Backed by the MSU Research Foundation and Lansing Regional SmartZone, the Conquer Summer Accelerator helps high-growth, Michigan-based startups gain traction and prepare for investment.
EAST LANSING, Mich. (July 21, 2026) — The MSU Research Foundation has launched its 2026 Conquer Summer Accelerator cohort, beginning with an orientation held on July 13 at the Technology Innovation Center. This 10-week program, offered in association with the Lansing Regional SmartZone, supports Michigan-based startups across all industries, with a focus on companies at the minimum viable product (MVP) or beta stage that are demonstrating early market traction.
Five high-growth companies were selected for their innovative solutions in artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, autonomous systems, and extended reality. The selected startups include:
- AbleVu (ablevu.com) – Founded by Meegan Winters, AbleVu helps businesses better understand real-world locations through AI-powered mapping and location insights.
- GAIA Predictive (gaiapredictive.com) – Co-founded by Andrew DiMaggio and Nischay Madappa, GAIA Predictive helps manufacturers predict equipment failures before they occur.
- Infratico (infratico.com) – Co-founded by Nizar Lajnef and Kenji Aono, Infratico develops sensors and software that help monitor infrastructure and predict when roads, bridges, and other assets need maintenance.
- Oprones (oprones.com) – Founded by Suhan Park, Oprones uses autonomous drones and AI to inspect hazardous infrastructure, reducing the need for people to enter dangerous environments.
- OXR (oxr3d.com) – Founded by Yu-Chiao Lin, OXR helps architecture and engineering teams turn 3D models into interactive presentations.
“This Conquer Accelerator cohort reflects the breadth of innovation happening across Michigan,” said Bradley Matson, Program Manager at the MSU Research Foundation. “These founders are developing technologies that address real-world challenges across multiple industries, and we’re excited to help them accelerate their growth through mentorship, investment, and connections to our entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
Each startup receives comprehensive support, including mentorship, coworking space, weekly expert-led sessions, and a $20,000 initial investment from Red Cedar Ventures, a venture investment subsidiary of the MSU Research Foundation. Founders also work with more than 40 experienced mentors to strengthen their business strategy, product development, and market readiness.
Upon completing the program, participating companies join the Red Cedar Ventures portfolio, gaining access to ongoing coaching, strategic support, and opportunities for follow-on investment.
To learn more about the Conquer Accelerator or apply for a future cohort, visit msufoundation.org/conquer-accelerator.
This story is sourced from MSU Research Foundation.
Opportunities for Partnership
The five companies in this year’s Conquer cohort are AbleVu, GAIA Predictive, Infratico, Oprones and OXR. Each is building technology with clear demand in manufacturing, infrastructure, mobility or the built environment:
- Manufacturers and industrial operators can pilot predictive maintenance tools that catch equipment failures before they cause costly downtime.
- Public agencies, utilities and engineering firms can test sensor, AI and drone-based inspection technologies that keep roads, bridges and hazardous sites safer while lowering maintenance costs.
- Architecture, engineering and construction teams can use immersive 3D presentation tools.
- Businesses and property owners can use AI-powered location insights to better understand and serve their spaces.
- Investors and corporate venture groups can get to know Michigan startups early, since these companies have already shown market traction and now have backing from Red Cedar Ventures.
The MSU Innovation Center can connect organizations with these founders. It can also introduce them to the wider network of MSU researchers and startups working in advanced manufacturing, infrastructure and autonomous systems.
Visit innovationcenter.msu.edu or contact us to start the conversation.
About MSU Innovation Center
The MSU Innovation Center connects Michigan State University’s entrepreneurs, researchers and startups with the industry partners, investors and resources they need to grow. It works with partners across MSU’s innovation ecosystem and supports ventures through strategic partnerships, technology transfer, startup development and translational funding. This support helps technologies in manufacturing, infrastructure, mobility and other fields move from early traction to the marketplace. The result is high-growth companies that strengthen Michigan’s innovation economy.
Learn more: MSU Innovation Center