Lawrence Technological University receives grant for its Centrepolis Accelerator

Lawrence Technological University’s Centrepolis Accelerator has received a grant of $360,000 from the Walters Family Foundation. The Centrepolis Accelerator aims to help entrepreneurs and small business startups succeed and grow their ideas into feasible and commercialized products and businesses.

According to an article on Lawrence Technological University’s website, Dan Radomski, who serves as the CEO of the Centrepolis Accelerator, shared his thoughts about the grant funding. He is quoted as saying, "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."

Experts in Residence are individuals who have years of experience in crucial areas such as engineering, product design, prototyping, and testing who are available for consultation and mentoring within the Centrepolis Accelerator. Clients of the Accelerator will gain their insight and expertise to help make the path toward their business or product becoming viable easier.

According to the website for the Centrepolis Accelerator, its mission is “to fuel the growth of Southeast Michigan’s small manufacturers and hardware entrepreneurs by providing access to key resources including mentors, workshops, cutting-edge technologies, corporate connections, student & faculty engagement, events, workspace, and a collaborative community of peers.”

Housed within the Centrepolis Accelerator are a manufacturing technology lab and workspaces. Clients have access to workshops and networking events and are also given the ability to utilize Lawrence Technological University students as interns or project helpers while they work at the Centrepolis Accelerator.

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

For more information about Lawrence Technological University, visit the school’s website.