Competition to award $1 million to businesses, students

The Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition will award more than $1 million in cash winnings, plus in-kind awards of services, staffing and software to top entrepreneurial businesses. The event includes a competition for college students who have an idea for an innovative business.

Grand Valley's Seidman College of Business is a university partner with the Accelerate Michigan program.

“The Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition showcases Michigan’s robust entrepreneurial support network, world class academia and commitment to helping businesses grow. The competition provides tremendous opportunities for businesses to thrive in our state,” said Doug Rothwell, president and CEO of Business Leaders for Michigan. 

The competition awards emerging businesses in key areas of opportunity for entrepreneurial growth and success, including alternative energy, IT, advanced manufacturing, life science, medical devices and advanced transportation.

Any undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in at least two classes in a Michigan public or private university or college for the fall 2011 semester is eligible for the Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition. In the student competition, an individual or team can submit business plans. Student applications are due September 21. 

The Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition will conclude with investor pitches on November 16-17 at the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti Marriott at Eagle Crest. The Competition Finals and Gala Awards Celebration will be held the evening of November 17 at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn.

The Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition is a collaborative effort of the Business Accelerator Network for Southeast Michigan, the New Economy Initiative of Southeast Michigan and Accelerate Michigan. 

For more information, visit www.acceleratemichigan.org or contact Jenn Cornell at [email protected] or (734) 765-0174.