Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological University secures $360,000 grant from Walters Family Foundation

SOUTHFIELD—The Centrepolis Accelerator at LawrenceTechnological University announced that it has been awarded a $360,000 grant from the Walters Family Foundation. 

This funding will be instrumental in bolsteringCentrepolis Accelerator's mission to support innovative hardtech startups andsmall businesses by providing access to seasoned Experts in Residence (EiRs).

These EiRs, with over 20 years of experience infields such as product design, engineering, materials, prototyping, testing,machine design, and production processes, play a crucial role in helpingCentrepolis Accelerator clients achieve significant technical, commercial, andbusiness milestones. Their critical expertise enables companies to overcomehurdles that might otherwise impede their progress, thus accelerating theirpath to market.  

Dan Radomski, CEO of Centrepolis Accelerator,expressed his gratitude for this vital support: "We are incrediblygrateful to the Walters Family Foundation for their generous grant. Thisfunding will enable us to continue our mission of fostering entrepreneurs withhardtech physical product innovations. Our Experts in Residence are acornerstone of our program, providing indispensable guidance and expertise thathelp our companies navigate complex challenges and achieve success. Our missionis to get more products made in Michigan and it is our EiRs that makes thishappen."

The Centrepolis Accelerator has successfully assistged209 physical products achieve commercialization, which also providedsignificant economic impact to the local supply chain.  Centrepolis clients have provided 458 contractsto Michigan suppliers valued at $142 million in business.

“We believesupport for the future of Michigan manufacturing is critical to our greatstate’s economy and our critically important entrepreneurs,” said PeterWalters, trustee of the Walters Family Foundation.

The Centrepolis Accelerator at LawrenceTechnological University is committed to driving economic growth and innovationin Michigan by supporting the development of high-potential hardtech startupsand small businesses. With the additional support from the Walters FamilyFoundation, Centrepolis is poised to amplify its impact, helping more companiesreach their full potential and contribute to the state’s economy.

For more information about Centrepolis Acceleratorand its programs, please visit www.centrepolisaccelerator.com. 

The Centrepolis Accelerator, housed in LawrenceTechnological University’s Enterprise Center in Southfield, is 6,300 squarefeet of business assistance for physical product developers and manufacturingcompanies, a unique niche among accelerators in Michigan. Clients includeclimatech, manufacturing startups, and existing companies looking to move up tothe next level in product innovation. Services include product design,engineering, and prototyping, as well as business planning services, officespace, co-working space, workshops, mentors and events.

The Walters Family Foundation seeks to strengthen communities through conservingour natural environment, celebrating arts and culture, advancing economic vitality, and empowering people to reach theirfull potential through innovative learning initiatives. Learn more at www.waltersffmi.org. 

Lawrence Technological University is one of only13 private, technological, comprehensive doctoral universities in the UnitedStates. Located in Southfield, Mich., LTU was founded in 1932 and offers morethan 100 programs through its Colleges of Architecture and Design, Arts andSciences, Business and Information Technology, Engineering, and HealthSciences, as well as Specs @ LTU as part of its growing Center for ProfessionalDevelopment. PayScale lists Lawrence Tech among the nation’s top 11 percent ofuniversities for alumni salaries. Forbes and The Wall Street Journal rank LTUamong the nation’s top 10 percent. U.S. News and World Report list it in thetop tier of the best Midwest colleges. Students benefit from small class sizesand a real-world, hands-on, “theory and practice” education with an emphasis onleadership. Activities on Lawrence Tech’s 107-acre campus include more than 60student organizations and NAIA varsity sports.

Lawrence Technological University is one of only13 independent, technological, comprehensive doctoral universities in theUnited States. Located in Southfield, Mich., LTU was founded in 1932 andoffers more than 100 programs through its Colleges of Architecture and Design,Arts and Sciences, Business and Information Technology, Engineering, andHealth Sciences, as well as Specs@LTU as part of its growing Center forProfessional Development. PayScale lists Lawrence Tech among the nation’stop 11 percent of universities for alumni salaries. Forbes and The WallStreet Journal rank LTU among the nation’s top 10 percent. U.S. News andWorld Report list it in the top tier of the best Midwest colleges.Students benefit from small class sizes and a real-world, hands-on,“theory and practice” education with an emphasis on leadership. Activitieson Lawrence Tech’s 107-acre campus include more than 60 student organizationsand NAIA varsity sports.