Watch CBS News

NewME Brings Silicon Valley To Detroit With PopUp Accelerator; Local Partners Include MTAM

DETROIT -- NewME Accelerator is inviting local technology start-up rock stars to participate in the Detroit PopUp Accelerator this summer.

In partnership with Google for Entrepreneurs, and local community partners Mobile Technology Association of Michigan, TechTown, Bizdom, and Wayne State University, NewME PopUps bring together entrepreneurs working on innovative technology products for an in-depth, high-intensity weekend of collaboration and production.

The three-night event on May 29-31 features one-on-one coaching from NewME experts, a two-part workshop titled "The Art of the Pitch" that will provide the secrets to a perfect pitch and standing out among other founders. The weekend culminates with "Demo Day," a night where start-ups will network with key players in Detroit's tech scene, special guests from Silicon Valley, and ultimately pitch their idea to a panel of judges that consists of local and Silicon Valley investors.

NewME PopUps have taken place in Miami, Fla. and Washington, D.C.  Angela Benton, founder and CEO of NewME Accelerator, is looking forward to 'popping-up' in Detroit.

"There is already so much entrepreneurial energy in Detroit right now we can't wait to be a part of it," Benton said. "An added benefit is the resiliency of Detroit as a city. It's something we wholeheartedly believe in at NewME and is a key part of our core values."

NewME PopUps, in partnership with Google for Entrepreneurs, accelerate entrepreneurs across the country.

"Our mission with Google for Entrepreneurs is to grow entrepreneurial communities and equip them with the resources and technology they need to tackle big ideas and build amazing companies. We're truly excited to be teaming up with NewME to bring this series to Detroit and can't wait to see the big ideas that come from the teams here," said Mary Grove, Director of Global Entrepreneurship Outreach at Google.

The NewME Detroit PopUp will be hosted at TechTown Detroit, a collaborative workspace that fosters business and seeks to accelerate the entrepreneurial community in Detroit.

"We are honored that the NewME Accelerator  asked TechTown to host the Detroit pop-up event," said Leslie Smith, president and CEO of TechTown. "The partnership complements our ongoing efforts to expand programming in support of the Detroit's most promising technology-based enterprises. Our city is emerging as a hub for innovation, and this opportunity clearly showcases the achievement. We have no doubt that the participating start-ups will help seal a return visit."

MTAM's Executive Director Linda Daichendt was enthusiastic about the state-wide non-profit's participation with the event, "As the state's trade association for the mobile/wireless technology industry, we know that a large percentage of start-up businesses in Michigan are incorporating the use of a wide variety of mobile technologies as part of their business. That being the case, its very important for our organization to play a role in encouraging entrepreneurship in the state, and Detroit is at the heart of those efforts."

Founders will network and pitch their ideas on Demo Day at Wayne State's Welcome Center Auditorium, just blocks from where they will spend the weekend perfecting their idea.

PopUp participants will pitch to win a potential slot a future session of NewME Accelerator in San Francisco and a prize pack valued at approximately $45,000 from partners like Google, Rackspace, Microsoft, ZenDesk and more.

The NewME Detroit PopUp accelerator is $99 per participant. Interested entrepreneurs can register athttp://bit.ly/Rs5aP3. Members of MTAM or Mobile Monday Michigan can take advantage of a 20 percent discount off the registration price; email info@GoMobileMichigan.org to request the discount code. Note: membership in the organization's will be verified.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.