The Elevator

The Elevator

Supports Israeli startups entering the United States market through free Detroit soft-landing services and local introductions.

The Elevator is the Michigan-Israel Business Accelerator's (MIBA) flagship soft-landing program for Israeli startups and established companies seeking to enter the US market through Detroit, Michigan. MIBA describes the Elevator as the first program of its kind in the United States exclusively designed for Israeli companies, providing a structured market-entry pathway into Michigan and the broader Midwest commercial ecosystem. The program provides free dedicated office space in Detroit, a US business address, and a curated set of B2B and B2G introductory meetings with Michigan organizations relevant to the applicant's technology or sector. No cash grant is involved; all benefits are in-kind facilitation services.

Eligibility is open to Israeli for-profit startups and companies across all technology sectors seeking US commercial traction. MIBA does not publish formal eligibility criteria or application deadlines on its website; interested companies must contact MIBA directly. The program is rolling with no fixed cohort intake schedule. Alongside office access and a business address, MIBA's network provides connections to legal, recruiting, marketing, financial, and market-research service providers through its partner ecosystem in Michigan. MIBA also co-facilitates the Connecting Communities networking series, Experience Innovation pitch events, and a monthly Spotlight on Innovation newsletter, all of which Elevator participants can access.

Israeli startups that qualify for The Elevator effectively gain a no-cost US base of operations in one of the Midwest's major commercial centers. The program is particularly relevant for companies in mobility, health tech, advanced manufacturing, and energy — sectors actively targeted by MIBA's Michigan partnerships — though sector focus is not a formal eligibility gate. To pursue the program, Israeli companies should reach out to MIBA at its Detroit office (michiganisrael.com) and describe their Michigan market-entry objectives.