What is the Conquer EdTech Accelerator?
The Conquer EdTech Accelerator is a hands-on, immersive experience designed to bridge the gap between innovative ideas and scalable businesses in the education technology sector. Participants will receive:
Up to $20,000 in milestone-based funding from Red Cedar Ventures
One-on-one mentorship from industry experts
Business training on product development, market strategy, and more
Access to workspace and resources at Michigan Virtual
Opportunities to connect with investors and EdTech leaders
The accelerator supports entrepreneurs as they navigate company formation, intellectual property management, customer discovery, financial forecasting, and pitch development.
Program structure
Application period: July 13 - August 9, 2026 (11:59 PM)
Program duration: September 14 - November 20, 2026
Location: Hybrid—weekly in-person sessions at Michigan Virtual and virtual programming throughout.
Selected teams will engage in intensive seminars, mentorship, and hands-on business development—culminating in a final showcase for investors and industry leaders.
Who should apply?
The accelerator is open to early-stage EdTech startups that:
Are registered U.S. for-profit companies (LLC, C-Corp, or S-Corp)
Have a groundbreaking technology or service that addresses an unmet need in education
Are seeking mentorship, funding, and structured business support
Are committed to growing their impact in the K-12 or higher education space
Up to five teams will be selected, with at least one spot reserved for:
Michigan-based companies
K-12 educators turned entrepreneurs
MSU faculty, staff, students, or alumni
Our partners
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