NEWS RELEASE
NEXTCYCLE MICHIGAN
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The application period is now open for the next cohort of the NextCycle Michigan Accelerator program. This cohort is seeking organizations and businesses that develop or scale solutions for:
- Organic waste (food scraps, wood waste, agriculture waste, etc.) - including recovery, composting systems, or new end markets.
- Innovative technologies or processes - including material collection, processing, reuse, or end market/new use of recycled materials.
Eligible organizations include businesses, entrepreneurs, universities, public agencies, and nonprofits. Cross-sector partnerships are encouraged. To be eligible an applicant must be able to demonstrate the potential for direct positive impact on Michigan’s organic recovery and recycling systems.
There is no fee to apply or participate in the program, and no equity share is required. Selected participants simply commit their time and effort. The main objective is to keep materials in circulation in Michigan and out of landfills.
The program will take place from January to June 2025. Selected teams will participate in a six-month program that provides technical support, coaching, business planning, investment readiness training, matchmaking, and more. Programming starts with a two-day in-person workshop, followed by strategic training opportunities and access to coaches and industry experts (mainly virtual). The program culminates with an in-person Showcase event in June 2025 where participants pitch their projects to a live audience with the chance to attract investors, win monetary awards, and generate publicity.
The deadline for applications is Friday, Nov. 15, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Visit the NextCycle Michigan website to learn more and download the application packet: https://nextcyclemichigan.com/apply.
An informational meeting – dubbed an “Application Party” will be held on Oct. 30 at 2 p.m. EST. Attendees can bring their questions and learn about the application process, types of projects supported, eligibility, and selection criteria – plus talk to past teams about their experiences in the program. Register for the Application Party today. https://recycle.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIofu-uqT8iG9PEcqCrO_XTp70uQ1g76aUk#/registration.
NextCycle Michigan, launched in 2021, is an initiative of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). The program is facilitated by Resource Recycling Systems (RRS) with support from Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological University, and the Michigan Recycling Coalition.
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