We’re thrilled to share that Groover Labs has been selected as one of two statewide partners to implement the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Accelerating Concepts to Commercialization in Kansas Proof-of-Concept Program. Through ACCEL-KS @ Groover Labs, we’ll provide structured educational programming, grant funding, and expert technical support to help early-stage startups test ideas, build prototypes, scale, and prepare for follow-on funding.
Two Tracks: Software and Hardware
ACCEL-KS @ Groover Labs is open to any Kansas resident or to founders starting or growing a business in the state. We’ve built several layers of flexibility into the program to meet the needs of early-stage founders. Two customized tracks are available, tailored to different types of technologies:
Software Track - Designed for startups building software and/or mobile platforms and digital tools. This track includes support for early product development and testing.
Hardware Track - Designed for startups creating physical technology products. Participants will have supervised access to the Maker Labs, fabrication tools, and a vast network of support.
Educational Programming
ACCEL-KS @ Groover Labs offers structured programming that includes expert-led startup courses, mentoring, and networking opportunities. Founders across Kansas can participate in person or virtually, depending on the program format.
In addition to programming, eligible founders can receive a membership at Groover Labs, which includes access to our coworking space, weekly coaching sessions, supervised use of the Maker Labs, and connections to our startup community.
Programming course topics include customer discovery, hardware prototyping, business model design, capital strategy, “Design-for” experimentation, commercialization, and more. Participation in the educational track is optional but can strengthen a founder’s grant application.
Grant Funding
We’ll award grants of up to $25,000 to founders with strong product concepts and development paths. These grants are designed to support the proof-of-concept stage, helping founders build, test, and refine their early-stage products. Grant recipients are required to submit quarterly progress reports.
Grant recipients can use the funds for consumables, project-specific materials, software licenses, tools, equipment, expert support, training, outreach, and necessary administrative costs, but not for general overhead, salaries, financing expenses, or other unrelated costs.
Support Partnerships
Depending on the needs of each grant recipient, we’ll either provide technical support in-house or connect founders to trusted ecosystem partners. These include NXTUS for customer engagement and capital access; the Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Kansas for “Design-for” bootcamps; Wichita State University’s College of Engineering for “Design of Experiments sessions”; Kansas State University’s Technical Development Institute for technical consultation and prototyping support, and more.
Reaching Founders in Rural Kansas
We’re partnering with rural economic development organizations across the state to identify founders in rural communities, review applications, and award grants. Throughout the year, we’ll travel to participating communities for rural roadshows to promote the program, support local startup ecosystems, and build regional momentum. Rural grant recipients can participate in our programming remotely or through on-site sessions in their area.
Informational Webinar
Because early-stage founders have different needs, we’ve built significant flexibility into the program. To help applicants navigate this process, we’ll host a live webinar in August that will guide them through each stage of the process, from how to apply to what materials to prepare. The webinar will be recorded and posted online.
In the meantime, anyone interested in updates can subscribe to our newsletter, submit their contact information to innovationkansas.org, or both.
How to Apply
The application portal will open by September 1, 2025. Applicants will be required to upload a project description, budget, and other supporting documents. Submissions will be reviewed by our team and evaluated by an independent review committee. Selected founders will then enter the appropriate program track and receive tailored support throughout the program. A statewide close-out event in July 2026 will showcase all funded projects.
Innovation in Kansas
ACCEL-KS is a statewide effort to build innovation in Kansas by combining funding, mentorship, and technical support with strong regional partners. We’re thrilled to be selected, and we look forward to working with Kansas innovators across the state.