Top 12 Accelerators and Incubators in Michigan (2026)
Michigan's startup scene is supported by a network of accelerators focused on key state industries. These programs help early-stage companies in areas like advanced manufacturing and technology.
For example, Conquer Accelerator has made nearly 40 investments in new companies. Other programs like Centrepolis Accelerator also contribute, backing almost 20 hardware and manufacturing startups.
Below is our list of the best 12 accelerators and incubators in Michigan.
Failory's Top 10 Picks
Conquer Accelerator gives startups a head start with its ten-week program, providing hands-on mentoring and access to a network of business leaders. Each company receives $20,000 in investment capital to help launch their venture.
| Year Founded | 2016 |
| Founders | Paul Jaques |
| Nº of Investments | 39 |
| Nº of Exits | 1 |
| Program Type | On-Site |
| Duration (Weeks) | 10 |
As an investment partnership, Michigan Accelerator Fund I injects early-stage capital into promising companies to spur growth across the state. They focus on identifying and funding Michigan-based startups, helping to build and scale the next generation of local businesses.
| Year Founded | 2010 |
| Founders | — |
| Nº of Investments | 8 |
| Nº of Exits | 1 |
Automation Alley helps Michigan's manufacturing and technology businesses navigate the digital transformation to Industry 4.0. As a nonprofit association, they provide the resources, talent development, and connections necessary to accelerate growth and solidify the region's leadership in advanced manufacturing.
| Year Founded | 1999 |
| Founders | Brooks Patterson |
| Nº of Investments | 1 |
| Nº of Exits | — |
Centrepolis Accelerator champions Michigan's hardware and advanced manufacturing entrepreneurs by helping them bring physical products to market. They provide funding and resources with a special focus on startups in cleantech, climatech, and the circular economy.
| Year Founded | 2018 |
| Founders | — |
| Nº of Investments | 18 |
| Nº of Exits | — |
5. TechTown
TechTown brings together entrepreneurs in the technology and life sciences sectors, with a notable focus on social impact ventures. The incubator provides a vital support system, connecting founders with the investors, mentors, and resources needed to build their companies.
| Year Founded | 2000 |
| Founders | — |
| Nº of Investments | 1 |
| Nº of Exits | — |
Proto Accelerator runs a boutique 13-week program helping entrepreneurs build, launch, and scale their businesses. They offer focused mentorship and resources for startups innovating in the InsurTech and enterprise software sectors.
| Year Founded | 2015 |
| Founders | — |
| Nº of Investments | 7 |
| Nº of Exits | — |
| Duration (Weeks) | 13 |
7. NextEnergy
As a nonprofit organization, NextEnergy works to advance energy and mobility technologies by providing startups with the resources, testing grounds, and partnerships needed for commercialization. They help bring innovative solutions to market that support economic development, energy security, and sustainability.
| Year Founded | 2002 |
| Founders | — |
| Nº of Investments | — |
| Nº of Exits | — |
This nonprofit organization guides aspiring innovators through the critical early stages of bringing an idea to life, from initial assessment to full launch. They provide the essential resources and framework for entrepreneurs to validate their concepts and successfully build a new business.
| Year Founded | 2018 |
| Founders | Philip Hagerman, Michael Nutter, Meena Harris, David Ollila, Reshma Saujani, Victor Cruz, Nirel Levi, Soledad O’Brien, Robert Wolf |
| Nº of Investments | — |
| Nº of Exits | — |
9. Brandcrowder
Brandcrowder provides a specialized equity crowdfunding platform designed exclusively for the global franchising sector. They connect franchise businesses with investors, creating a dedicated funding channel and democratizing access to this unique asset class.
| Year Founded | 2015 |
| Founders | Francois Nabwangu, John C. Draper |
| Nº of Investments | — |
| Nº of Exits | — |
Born from a partnership between the University of Michigan's business and engineering schools, the Desai Accelerator propels early-stage, scalable ventures toward their next phase of growth. The program provides ventures with seed funding and intensive mentorship, tapping into the university's deep network to help launch companies like menswear brand Ash & Erie.
| Year Founded | 2015 |
| Founders | Katy Lind |
| Nº of Investments | 2 |
| Nº of Exits | — |
| Program Type | On-Site |
2 Additional Michigan Accelerators and Incubators Worth Applying To
The programs we've highlighted are great, but they're not the only ones helping startups in Michigan. Some of the other local accelerators have been around for more than a decade, building deep roots in the community.
These organizations also provide valuable resources for entrepreneurs at different stages. Take a look at the other accelerators and incubators helping founders across the state.
| Accelerator/Incubator | Year Founded | Nº Investments | Nº Exits |
|---|---|---|---|
 Build Institute | 2012 | — | — |
 Spartan Innovations | 2009 | 1 | — |
