Accelerator

The NextCycle Michigan Accelerator emphasizes the highest and best use of materials, keeping them in circulation to realize their full useful life and strengthen a circular economy. The program is designed to help teams develop or scale solutions that reuse, repair, recycle, and recover materials that would otherwise end up in landfills.

NextCycle Michigan does not charge a fee or require an equity stake. It is free to apply and participate!

  • Women speaking at podium with a presentation behind her.
  • Presentation crowd.
  • A group of people at a table having a conversation.
  • Group photo of multiple NextCycle teams and staff
  • People gathering around large notepads and sticky notes on the walls.
  • Three women giving a presentation to a crowd.
  • Two women on a presentation stage.
  • Auditorium filled with people looking at the stage.
  • Group photo of people holding award certificates.
  • Woman giving presentation with a slide deck showing composting and the word 'Opportunity'
  • Group photo of NextCycle teams and staff
  • Group photo of four poeple on stage. One person is holding an award certificate.
  • Two women giving a presentation to a crowd with a photo of people shoveling in the background.
  • Group photo of NextCycle teams and staff
  • Presentation in a conference room with several large round tables

The six-month program is offered with several tracks designed to address different needs in Michigan.

Each topic-based track allows for a small cohort of 8-10 participants to benefit from peer-to-peer learning while getting individualized support from industry experts to refine unique solutions to support our circular economy. Participating teams include entrepreneurs, businesses, communities, associations, non-profits, institutions, and collaborative partnerships.

Applications are reviewed by a selection committee, with EGLE approving the final team selection for each track.

Each track follows a similar flow: onboarding calls, an in-person academy, virtual coaching, a showcase, off-boarding calls, and follow-on check-ins and reporting.

Ready to get started?

Apply Now
Auditorium crowd listening to a presentation.
Group photo on stage, with one woman holding an award certificate.
People gathering around large pieces of paper and sticker notes stuck to the walls. The paper is titled 'Support Services.'

Accelerator Tracks

  • Metal rod shining beam on piece of cloth.

    [Applications Open!] Recycling Technology Solutions

    Supports projects with novel material recovery or sorting technologies, waste minimization techniques, new processes or uses for recycled materials and other innovations.

    Apply Now
  • Compost piles.

    [Applications Open!] Organics Solutions

    Supports projects targeting organic waste reduction/recovery, composting, anaerobic digestion and end markets. Includes food scraps, agricultural and wood waste, organic liquids and similar materials.
    Apply Now
  • Person recycling plastic bottle in a recycling drop-off bin.

    Public-Led Solutions

    Supports developing or expanding programs and infrastructure that improve community access to recycling and composting, including collection, hauling, transfer, processing, drop-off centers, education and related services.

    NEXT APPLICATION FEB-MAR 2027

    Stay Connected
  • Plastic bales stacked on top of each other.

    Recycling Supply Chain Solutions

    Supports projects that boost diversion and recovery of non-organic recyclable materials by fixing supply-chain gaps in collection, hauling, processing or recycled-content manufacturing. Primarily led by private businesses and partnerships.

    NEXT APPLICATION FEB-MAR 2027
    Stay Connected
  • Car battery among pine needles

    Special Track: EV Battery Reuse & Recycling

    Supports projects that repurpose or recycle large-format traction batteries that power electric vehicle propulsion systems.

    Application period closed Aug 7, 2026. Watch for future opportunities.

    Stay Connected

Types of Coaching Offered in the Accelerator

Every team gets hands-on coaching across nine areas, matched to where you need the most support. Explore what you can tap into.

Meet the Coaches

  • Data Curation

    Access to a curated collection of existing research and the ability to conduct new research.

  • Technical & Manufacturing

    Engage with experts in product development and commercialization.

  • Business & Operational

    Refine business and operational strategies and plans.

  • Partner Matchmaking

    Facilitated connections to potential partners, suppliers, and experts.

  • Pro Forma Review

    Assistance with financial projections.

  • Site Review

    Support with the evaluation of potential locations for operations.

  • Marketing & Communications

    Help with developing marketing strategies and tactics.

  • Pitch Development

    Learn how to tell your story with impact.

  • Funding Pathways

    Identify potential sources of investment and funding.

Core Accelerator Support

Public Sector, Connection Support, Permitting, Licensing

Supply Chain, Recycling, Organics, Circular Economy, Marketing, Data

Policy Analysis, Public Sector Planning, Municipality and Industry Connections

Product Development, Manufacturing Technical Assistance, Commercialization