What Centrepolis Accelerator does

Centrepolis Accelerator is a non-profit hardtech accelerator operated within Lawrence Technological University's Enterprise Center in Southfield, Michigan, founded in 2017. It serves early-stage hardtech startups and small to medium-sized manufacturers in Michigan, providing product design, engineering, prototyping, testing, and manufacturing-readiness support through a portfolio of seven specialized programs (C3 Accelerator, Industry 4.0 Accelerator, Defense Hardtech Accelerator, Idea to Product HardTech Accelerator, Design for Michigan Manufacturing, Make It in Michigan Mobility Prototyping Grant Program, and RESTART@LTU) plus the Autonomous Systems Industry Consortium (ASIC) and Michigan Manufacturing Angels investor network. Core infrastructure includes a 6,300-square-foot Product Design & Prototyping Lab equipped with 3D printers, CNC machines, AR/VR studios, and computer-aided design software, complemented by an embedded Experts-in-Residence (EiR) program that places senior engineers directly into client companies to perform hands-on design and engineering work.

The accelerator operates a grant-funded business model: services to qualifying startups and manufacturers are delivered at no cost or significantly subsidized rates (individual grants ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 per company), funded through approximately $13.7M+ in cumulative grants from sources including the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan EGLE, U.S. DOE, SBA, EDA, and foundations such as Ralph C. Wilson Jr., Gilbert Family Foundation, Walters Family Foundation, Consumers Energy Foundation, and Breakthrough Energy Foundation. Go-to-market is community-led and partnership-driven, relying on referrals from economic development organizations (MEDC, Automation Alley, Lean Rocket Lab, Ann Arbor SPARK, MMSDC), corporate sponsors (Whirlpool, Gerdau, Consumers Energy), and events such as the ManuTech Innovation Summit and C3 Summit.

The organization reports facilitating commercialization of 209 physical products and supporting 70+ client companies including Blueflite, Modal Motors, Bollinger Motors, Intermode, Marel Power Solutions, Dunamis Charge, and Electric Outdoors. Centrepolis is led by CEO Dan Radomski and COO Pedro Guillen, with governance and operational oversight resting with Lawrence Technological University as the parent academic institution.

Name

Centrepolis Accelerator

Legal name

Centrepolis Accelerator

Website

https://centrepolisaccelerator.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Centrepolis Accelerator is a non-profit hardtech accelerator at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, Michigan, providing product development, prototyping, and grant funding services to early-stage hardware startups and small-to-medium manufacturers across the state.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Startup Acceleration Services

NAICS

Engineering Services (541330), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Corporate Accelerators & Startup Programs (FSANAHAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Makerspace, Innovation Lab & Fab Lab Operations (Tools, Safety, Programming) (EDAEAGAI), 3D Printing, CAD & Digital Fabrication Programs (EDAMADAH), Additive Manufacturing Research & Innovation Labs (IMAAAJAA)

Keywords

• Hardtech startup acceleration
• Product prototyping services
• Advanced manufacturing programs
• Cleantech incubator support
• Industrial design funding

Headquarters

HQ city

Southfield

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Grant-Funded Operations: Centrepolis Accelerator operates as a non-profit accelerator funded primarily through grants from foundations (Walters Family Foundation, Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, Gilbert Family Foundation, Breakthrough Energy Foundation, Erb Family Foundation), government entities (Michigan MEDC, EGLE, SBA, EDA, DOE), and corporate sponsors. Services to qualifying startups and manufacturers are provided at no cost or significantly subsidized rates.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Centrepolis Accelerator runs multiple hardtech-focused accelerator programs (C3, Industry 4.0, Defense Hardtech, Idea to Product, Design for Michigan Manufacturing) that provide startups and small-to-medium manufacturers with product design, engineering, prototyping, testing, and grant funding access. It embeds Experts-in-Residence (EiRs) directly into client companies to perform hands-on design and engineering work, and operates a 6,300 sq ft Product Design & Prototyping Lab with 3D printers, CNC machines, and AR/VR tools on the Lawrence Technological University campus in Southfield, Michigan.

