Description
Desai Accelerator is a cohort-based startup accelerator based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, founded and administered through partnerships within the University of Michigan entrepreneurial ecosystem (including the Zell Lurie Institute and College of Engineering). The program supports early-stage, tech-enabled ventures — often founded or led by University of Michigan alumni — with initial funding (~$25K–$50K), mentorship, strategic planning, student talent support, office space, and alumni network access to rapidly validate, scale, and prepare for external capital.
Eligibility
• Early-stage ventures typically with founders who are University of Michigan alumni or upcoming graduates.
• Tech-enabled and scalable business models with at least a working product or strong early validation.
• Teams should be full-time committed to the program’s duration.
• Program expects strong market opportunity and growth potential for cohort companies.
Process
Application & Selection: Founders apply online; teams must meet eligibility criteria including alumni connection requirements and early-stage readiness.
Kickoff Immersion: A week-long in-person immersion aligns teams on goals and introduces mentors and resources.
Cohort Programming: Over several months, startups receive mentorship, student project implementation support, educational workshops, and access to university labs and market insights.
Demo / Pitch Exposure: The accelerator culminates with Demo Day and investor pitching opportunities.
Ongoing Access: Alumni and ecosystem network connections continue post-program.
What an Applicant can Obtain
✔ Initial accelerator funding (~$25K–$50K) to support scaling.
✔ Structured mentorship from experienced founders and industry experts.
✔ Access to University of Michigan’s alumni, investor, and academic networks.
✔ Office space, student talent resources, and operational support including interns executing high-impact projects.
✔ Demo Day and investor pitch exposure to accelerate capital opportunities.
✔ High-value resource perks and academic research integration to support product and market development.
