Summer startup program now accepting applications
EAST LANSING, MI – The Conquer Accelerator program at Michigan State University is now accepting applications for their first intensive summer series. Designed to help both newer and established companies overcome business hurdles, Conquer emphasizes smart planning and growth, extensive mentorship from an experienced bench of professionals and structured educational components.
Any qualifying business may apply to join Conquer, an existing affiliation with Michigan State University is not required. For startups from Michigan State University, the Conquer Accelerator serves to fill a final gap in the development cycle of student startups in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“The Conquer Accelerator acts as a final launching platform for startups from MSU and beyond, preparing companies to hit the ground running,” says Paul Jaques, Conquer Accelerator Director. “Our program will put the finishing touches on startup teams and prep them for investment.”
Accepted teams will work through a ten-week program starting May 2016. Five teams will be accepted and provided with $20,000 in funding, mentorship, a creative working space, support and resources to enable them to grow their startup company in exchange for 5% equity.
Built with a strong bench of more than 40 entrepreneur and business leader mentors, each of the ten weeks in the Conquer program focuses on completing specific goals, as well as working with mentors and instructors on topics like fundraising, technology and sustainability. Conquer culminates in demo day presentations with investors.
Ideal student Conquer candidates will have worked through the MSU Hive, Hatch program, taken Business 201 and be prepared to pitch in business competitions. Companies not affiliated with Michigan State University that wish to participate in the program must have a product prototype or service, and meet a set of development criteria.
The 2016 program runs May 30 through August 5. Applications and more information may be found on http://www.conqueraccelerator.com
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The MSU Innovation Center combines innovation, technology transfer, start-up support, and a portfolio of dedicated business and community partnerships to bring cutting-edge ideas to the marketplace. Composed of Business-CONNECT, MSU Technologies and Spartan Innovations, the MSU Innovation Center stewards ideas from concept to product, launching more than 130 discoveries into patented products and start-up businesses annually. Learn more at http://innovationcenter.msu.edu
