The Michigan State University (MSU) Research Foundation is partnering with non-profit Michigan Virtual to help connect early-stage education technology startups with resources.
The Conquer EdTech Accelerator, a 10-week intensive program, is set to begin in Fall 2025 and is accepting applications starting in June with an aim to help companies providing “a groundbreaking technology or service that addresses an unmet need in education” with funding, expertise, and support.
“Michigan has a strong foundation in both education and innovation, and this accelerator will connect promising edtech startups with the resources, expertise, and support needed to drive meaningful impact in classrooms,” Jamey Fitzpatrick, president and chief executive officer at Michigan Virtual, said in a statement.
“Through this partnership with MSU Research Foundation, we are strengthening Michigan’s position as a leader in education technology and supporting the next generation of edtech entrepreneurs,” he continued.
The accelerator will offer hands-on business training, mentorship, and industry networks, and provide participants with access to up to $20,000 in milestone-based investment from Red Cedar Ventures, an investment arm of the MSU Research Foundation.
Currently, Michigan Virtual works with 700 school districts across Michigan to provide online learning for students and professional development for educators and administrators, according to its website.
The Conquer EdTech Accelerator builds on previous MSU Research Foundation accelerator programs which supported emerging businesses in sectors such as health tech, finance, and insurance tech.
“The Conquer Accelerator program has a proven track record of developing high-growth startups, and expanding into the education technology sector is a natural next step,” said Tom Stewart, director of venture programming at the MSU Research Foundation, in a statement.
“By leveraging Michigan Virtual’s deep expertise in K-12 education and our experience supporting emerging businesses, we are creating a program that will drive real innovation in edtech,” he continued.