Product overview

Centrepolis Accelerator is a multi-program accelerator and economic development organization at Lawrence Technological University offering a portfolio of specialized programs for hardtech startups and small to medium-sized manufacturers in Michigan. The core offerings include the C3 Accelerator (cleantech/climatech/circular economy), Industry 4.0 Accelerator, Defense Hardtech Accelerator, Idea to Product HardTech Accelerator, and Design for Michigan Manufacturing program. These programs provide access to Experts-in-Residence (EiR) who embed directly in companies, a 6,300 sq ft Product Design & Prototyping Lab with advanced equipment (3D printers, CNC, AR/VR), grant funding, and investor connections. The accelerator has facilitated commercialization of 209 physical products and supports companies through funding programs like Make it in Michigan Prototype Grants (up to $100,000 per company). Additional initiatives include the Autonomous Systems Industry Consortium (ASIC), RESTART@LTU energy assessments, NextCycle Michigan recycling programs, and Michigan Manufacturing Angels investor network.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Industry 4.0 Accelerator: First of its kind U.S. accelerator for digital transformation in manufacturing, powered by Automation Alley, Lean Rocket Lab, and Lawrence Tech's Centrepolis Accelerator
• C3 Accelerator
• Defense Hardtech Accelerator
• Idea to Product HardTech Accelerator
• Make it in Michigan Prototyping Grant Program
• Michigan Manufacturing Angels

Products and services

• C3 Accelerator Growth-stage accelerator supporting cleantech, climatech, and circular economy businesses. Offers grants ($5,000-$10,000), equity-free investments ($15,000), and services including product design, engineering, prototyping, testing, validation, and pilot project cost sharing for qualifying companies.
• Industry 4.0 Accelerator Strategic matchmaking program within Michigan's manufacturing ecosystem that works with corporate partners to identify challenges and scout innovative solutions globally, curating a portfolio of top technologies for digital transformation in manufacturing.
• Defense Hardtech Accelerator Program equipping companies with essential resources to fast-track product development for military and commercial markets through expert mentorship, funding, and access to prototyping and manufacturing support.
• Idea to Product HardTech Accelerator Program supporting entrepreneurs in Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park with physical product development, expert mentorship, and prototyping support, funded by $800,000 Gilbert Family Foundation investment.
• Design for Michigan Manufacturing Economic development program to develop and launch products made in Michigan, supported by $1.5M MEDC grant. Provides product development services as cost-effective alternative to traditional engineering firms for startups and small businesses.
• Make it in Michigan Prototype Grant Program Grant program offering up to $100,000 per company for mobility technology product development, with $2 million total funding pool, led by Michigan OFME and ODAI.
• Autonomous Systems Industry Consortium (ASIC) Initiative to position Michigan as a national leader in the autonomous systems sector, launched by Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological University.
• RESTART@LTU Program providing free energy and waste reduction assessments to Michigan small to medium-sized manufacturing businesses and public institutions, funded by EGLE.
• Experts-in-Residence (EiR) Embedded expert advisors who provide hands-on guidance and perform essential design and engineering work directly within client hardtech companies.
• Product Design & Prototyping Lab 6,300-square-foot facility featuring 3D printers, milling machines, metalworking equipment, scanning equipment, computer-aided design software, and AR/VR product development tools, providing physical product development resources to hardtech startups and manufacturers.
• Michigan Manufacturing Angels Angel investor group launched by Centrepolis Accelerator to support hardtech entrepreneurs with funding and mentorship.
• Industrial Decarbonization Challenge Global crowdsourcing challenge for industrial decarbonization technologies with funding up to $250,000, sponsored by Whirlpool, Gerdau, NREL, EGLE, and Breakthrough Energy, led by EiR Phillip Swanson.

Quantifiable outcome

• 209 physical products commercialized through accelerator programs
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.

• Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Centrepolis and MMSDC executed an MOU to dedicate free and discounted services to help MMSDC members develop new physical products and improve operational efficiencies. Jointly awarded SBA grant to support disadvantaged hardtech firms.
• Lawrence Technological UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCentrepolis Accelerator is housed within Lawrence Technological University's Enterprise Center in Southfield. The partnership provides access to engineering faculty, student talent, prototyping facilities including 3D printers, CNC machines, AR/VR studios, and a collaborative academic environment for hardtech innovation.
• City of SouthfieldcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe City of Southfield co-hosts the accelerator and has been instrumental in supporting its growth, including hosting the Excellence in Southfield Awards and providing ongoing economic development support.
• Automation AlleyflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCentrepolis partners with Automation Alley and Lean Rocket Lab to operate the nation's first Industry 4.0 Accelerator, a $2.5 million investment fund supporting digital transformation for Michigan manufacturers.
• Lean Rocket LabflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerJackson, Michigan-based business incubator that co-leads the Industry 4.0 Accelerator program with Centrepolis and Automation Alley.
• Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerIN2, funded by Wells Fargo and co-administered by NREL, has partnered with Centrepolis as a Channel Partner to support early-stage startups in Michigan developing advanced energy technologies.
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerThrough the IN2 partnership, Centrepolis clients gain access to NREL's technical expertise, facilities, and national laboratory network for energy technology development.
• Fresh Coast Climate SolutionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners with Centrepolis on the MI Climate Wise Business Program, providing free sustainability assessments including GHG emission analysis to Southeast Michigan manufacturers.
• Whirlpool CorporationflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate sponsor of the Industrial Decarbonization Innovation Challenge, providing funding and real-world testing environments for industrial decarbonization technologies.
• GerdauflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate sponsor of the Industrial Decarbonization Innovation Challenge, offering paid pilot opportunities to validate decarbonization technologies.
• NextCorpscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners with Centrepolis on the Defense Hardtech Accelerator program to provide resources for product development in military and commercial markets.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• gener8tor: Midwest-based accelerator operating industry-specific programs including manufacturing-focused tracks. Highly comparable accelerator model, regional Midwest footprint, and similar program structure (multi-week accelerators with mentor matching and investor connections) for early-stage startups.
• mHUB: Chicago-based hardtech innovation center with prototyping labs, accelerator programs, and corporate partnerships serving physical product startups in the Midwest. Directly comparable as a regional hardtech innovation hub with shared manufacturing supply-chain focus.
• Greentown Labs: Cleantech and hardtech incubator operating a large prototyping facility in Boston. Highly comparable as a hardware-startup support organization with physical prototyping infrastructure serving cleantech and advanced manufacturing founders — directly overlapping with Centrepolis's C3 and hardtech programs.
• HAX (SOSV): Hardware-focused accelerator (part of SOSV) with deep Shenzhen and San Francisco prototyping infrastructure. Direct peer in providing hardware founders with prototyping support, engineering mentorship, and follow-on capital — the global benchmark for hardware accelerators.
• Activate (formerly Cyclotron Road): Hardtech fellowship supporting scientist-entrepreneurs developing transformative physical technologies. Highly comparable as a fellowship/accelerator targeting deep-tech founders working on hardware innovations with longer development cycles.
• Bolt (formerly Highway1): Hardware-focused accelerator providing prototyping support, mentorship, and capital to hardware startups. Direct peer offering the same core value proposition as Centrepolis — bridging the hardware "valley of death" with hands-on engineering and manufacturing preparation.

Broad incumbents

• MassChallenge: Large global non-profit accelerator supporting early-stage startups across multiple industries including cleantech and healthtech. Comparable as a non-profit accelerator model with industry-specific programs, but operating at significantly larger scale globally.
• Techstars: Largest global accelerator network with multiple industry-specific programs including mobility and sustainability tracks. Broader incumbent offering similar accelerator services across many verticals and geographies, with substantially larger network and follow-on capital access.
• Plug and Play: Large global corporate accelerator and venture platform operating across multiple verticals including mobility, sustainability, and brand & retail. Broader incumbent providing startup acceleration at much larger scale with extensive corporate sponsor network.

Regional players

• Rev1 Ventures: Ohio-based startup accelerator and venture fund supporting high-growth startups in the Midwest. Regional peer operating in an adjacent state with similar mission of supporting hardware and science-based startups through accelerator programs and investor connections.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CentrepolisXLR8
• Facebookfacebook.com/CentrepolisXLR8
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/centrepolisaccelerator
• Instagraminstagram.com/centrepolis

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds3 records

Investors3 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments19 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Centrepolis Accelerator