Conquer Accelerator (Spartan Innovations)

Conquer Accelerator is a 10-week business accelerator run by Spartan Innovations, a wholly owned subsidiary of the MSU Foundation. Each selected startup receives $20,000 from Red Cedar Ventures, along with mentorship, workspace, and access to an angel and venture-capital network. The program is equity-based rather than a non-dilutive grant. It has supported more than 80 startups since launch, with roughly an 80 percent survival rate and more than $31 million in follow-on funding raised by participants. Conquer Detroit, launched in December 2023, extends the model to medical and health technology startups in Southeast Michigan through a partnership with Henry Ford Health and MSU Health Sciences. The best fit is an early-stage company that can use structured acceleration and investor exposure more than a project-only award. MSU affiliation can help, but the program is also relevant to Michigan-connected ventures beyond direct university spinouts, especially when the team is ready to refine the business model and move toward a fundable next stage.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.