Accelerator Tracks

NextCycle Michigan Innovation Challenge is designed to help Teams develop investment-ready initiatives which help provide equitable solutions in communities and help build a resilient economy. Targeted support includes helping participants develop and foster partnerships with the NextCycle Michigan Network.

Explore the Innovation Challenge tracks

Benefits of participating

  • Access to Data

  • Business Development

  • Consultancy

  • Customized Mentorship

  • Extensive Network

  • Funding Opportunities

  • Marketing & Visibility

  • Showcase / Pitch Competition

step 1: prepare to apply

NextCycle Michigan offers a variety of resources for Teams looking to submit applications. The Self Assessment will help you understand the readiness level of your initiative or other opportunities you may want to explore. The Learning Center houses data visualization and literature on business and financial planning, policy and regulation, NextCycle partners, industry organizations and specifications, standards and best management practices, and recycling reports and data. An important resource to help frame your pitch is the 2020 Michigan Gap Analysis, commissioned by EGLE, which highlights priorities and recommended interventions for overcoming gaps in Michigan through the NextCycle program.

Where do I Fit?

 Solutions that help reach shared goals

STEP 2: APPLICATION AND SELECTION

Download an informational PDF about the FLOWS Innovation Challenge Track here.

 

aPPLICATION MILESTONES

  • APPLICATION PERIOD TO APPLY

    2-3 MONTHS

  • APPLICATION REVIEW PERIOD

    4-6 WEEKS

  • TEAM SELECTIONS

Step 3: NextCycle programming

  • Team Onboarding and Work Plan Development

  • 1:1 Mentoring with Catered Techical Support

  • Business/Project Plan Development

  • Bootcamp

  • Showcase or Pitch Competition

  • Prepared for Funding

Testimonials

  • "NextCycle has played a major role in our growth which included the development of a new facility for our composting and hauling operation. The program gave us the technical support and credibility to receive funding that would otherwise have been difficult to obtain.’’

    Luis Chen Aguilera | Wormies

  • “MICROS grant provided my nonprofit the space to be truly innovative in our thinking to bring a new service to the renewable energy sector. This is not yet ready for implementation, but the start-up support provided by NextCycle Michigan is critical to getting us there”

    John A. Kinch | Michigan Energy Options

  • “NextCycle Michigan has allowed us to fast-track things we've been discussing and conceptualize how our community-centered composting model will work.”

    Renee Wallace | Remark Composting Solutions

  • "NextCycle Michigan was my first opportunity to pitch in person. Part of my preparation involved how to properly share the value of my business. I also connected with valuable suppliers and discovered other technologies that could be integrated into our building insulation material.”

    Madeline Miller | NexTiles

  • NextCycle is helping Human-I-T grow our impact and give Michigan companies an e-waste solution that increases material re-use. Thank you NextCycle for the connection that is making this work happen!"

    LEO KOWALKY | HUMAN-I=T

 

NEXTCYCLE PROJECT INVESTMENT

All NextCycle Teams within a cohort become a vital component of both the NextCycle Michigan Network and Michigan’s circular economy. In addition to partner efforts and other initiatives around the State, NextCycle Teams become part of the larger supply chain for recycling and help reach shared goals.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

The NextCycle Michigan vision for an equitable, sustainable circular economy is one where local people, businesses, and institutions are supported in their efforts to build and live safe, healthy, and prosperous lives. This challenge aims to be inclusive in its engagement by employing a lens that values and prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in team and project selection.