The Foundry is looking for motivated entrepreneurs to build startups based on technologies from a curated portfolio of U-M innovations. Those who successfully complete the program may pitch ventures to a panel of experts for a chance to launch their startup and secure seed funding.*

Selected entrepreneurs will be matched with revolutionary U-M technologies, and will develop a pitch for funding. From December 2025 through May 2026, entrepreneurs will work with inventors to gather technology background materials and receive ongoing mentorship and support from the Innovation Partnerships Ventures and Licensing teams as they craft their funding pitch. The program will culminate in a pitch day where projects will present to the Innovation Partnerships team and investors for an opportunity to license the technology and receive a minimum seed investment of $50,000 from the Accelerate Blue Fund.**

Full story: Accelerate Blue Foundry – UM – Innovation Partnerships