February 2026 Lakerpreneur |
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The Richard M. and Helen DeVos Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (CEI) is thrilled to have you subscribed to our monthly newsletter.Â
Learn about great entrepreneurs you can support, new growth opportunities, and upcoming events.
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💡 77 APPLICATION DATE EXTENDED!
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Have a business idea? You STILL have time to submit your idea and win a cash prize!
Students can submit their innovative business concepts for
77 Idea Quest and compete for a
$3,000 prize.
Apply ASAP - application dead line has been moved to February 4th!
👉 Sign up today and turn your idea into reality!
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Michigan Collegiate Startup Challenge |
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What Is the MCSC?
The Michigan Collegiate Startup Challenge (MCSC) is a statewide competition that brings together student innovators and entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas, build teams, and grow their professional networks.
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| - When:
- Friday, February 27, 2026
- 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Where:
- DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health (Rooms 102–104)
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Creative Young Entrepreneurs (CYE)
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The Creative Young Entrepreneurs (CYE) Competition is a national pitch competition designed to identify young entrepreneurs in the U.S. Winners can advance to regional, national, and international levels, competing for larger prizes and global recognition.
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Entrepreneurs ages 18–40, (JCI members or not), who own an active business operating for 3+ months and are ready to clearly pitch their idea and growth plan.
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Submit a business plan and 1-minute pitch video. Top 20 advance to a 90-second pitch, with finalists competing in a 3-minute live pitch + Q&A.
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Startup Madness is here.
Whether you have a full-blown business, a half-baked idea, or just curiosity, there is a competition for you. Take the shot. Worst case? You learn something. Best case? You win funding, connections, and momentum.Â
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AquaHacking Binational 2026 |
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 What It Is: AquaHacking Binational 2026 is the largest edition yet of AquaAction’s innovation program, bringing together diverse talent to develop solutions to real-world water challenges across borders.
- Recruitment Timeline:
Recruitment launches early February 2026, with more program details and resources coming soon.
- Why Get Involved:Â
Participants gain hands-on experience, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and work on impactful environmental solutions while expanding their professional network.
- How to Share & Get Started:Â
An Early Outreach Toolkit is available now with ready-to-use newsletter, email content, and visuals—making it easy to spread the word across your channels.
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Great Lakes Blue Tech Challenge
is now open for registration! |
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This exciting innovation competition, led by Northwestern Michigan College, invites entrepreneurs, startups, early-career professionals, and even student-led ventures, to pitch technologies and solutions that address issues impacting the Great Lakes basin.
Key Details:
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- Registration open now through March 27, 2026.
- Compete for $55,000 in total seed funding: $30,000 (1st), $15,000 (2nd), and $10,000 (3rd).
- Semi-finalists will pitch live, and finalists present at a major industry conference — a great opportunity for visibility, networking, and mentorship.
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Whether you’re passionate about environmental science, engineering, business, or sustainability, the Blue Tech Challenge is a launchpad for innovation and impact — and a meaningful way to contribute to one of the world’s most important freshwater ecosystems.
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MVE-Lab Battle Creek Cohort 15
Final Pitch & Showcase |
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On December 15, Michigan military veterans showcased their business ideas at the MVE-Lab Battle Creek Cohort 15 Final Pitch & Showcase, hosted for the first time at the new Innovation Hub in Battle Creek.Â
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L. William Seidman Center
50 Front Ave SW, Suite 1127
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
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