LTU’s Centrepolis Accelerator secures $360,000 grant from Walters Family Foundation

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

This funding will be instrumental in bolstering Centrepolis Accelerator’s mission to support innovative hardtech startups and small businesses by providing access to seasoned Experts in Residence (EiRs).

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

Dan Radomski, CEO of Centrepolis Accelerator, expressed his gratitude for this vital support: “We are incredibly grateful to the Walters Family Foundation for their generous grant. This funding will enable us to continue our mission of fostering entrepreneurs with hardtech physical product innovations. Our Experts in Residence are a cornerstone of our program, providing indispensable guidance and expertise that help our companies navigate complex challenges and achieve success. Our mission is to get more products made in Michigan and it is our EiRs that makes this happen.”

The Centrepolis Accelerator has successfully assisted 209 physical products of its clients in achieving commercialization, which also provided significant economic impact to the local supply chain.  Centrepolis clients have provided 458 contracts to Michigan suppliers valued at $142 million in business.

“We believe support for the future of Michigan manufacturing is critical to our great state’s economy and our critically important entrepreneurs,” said Peter Walters, trustee of the Walters Family Foundation.

The Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological University is committed to driving economic growth and innovation in Michigan by supporting the development of high-potential hardtech startups and small businesses. With the additional support from the Walters Family Foundation, Centrepolis is poised to amplify its impact, helping more companies reach their full potential and contribute to the state’s economy.

For more information about the Centrepolis Accelerator and its programs, visit https://www.centrepolisaccelerator.com/.

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

The Walters Family Foundation, based in Milford, seeks to strengthen communities through conserving the natural environment, celebrating arts and culture, advancing economic vitality, and empowering people to reach their full potential through innovative learning initiatives. Learn more at www.waltersffmi.org.

Lawrence Technological University is one of only 13 independent, technological, comprehensive doctoral universities in the United States. Located in Southfield, Mich., LTU was founded in 1932 and offers more than 100 programs through its Colleges of Architecture and Design, Arts and Sciences, Business and Information Technology, Engineering, and Health Sciences, as well as Specs@LTU as part of its growing Center for Professional Development. PayScale lists Lawrence Tech among the nation’s top 11 percent of universities for alumni salaries. Forbes and The Wall Street Journal rank LTU among the nation’s top 10 percent. U.S. News and World 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. Activities on Lawrence Tech’s 107-acre campus include more than 60 student organizations and NAIA varsity sports.