A 3D printing lab is part of the Centrepolis Accelerator.
LTU file photo.

The Centrepolis Accelerator, a business incubator for manufacturers and product-based businesses, was named Top Project of the Year at last week’s Excellence in Southfield Awards, a program of the Southfield Chamber of Commerce.

Award recipients in six categories were nominated by Southfield Chamber members and the public. Winners were selected by a committee of local business and government officials.

The Centrepolis Accelerator, opened in October, is a 6,600-square-foot center on the campus of Lawrence Technological University. It’s intended both to accelerate the growth of advanced manufacturing entrepreneurs by providing access to funding, experts, and key product development resources. Those resources include the latest in high-tech prototyping and virtual reality equipment—and access to LTU students and faculty to assist in business growth. The Accelerator also provides additional learning and research opportunities for LTU students and faculty to work with growing entrepreneurial businesses. Early Accelerator clients include companies in mobility, gaming, defense, exercise science, and more.

Access to the Centrepolis Accelerator and all its equipment starts at just $125 a month with a 12-month commitment. For more information, visit http://www.centrepolisaccelerator.com/.

Besides LTU, partners in the Centrepolis Accelerator effort include the City of Southfield, the Michigan Economic Development Corp., the Michigan Energy Fund, and the New Economy Initiative.

Jay Redman, athletic engagement and research associate in LTU’s Department of University Advancement, was also a nominee for the Excellence in Southfield Young Professional of the Year award. Redman earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration from LTU in 2015.

Sponsors of the Excellence in Southfield awards were the city of Southfield, Ascension Providence, the Best Western Premier, Comcast Business, Sonway Group, Foster Swift, Jaffee Law, LTU, and Kimmie Horne.