Startups
PROTO Accelerator is a startup accelerator program that provides physical products and startups with the capital, expertise, and accountability required to bring their ideas to market. PROTO Accelerator is a program of the Lansing Economic Area Partnership, a coalition of area leaders in Michigan’s capital committed to building a prosperous and vibrant region where businesses can thrive. PROTO is key for intrapreneurship, a micro-innovation experience that creates opportunities and success for participating partners.
Services
As a corporate innovation platform, PROTO strives to use operational and technological innovation to help its partners remain relevant, more competitive, and increase profitability. PROTO Accelerator brings innovation to Michigan companies looking to discover the future of innovation through prototyping, legal guidance, marketing and business strategy.
Community
PROTO Accelerator is the first partnership of its kind between Michigan and the global startup community. Businesses are choosing Michigan’s incubation hubs like Lansing, Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and beyond. Our innovation communities feature renowned research capabilities with global connectivity, cutting-edge employers, industry-honed talent and vital resources. PROTO is essential to creating a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem in Michigan beyond.
Funding
Selected startups receive $60,000 in seed funding to launch their vision into a prototype and eventually support it through manufacturing stages. Learn more about funding on the startups page.