Conquer Accelerator program celebrates a successful 2022 with cohorts in East Lansing and Grand Rapids

Spartan Innovations has wrapped up its Conquer Accelerator program for 2022 with cohorts in East Lansing and Grand Rapids gaining significant traction. During the 10-week summer and fall programs, these companies have evolved by acquiring the tools and connections they need to advance their ideas in 2023. 

"After seven years, over 40 organizations have flourished from our support," said Tom Stewart, associate director of Spartan Innovations.  "We are at the ground level of many exciting new ventures. Playing a small role in the development and growth of these organizations is one of the reasons we love what we do.”  

Originated in East Lansing, the 10-week program supports early-stage startups by providing guidance and support in a structured program that includes access to more than 40 mentors, business plan development, product development, and other essential resources. The Conquer Accelerator program is made possible through Spartan Innovations and includes a $20,000 investment in each team from Red Cedar Ventures. Both Spartan Innovations and Red Cedar Ventures are subsidiaries of the Michigan State University Research Foundation. 

“We always look forward to the beginning of the Conquer Accelerator season because we know we will be introduced to so many brilliant entrepreneurs and see their ideas in action,” said Jeff Wesley, executive director of Spartan Innovations, Red Cedar Ventures and Michigan Rise. “The premise of our program is special because young startups come in and get access to resources to help them grow.”  

In 2022, the East Lansing cohort kicked off in June, ending in August, and the Grand Rapids cohort followed, starting in September and concluding in November. Each startup team began the program in various stages, bringing unique issues and goals throughout the 10-week period.  The 2022 Conquer Accelerator teams included: 

East Lansing

Grand Rapids

See some thoughts from the leadership at these organizations. 

"The resources provided to KindKatch during our time at Conquer Accelerator were first class. The MSU Research Foundation ecosystem is powerful, and the opportunities that opened during the ten weeks are STILL continuing to have an impact on my business. We are grateful to Tom and the team for giving KindKatch this chance. It has been a game changer." - Nicholas Kristock, Founder KindKatch 

"As a first-time founder, my biggest challenges have been to build a professional network and to find the tools I need to lead a high-growth startup.  The team at the MSU Research Foundation has given me that and more, with resources and relationships to grow and scale Farmish into the best way to buy and sell homegrown food. During the accelerator and beyond, I've had amazing mentorship, networking opportunities, and tactical advice to push me to the next stage of growth." - Terra Osman, Founder Farmish 

The Conquer Accelerator program in East Lansing will take place again this summer and applications will open March 2023.