

Orientation for the Conquer Grand Rapids Accelerator was held Monday, Sept. 8 at The Bridge incubator in Grand Rapids, with the following 2025 cohort teams:

• Breaking Bread AI (breakingbread.ai) – Organizes small, rotating in-person gatherings using automated scheduling and smart matching, giving neighbors and colleagues an easy way to meet new people and strengthen community ties.
• EverFriends AI (everfriends.ai) – Creates a conversational AI that remembers personal details and daily routines, offering older adults companionship and timely reminders while giving caregivers reassurance about loved ones’ well-being.
• Herd Social (LinkedIn) – Provides fast, affordable genetic testing and a private online community to help families facing rare diseases reach accurate diagnoses and connect with specialists and peer support.
• On It Solutions, LLC (onitsolutionsllc.us) – Designs pedestrian-safety infrastructure such as the PEDCan lighting system, which improves visibility at crossings and alerts drivers to reduce accidents in busy urban areas.
• Side Door (sidedoorapp.com) – Offers a step-by-step online platform for home buyers and sellers to manage their own transactions, bringing in vetted professionals only when specific expertise is needed.

Conquer EdTech Accelerator

Orientation for the new Conquer EdTech Accelerator was held Monday, Sept. 15 at the Michigan Virtual office in Lansing, bringing together the program’s inaugural 2025 cohort of education-technology startups:

• Gabb Global (gabbglobal.com) – Helps people learn English faster with a VR platform that adapts each lesson to the learner in real time.
• Inspirame (inspirame.com) – Uses technology to guide students toward affordable college programs, making enrollment easier, supporting graduation, and connecting schools, employers, and learners for career success.
• Spelling Safari (spellingsafari.com) – Provides a web app for grades K-7 that personalizes spelling practice, builds strong literacy skills, and saves teachers time.
• Stakestack (stakestackai.com) – Uses AI to quickly create courses, build assessments, and tailor training for teachers and employees.
• Wimee AI (wimee.tv) – Offers an interactive tool that helps children grow their vocabulary and reading skills through fun stories and creative activities in a safe, supportive space.

Each startup receives a $20,000 initial investment from Red Cedar Ventures, a venture-investment subsidiary of the MSU Research Foundation, along with access to intensive programming, expert mentorship, and collaborative workspace. The 10-week program focuses on business development, product strategy, fundraising, intellectual property, and go-to-market planning. Upon graduation, cohort teams join the Red Cedar Ventures portfolio for continued coaching and potential follow-on funding.

To learn more about the Conquer Accelerator program or to apply for the next cohort, visit msufoundation.org/conquer-accelerator.

RELATED:
• MSU Research Foundation and Michigan Virtual Launch New Conquer EdTech Accelerator
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