Lawrence Technological University—joined by the city of Southfield and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation—will cut the ribbon on its new manufacturing business accelerator Friday, Oct. 4 during an invitation-only ceremony at 9 a.m. A public open house for the new accelerator will follow from noon to 4 p.m.

The Centrepolis Accelerator is 6,300 square feet of state-of-the-art business assistance for physical product developers and manufacturing companies, a unique niche among accelerators in the Detroit area. Clients will include manufacturing startups and existing companies looking to move up to the next level in product innovation. Services will include access to office space, co-working space, workshops, mentors, business planning services, and laboratories and equipment for digital product design and prototyping, as well as virtual reality and mixed reality labs.

The accelerator is housed in LTU’s Enterprise Center at 21415 Civic Center Drive in Southfield.

Leading the Centrepolis Accelerator is Dan Radomski, who has an extensive background in product development, manufacturing, and supporting hardware companies. He previously served as chief strategy officer for Optimal Inc. in Plymouth, and earlier was vice president at NextEnergy in Detroit, the state of Michigan’s advanced energy industry accelerator.

“The new Centrepolis Accelerator is a valuable tool and asset for not only the city of Southfield, but the entire state of Michigan,” said Southfield Mayor Kenson Siver. “From helping small businesses and startups grow to retaining talent in the region, this unique and innovative resource will serve us, our partners, and aspiring entrepreneurs well.”

“The Centrepolis Accelerator is a perfect example of LTU’s motto of ‘Theory and Practice,’” LTU President Virinder Moudgil said. “The accelerator will boost the economy of southeast Michigan by nurturing new manufacturing companies, and will provide valuable experience in real-world manufacturing technologies for LTU students. Accelerator clients will also have access to LTU’s world-renowned engineering, business, and design faculty.”

“SmartZones, such as the Centrepolis Accelerator, provide critical resources to start-ups and are essential to stimulating continued economic growth across Michigan,” said Fred Molnar, vice president of entrepreneurship and innovation at the MEDC. “I would encourage local entrepreneurs to visit the new facility, learn more about the abundant resources available to them, and how Centrepolis Accelerator can help support their business.” 

In addition to the city of Southfield and LTU, the Centrepolis Accelerator receives grant support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, The Michigan Energy Office, and the New Economy Initiative.

After the invitation-only grand opening ceremony from 9 to 11 a.m., there will be a public open house for the accelerator from noon to 4 p.m. For tickets to the open house, which includes a buffet luncheon, tours, and networking, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/centrepolis-accelerator-open-house-tickets-66475412749.

About the Centrepolis Accelerator

The mission of the Centrepolis Accelerator is to accelerate the growth of Southeast Michigan’s advanced manufacturing, innovative hardware entrepreneurs, and small manufacturers by providing access to funding, experts, and key business and product development resources.

About Southfield Centrepolis SmartZone

The Southfield Centrepolis SmartZone inspires business growth. It is a place where designers, manufacturers, engineers and tech experts can grow their business ideas and learn how to take them to market. Its mission is to bring together universities, industries, research organizations, businesses, government organizations and community institutions to stimulate the growth of technology-based businesses and jobs. More at www.southfieldcentrepolis.com.

About Lawrence Technological University

Lawrence Technological University, www.ltu.edu, is a private university founded in 1932 that offers more than 100 programs through the doctoral level in its Colleges of Architecture and Design, Arts and Sciences, Business and Information Technology, and Engineering. PayScale lists Lawrence Tech among the nation’s top 15 percent of universities for the salaries of its graduates, and U.S. News and World Report lists it in the top tier of best Midwestern universities. Students benefit from small class sizes and a real-world, hands-on, “theory and practice” education with an emphasis on leadership. Activities on Lawrence Tech’s 107-acre campus include more than 60 student organizations and NAIA varsity sports.

About the city of Southfield, Michigan, USA

The city of Southfield is one of the premier business and residential addresses in Michigan. Located in Oakland County, Southfield is home to more than 73,000 residents and more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. With a daytime population nearing 175,000, more than 27 million square feet of office space, and more than seven million square feet of retail and industrial space, Southfield is truly Michigan’s undisputed business center. Residents and businesses alike come to Southfield for its central location, excellent city services, and easy access to all of southeastern Michigan. For more information, call (248) 796-5000 or visit www.cityofsouthfield.com.

About the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness, and community development, with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org . Join the conversation on: Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn , and Twitter.