Five high-potential Michigan startups have been selected to join the Winter 2026 Michigan Founders Fund Pre-Accelerator powered by gener8tor, a seven-week program designed to accelerate underrepresented early-stage companies in Michigan through mentorship, expert guidance, ecosystem access, and $15,000 in non-dilutive capital. The initiative prepares companies for investment readiness and long-term success.
The Winter 2026 cohort includes: Capture Tech, Cargility, Ecosphere Organics, Mixel Studio, and 40 Acres app. The cohort reflects Michigan’s strength in climate innovation, advanced materials, mobility and assistive technology, XR & immersive learning, and community-centered real estate ownership.
“Over the past year, we’ve seen high demand for each cohort, which speaks to the continued growth, quality, and breadth of Michigan’s startup scene,” said Rishi Moudgil, Executive Director of Michigan Founders Fund. “Keep an eye on these emerging companies. The solutions they’re building are disruptive and inspiring.”
This is the fourth cohort of the Pre-Accelerator since the program launched in late 2024. Together, these founders represent the kind of “built in Michigan” momentum the pre-accelerator is meant to unlock—companies solving tangible problems now, with clear pathways to scale statewide and beyond.
“Our partnership with Michigan Founders Fund continues to surface exceptional founders who are building ambitious companies,” said Nate Domenighini, gBETA Associate VP. “The Michigan Founders Fund Pre-Accelerator is designed to meet founders where they are and give them the resources and connections needed to take the next meaningful step.”
The Winter 2026 program began on Thursday, January 29, 2026 and will culminate in a Founder Showcase on Thursday, March 26, 2026, where participants will present to investors, corporate partners, and community stakeholders.
For more information about the program or to get involved, visit https://michiganfoundersfund.org/pre-accelerator/ or contact Brittni Abiolu at brittni@michiganfoundersfund.org
About Michigan Founders Fund
Michigan Founders Fund is the leading statewide network for high-growth founders and investors. Focused on building a thriving and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem through a founder-first culture, members represent a wide range of demographics and regions across the state. More than 150 members have collectively raised over $350 million of investment capital through 15 different industry verticals, while also remaining committed to lifting local communities.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Michigan Founders Fund is composed of founder and investor members who commit resources to a philanthropic fund supporting Michigan’s social sector.
About gener8tor
gener8tor is a global venture firm and accelerator network that supports startups, workers, employers, artists and musicians across race, place and gender. gener8tor partners with companies, governments, universities and nonprofits to operate programs and conferences in more than 46 communities across 22 states and three countries. Fast Company named gener8tor one of the Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2021 and 2022. The International Trade Council recognized gener8tor as Global Venture Capital Firm of the Year in 2022.
gener8tor runs gBETA, a non-equity accelerator that facilitates the growth of early-stage companies through a network-driven program. This accelerator supports five startups per cohort and requires no fees for startups and takes no equity. Since launching in 2015, gBETA accelerator alumni have raised $842M+ in capital and created 5,000+ jobs across the U.S. and Canada.
Michigan Founders Fund Pre-Accelerator powered by gener8tor Winter 2026 Cohort
Capture Tech develops and deploys modular and scalable biochar-based remediation systems that remove excess nutrients and environmental contaminants, such as PFAS, from lakes while restoring biodiversity to degraded ecological systems, converting captured material into circular fertilizer or soil remediation products and while generating next generation environmental monitoring data. Capture Tech serves lake associations, municipalities, and environmental managers who use its modular systems for pilot projects and full-lake deployments to improve water quality and protect property and ecosystem value. Capture Tech has raised $47k in non-dilutive grant funding, generated $55K in revenue, completed several paid pilots, secured a signed $100K full-lake deployment contract for 2026, and is receiving multiple inbound pilot requests, an indication of strong demand.
Founder & CEO: Jonathan Weyhrauch
Co-Founder & COO: Audrey Majeske
Email: jweyhrauch@capturetech.org
Based In: Troy, Michigan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonweyhrauch/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrey-majeske-6b1219327/
Cargility is a patented, portable door-to-floor mobility assistive aid that stabilizes vehicle entry and exit. It reduces fall risk and restores independence by providing a reliable point of support in most passenger vehicles for older adults, people recovering from rehabilitation, and the caregivers who assist them. Cargility holds an issued U.S. utility patent and has advanced to a working prototype with finalized DFM (Design for Manufacturing), targeting a first small production run and go-to-market launch in 2026.
Co-Founder: Meera Ramaswami
Co-Founder: Praveena Ramaswami
Email: praveena@cargilitytools.com, meera@cargilitytools.com
Based In: Ann Arbor, Michigan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meera-ramaswami/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/praveenajr/
Ecosphere Organics transforms pre-consumer food and agricultural waste into manufacturing-ready biomaterials through a modular processing system, helping companies reduce material costs and carbon intensity while diverting waste from landfills. Ecosphere Organics serves manufacturers, designers, and sustainability-focused businesses that evaluate, pilot, and purchase its bio-based materials for use in product development and small-scale production. Ecosphere Organics has generated approximately $120K in non-dilutive funding and early revenue from paid pilots and material sales, including at least one recurring customer, while processing thousands of pounds of organic waste at pilot scale.
Founder & CEO: Brittanie Dabney
Email: bdabney@ecosphereorganics.com
Based In: Detroit, Michigan
OXR (by Mixel Studio) is the “Canva + Zoom” for spatial learning & training, it turns scarce engineering expertise into scalable, guided experiences through no-code authoring and live session orchestration. Universities, innovation centers, and workforce programs use OXR to build immersive lessons and interactive training in-house without hiring developers or agencies. To date, the team has raised $52K in non-dilutive funding, launched 6 live pilots across higher education and K–12 including the University of Michigan, reached 25 decision-makers through a national tech center summit workshop, engaged 300+ educators and learners, and generated early revenue through paid pilots.
Founder & CEO: Chiao Lin
Co-Founder & CTO: Anhua Wu
Email: chiaolin@mixelstudio.com
Based In: Ann Arbor, Michigan
40 Acres app is a proptech and fintech platform that enables small-dollar, community ownership of vacant land and neighborhood development projects, creating a scalable alternative to investor-led real estate models. 40 Acres app serves local residents, community investors, and development partners who use the platform to co-own, finance, and participate in “Smart Lot” projects that combine housing, infrastructure, and local economic activity. 40 Acres app has generated $100K in lifetime revenue, $5K MRR, identified 100+ vacant lots, and built a pipeline of 600+ businesses and 1,000+ individuals interested in participating.
Founder & CEO: Daniel Easterly
Email: info@40AcresApp.com
Based In: Detroit, Michigan
