Six Startups Named to Fall 2025 Conquer Accelerator Cohort

EAST LANSING, Mich. (July 22, 2025) — The MSU Research Foundation has launched its Fall 2025 Conquer East Lansing Accelerator cohort, beginning with an orientation held on July 7 at the Technology Innovation Center. This 10-week program, offered in association with the Lansing Regional SmartZone, supports Michigan-based startups across all industries, with a focus on teams at the minimum viable product (MVP) or beta stage showing early market traction. The accelerator runs through September.

Six high-growth companies were selected for their promising solutions in sectors including clean energy, health tech, consumer goods, and digital platforms. The selected startups include:

• AG3 Labs: Builds low-cost, AI-enabled drone systems that use natural language commands to control autonomous swarms for defense and industrial applications.
• Blooma: Helps Gen Z and Millennial gardeners grow confidently through personalized plans, visual guides, and a supportive digital community.
• Celer Energy: Develops non-lithium energy storage systems using solid-state batteries, supercapacitors, and AI to support microgrids and climate resilience.
• Cocomar: A tropical-inspired protein smoothie made with real fruit and coconut water, delivering 20g of isolate protein and electrolytes without added sugar.
• KISS: Offers an anonymous STI notification app with encounter tracking, testing reminders, and real-time sexual health education to reduce stigma and prevent transmission.
• VERN AI: Offers a patented system for real-time emotion recognition, used in customer service and mental health applications around the world.

“This cohort brings together a wide range of innovators tackling real-world problems; from sustainable energy and emotional intelligence to digital wellness and consumer products,” said Bradley Matson, Program Manager at the MSU Research Foundation. “We’re excited to help our founders refine their strategies, build momentum, and tap into the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

Each startup receives comprehensive support, including mentorship, coworking space, weekly expert-led sessions, and a $20,000 initial investment from Red Cedar Ventures, a venture investment subsidiary of the MSU Research Foundation. Founders work with more than 40 experienced mentors, focusing on business development, product growth, and market strategies, all aimed at achieving key business goals.

Upon completion, the companies join the Red Cedar Ventures portfolio, gaining access to ongoing coaching, support, and potential follow-on investment.

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