SOUTHFIELD—Lawrence Technological University—joined by the City of Southfield and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation—will cut the ribbon on its new manufacturing business accelerator Friday, Oct. 4 during an invitation-only ceremony at 9 a.m. A public open house for the new accelerator will follow from noon to 4 p.m.
The Centrepolis Accelerator is 6,300 square feet of state-of-the-art business assistance for physical product developers and manufacturing companies, a unique niche among business accelerators in the Detroit area. Clients will include manufacturing startups and existing companies looking to move up to the next level in product innovation. Services will include access to office space, co-working space, workshops, mentors, business planning services, and laboratories and equipment for digital product design and prototyping, as well as virtual reality and mixed reality labs.
The accelerator is housed in LTU’s Enterprise Center at 21415 Civic Center Drive in Southfield.
Leading the Centrepolis Accelerator is Dan Radomski, who has an extensive background in product development, manufacturing, and supporting hardware companies. He previously served as chief strategy officer for Plymouth-based Optimal Inc., an engineering services supplier to the auto industry, and earlier was vice president of NextEnergy, the state of Michigan’s advanced energy industry accelerator.
“The new Centrepolis Accelerator is a valuable tool and asset for not only the city of Southfield, but the entire state of Michigan,” said Southfield Mayor Kenson Siver. “From helping small businesses and startups grow to retaining talent in the region, this unique and innovative resource will serve us, our partners, and aspiring entrepreneurs well.”
“The Centrepolis Accelerator is a perfect example of LTU’s motto of ‘Theory and Practice,’” LTU President Virinder Moudgil said. “The accelerator will boost the economy of southeast Michigan by nurturing new manufacturing companies, and will provide valuable experience in real-world manufacturing technologies for LTU students. Accelerator clients will also have access to LTU’s world-renowned engineering, business, and design faculty.”
“SmartZones, such as the Centrepolis Accelerator, provide critical resources to start-ups and are essential to stimulating continued economic growth across Michigan,” said Fred Molnar, vice president of entrepreneurship and innovation at the MEDC. “I would encourage local entrepreneurs to visit the new facility, learn more about the abundant resources available to them, and how Centrepolis Accelerator can help support their business.”
In addition to the city of Southfield and LTU, the Centrepolis Accelerator receives grant support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, The Michigan Energy Office, and the New Economy Initiative.
After the invitation-only grand opening ceremony from 9 to 11 a.m., there will be a public open house for the accelerator from noon to 4 p.m. For tickets to the open house, which includes a buffet luncheon, tours, and networking, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/centrepolis-accelerator-open-house-tickets-66475412749.
About the Centrepolis Accelerator
The mission of the Centrepolis Accelerator is to accelerate the growth of Southeast Michigan’s advanced manufacturing, innovative hardware entrepreneurs, and small manufacturers by providing access to funding, experts, and key business and product development resources.
This story was published in Technology Century.
