Centrepolis Accelerator @ LTU is committed to strengthening supply chain resiliency to drive economic growth and innovation in Michigan. It offers hardtech startups and small to medium-sized manufacturers access to product development services and tailored funding solutions, ensuring they have the resources needed to scale and succeed. Centrepolis Accelerator @LTU’s mantra is simple yet powerful: To guide and support those with ideas for physical products, help them recognize their dreams, build businesses, and manufacture products in Michigan!
Centrepolis Accelerator @ LTU provides a robust suite of services designed to help hardtech companies overcome the challenges of bringing innovative physical products to market. The specialized programming includes hands-on product development support, business strategy guidance, access to manufacturing expertise, and critical funding opportunities. It works closely with undercapitalized startups that may not have the financial resources or industry connections to get their ideas off the ground, ensuring they receive the technical assistance and strategic support necessary to grow and scale in Michigan’s manufacturing ecosystem.
The organization’s Experts-in-Residence is a cornerstone of its approach. It provides entrepreneurs with direct access to seasoned industry professionals who bring deep expertise in engineering, industrial design, supply chain management, advanced manufacturing, and commercialization strategies. These experts help startups refine their product designs, optimize manufacturability, and navigate the complex journey from prototype to full-scale production.
It also offers several targeted programs designed to accelerate the success of hardtech startups and strengthen domestic manufacturing. The Defense Hardtech Accelerator, launched in 2024, supports companies developing cutting-edge technologies that address national security challenges and supply chain gaps in critical materials and components. Its Design for Michigan Manufacturing program helps startups design products with manufacturability in mind ensuring that production remains cost-effective, scalable, and rooted in Michigan’s strong industrial base.
Additionally, the C3 Accelerator focuses on cleantech and climatech startups, providing funding and commercialization support to companies working on technologies that drive sustainability and decarbonization. These programs, alongside Centrepolis Accelerator@ LTU’s deep industry expertise, ensure that hardtech innovators have the tools and resources to bring their products to market efficiently and successfully.
Centrepolis Accelerator @ LTU is also deeply embedded in the hardtech ecosystem, leveraging an extensive network of industry partners, investors, manufacturers, and government agencies to accelerate the success of its startups. Its partnerships allow Centrepolis Accelerator @LTU to connect startups with critical resources, pilot opportunities, and funding streams.
It offers a variety of ecosystem events designed to provide entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive. Centrepolis Accelerator @LTU’s Tech Thursday series features sessions on lean product development, business strategy, sales and marketing, finance, and fundraising—ensuring startups can access the essential insights needed to scale effectively.
In 2023, it created the Michigan Manufacturing Angel Group, a quarterly pitch event where select startups present to an audience of venture capitalists, corporate venture groups, angel investors, private investors, and manufacturing leaders. This program provides vital funding and services for hardtech startups looking to secure early-stage capital.
Centrepolis Accelerator @ LTU is also at the forefront of strengthening domestic manufacturing and supply chain resiliency. By fostering connections between startups and Michigan-based manufacturers, Centrepolis Accelerator @ LTU ensures that production remains local while working closely with these manufacturers to integrate Industry 4.0 technologies, automation, and digital manufacturing solutions supporting economic growth and reducing reliance on foreign supply chains and ensuring they remain competitive and capable of supporting the next generation of hardware innovation.
Through its expert-driven services, comprehensive programming, and strong industry partnerships, Centrepolis Accelerator @ LTU is driving the future of hardtech innovation in Michigan. Whether supporting undercapitalized startups, guiding entrepreneurs through the product development life cycle, or reinforcing Michigan’s role as a leader in advanced manufacturing, Centrepolis Accelerator @ LTU remains dedicated to helping businesses build, scale, and manufacture products here in Michigan.
