Touted as North America’s largest business plan competition, the Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition will be held downtown at the Westin Book Cadillac this fall.
This program is part of a joint effort to drive entrepreneurial growth and innovation throughout the state, by offering start-ups and late stage entrepreneurs $1 million in cash prizes and the opportunity to have an immediate and positive impact on Michigan’s economy.
An interesting piece of trivia from the organization: nearly 1,500 jobs were created by ninety-five Michigan based companies, which were funded by local and national venture capital firms last year.
The deadline for the competition is fast approaching: companies have until this Wednesday to apply, and student submissions are due September 27.
Accelerate Michigan focuses on two tracks: international businesses relocating to Michigan, and Michigan collegiate students starting and staying here. However, start-up and early-stage entrepreneurial businesses world-wide whose technology is past the prototype phase are eligible for submission under one the following categories: Information Technology, Alternative Energy, Advanced Materials, Next Generation Manufacturing, Life Sciences, Medical Devices Advanced Transportation, and Consumer Products & Services.
“The state of Michigan is a hotbed of entrepreneurial and start-up activity right now, and the Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition is one of the most important driving factors for business development and growth,” said Doug Rothwell, President and CEO of Business Leaders for Michigan.
This year’s judging panel includes experts from Michigan-based investment firms, companies and universities, as well as national and regional investors and venture capitalists.
Photo Credit: www.bayelectric.com
About Alex Southern
Alex Southern is a Detroit based Marketing Executive with Midcoast, a leading 3D Studio. Formerly, he served as Associate Editor of DBusiness, a leading business publication, where he reported on emerging Detroit startups and technology-based companies.
