Introduction

The ACCEL-KS at Groover Labs grant program helps Kansas innovators move ideas from concept to commercialization. Awards provide early funding, mentorship, and access to the resources founders need to test and validate scalable products.

Grant Awards

Award size

Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000. Larger awards are typically paid in two milestone-based tranches. Smaller awards may be paid in a single tranche.

Purpose

Funding supports prototyping and technical validation as you move toward commercialization.

Programming support

Grant recipients gain access to Groover Labs programming, including the CAMPFIRE course, Maker Lab hardware prototyping, mentorship, and our statewide partner network.

Eligibility

The primary applicant must be a Kansas resident, and the project must be based in Kansas.

Eligible applicants include

  • Early-stage startups and entrepreneurs with a scalable product idea or prototype, software or hardware

  • Innovators and researchers seeking a commercialization pathway

Not eligible

  • Retail, storefront, consulting, or service businesses without a technical component

  • Projects that rely only on off-the-shelf tools (for example, a Shopify store) without proprietary technology

What "non-tech-infused" means. It means no new technology is being developed or proven out. A basic retail or storefront concept would not qualify. If your project involves proprietary technology or a technical prototype, you may be eligible. Custom software or a technical build inside a retail concept can qualify. An off-the-shelf storefront on its own does not.