Advancing the Next Generation of University of Michigan Startups
The Accelerate Blue Fund helps turn University of Michigan discoveries into successful startups. By investing at the earliest stages of company formation, the fund helps researchers and entrepreneurs transform breakthrough ideas into technologies that improve lives, create jobs and drive economic growth.
Support from alumni, foundations, corporations and public partners, such as the MEDC and the Michigan Strategic Fund, allows the AB Fund to provide the patient capital and guidance that early-stage companies need to reach critical milestones and attract follow-on investment.
Your support helps move innovation from the lab into the marketplace.
Accelerate Blue Fund Impact
Since its launch in 2019, the Accelerate Blue Fund has helped transform University of Michigan research into high-growth startups.
44
startups funded
$12+ million
invested by the fund
$460+ million
in follow-on capital raised
427
jobs created with 279 across Michigan
By supporting the Accelerate Blue Fund, partners help expand the university’s ability to launch new companies and accelerate innovation into the marketplace.
Why Early-Stage Support Matters
Many promising university technologies face a critical challenge in their earliest stages. At this point, the science may be strong, but the company has not yet reached the milestones needed to attract traditional venture capital or angel investment.
The Accelerate Blue Fund was created to address this gap.
- By providing early capital and mentorship, the fund helps startups:
- Establish a strong business foundation
- Advance key technical milestones
- Prepare for external fundraising
- Bring new products and technologies to market
This early support helps transform promising research into investable companies.
This gift achieves my goal of supporting the university in a direct and tangible way. In addition to promoting research and innovation, the Accelerate Blue Fund is the perfect vehicle to create opportunity and economic growth. The evergreen structure means that I can give once, but the University will continue to see the benefits of that donation.
– Rob Bronstein, Co-founder & CEO of the Scion Group, Chair of the Accelerate Blue Fund SAB
An Evergreen Model for Long-Term Impact
The Accelerate Blue Fund operates as an evergreen venture fund, supported through philanthropy and grants.
Returns generated from successful investments are reinvested into future University of Michigan startups, creating a sustainable cycle that supports innovation for years to come.
This model allows philanthropic support to have long-term impact, helping launch multiple generations of companies and entrepreneurs.
Strengthening Michigan’s Innovation Economy
Startups supported by the Accelerate Blue Fund contribute to a stronger innovation ecosystem across Michigan and beyond.
As these companies grow, they help:
- Create high-quality jobs
- Retain entrepreneurial talent
- Attract follow-on investment
- Expand Michigan’s technology economy
By supporting the AB Fund, partners help accelerate the translation of university research into real-world impact.
Ways to Support the Fund
The Accelerate Blue Fund is supported through a range of partnerships, including:
Philanthropic Gifts
Support from alumni and friends of the University of Michigan helps expand the fund’s ability to invest in early-stage startups.
Foundation Grants
Foundation support helps advance innovation and economic development through university research commercialization.
Corporate Partnerships
Corporate partners help strengthen connections between industry and emerging technologies developed at the university.
Public Innovation Programs
State and federal partnerships help support early-stage technology commercialization and startup development.