SOUTHFIELD—The Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological University announced an additional grant of $2 million from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation to strengthen its mission of supporting startups and small businesses in Southeast Michigan with their hardware and physical product innovations.
This new funding will further strengthen Centrepolis’s Evergreen Service-Based Investment Fund, which provides essential product development services for companies in key industries such as advanced manufacturing, clean energy, circular economy, industrial decarbonization, and defense. The fund offers critical support services to Southeast Michigan companies through design, engineering, prototyping, and manufacturing readiness services, helping them reach technical and commercial milestones.
“We are thrilled by the generous support extended by the Ralph Wilson Foundation,” said Dan Radomski, CEO of Centrepolis Accelerator. “The burgeoning demand for our services underscores the critical role we play in catalyzing the growth of hardware and physical product ventures in southeast Michigan. This funding infusion will enable us to scale our operations and extend direct investments to a broader spectrum of hardtech clients with a dedication of support to disadvantaged entrepreneurs.”
Paul Riser, senior program officer of entrepreneurship and economic development at the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “The foundation is delighted to continue our collaboration with Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological University as they provide essential capital and services to underserved entrepreneurs and small businesses across the region. By nurturing the development and production of products within Southeast Michigan, this innovative revolving fund aligns with our vision for fostering equitable economic growth and long-term sustainability.”
By bolstering the capabilities of inventors, local startups, and small businesses, this investment will not only drive new product innovation, but also foster economic growth and job creation in the region when these products make their way to market and utilize local contract manufacturers. Centrepolis Accelerator remains committed to nurturing the next generation of industry leaders and advancing sustainable technologies that will have a lasting impact on the community and beyond while ensuring a thriving ecosystem for hardware startups and high-tech manufacturing firms that also support the regional supply chain.
The Centrepolis Accelerator, housed in Lawrence Technological University’s Enterprise Center in Southfield, is 6,300 square feet of business assistance for physical product developers and manufacturing companies, a unique niche among accelerators in Michigan. Clients include climatech, manufacturing startups, and existing companies looking to move up to the next level in product innovation. Services include product design, engineering, and prototyping, as well as business planning services, office space, co-working space, workshops, mentors, and events.
For more information visit www.rcwjrf.org.
