Deadline: 30-Jun-22
NextCycle Michigan is seeking applications for the Micro Scale 3Rs Solutions (MICROS) under Innovation Challenge Track to help grow the state’s recycled materials supply chains and end markets.
The goal of this accelerator program is to advance ideas into shovel-ready ventures that allow for materials, once destined for landfill, to instead circulate within Michigan’s economy, creating jobs, protecting the environment, and improving the quality of life for all who call Michigan home.
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.
Benefits
The Micro Scale 3Rs Solutions (MICROS) Track challenges teams to produce innovative solutions for collecting, processing, minimizing, reusing, or recycling Michigan’s waste materials. Teams accepted into the MICROS Track will be awarded up to $10,000 in reimbursable funds as a part of acceptance into the track. MICROS is the only Challenge Track that awards funding up front; the other Challenge Tracks have accepted teams participate in accelerator programming culminating in showcases or pitches where teams compete for larger funding amount awards. Teams accepted into NextCycle Michigan MICROS Track will be able to advance their venture or project through:
- Funding: Teams accepted into MICROS will be awarded EGLE grants of up to $10,000.
- Networking and Matchmaking: Teams have the opportunity to connect with key players in the industry.
- Access to Data and Other Resources: NextCycle has developed and curated a custom data set including material flows, recycling infrastructure, demographics, policies, best practices and more.
- Recognition and Publicity: Teams are promoted through press releases, social media, published articles, webinars, and public presentations, providing exposure to potential investors and partners.
- Potential Invite to Pitch: Teams may be selected to pitch their venture to potential funders, investors, and partners at the NextCycle Pitch Competition.
- Opportunity for Funding in Other Challenge Tracks: Teams receiving MICROS funding will have opportunities to be considered for projects in other NextCycle Michigan Innovation Challenge Tracks.
Eligibility Criteria
- Teams: MICROS teams can include businesses, entrepreneurs, universities, tribal, governmental and/or non-profit entities who need access to funding to jumpstart or improve their recycling programs, services, and/or businesses. A project team can consist of an individual person, a single company or organization, or may include any number of cross-sector entities. Teams are encouraged to form local and regional partnerships
- Projects & Material Streams: Any project that directly or indirectly improves collecting, processing, minimizing, reusing, composting, or recycling of Michigan’s waste materials are eligible for the MICROS track. Projects that are eligible are those that work with materials classified as solid waste including recyclables and organics by Michigan and heavy energy liquids (such as that from brewery by-product).
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The NextCycle Michigan vision for a local circular economy is one where the local economy, businesses, and people benefit first and foremost. This challenge aims to be inclusive in its engagement and will employ a lens that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. Minority and women-owned businesses are encouraged to apply.
For more information, visit https://nextcyclemichigan.com/micros