Local tech companies poised to accelerate investment and job creation in Lansing region.

LANSING, Mich. — (May 1, 2025) — The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) and the Lansing Regional SmartZone, in collaboration with the Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and the MSU Research Foundation, proudly announce the successful deployment of $358,021 through the 2024 Fund Your Acceleration program—a bold initiative fueling startup growth across the greater Lansing region. 

“The Lansing Regional SmartZone is proud to help drive forward the next generation of high-tech innovation in our region. These investments are not just about funding—they’re about belief in the potential of our entrepreneurs to create meaningful jobs, attract investment, and position Lansing as a destination for cutting-edge technology and business growth,” said Abbie Tykocki, chair of the Local Development Finance Authority, the board of the Lansing Regional SmartZone. 

• Ubivis received $20,000 to support its U.S. market entry, leveraging cutting-edge Industry 4.0 technology aimed at improving operations of critical supply chains across Michigan and beyond.  

• LaparAssist received $9,000 for market research, web design, and legal support, helping the company continue scaling its laparoscopic surgery hardware solution in collaboration with Michigan State University and Henry Ford Health.  

• Able Eyes received $5,000 to invest in new imaging technology that supports its mission of making public spaces more accessible through virtual mapping. 

“The new technology allows us to expand our offerings to customers, decreases editing time, decreases filming time, increases the quality of our product, and overall will have a positive impact on the business,” said Meegan Winters, founder of Able Eyes. 

The Fund Your Acceleration program simplifies access to essential funding and services for startups, connecting entrepreneurs with financial support and resources across local and statewide networks. This collaborative approach is already generating measurable impact by equipping emerging companies with tools to scale successfully. 

“At LEAP, we believe in building a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem that nurtures innovation and supports companies at every stage,” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP. “The Fund Your Acceleration program is a powerful example of how collaborative regional partnerships can open doors for local entrepreneurs, helping them grow, compete, and thrive right here in the Lansing region.” 

The program weaves together several grant programs—LEAP’s Business Accelerator Fund (BAF), the Lansing Regional SmartZone’s Local Accelerator Fund (LAF), and the newly launched TREK Accelerator Fund supported by the MEDC through its statewide Small Business Support Hubs initiative. 

These funds cover critical services for startups, including legal support for incorporation and patents, investment planning, website development, market research, and more. New in 2024, the TREK Accelerator Fund also includes the ability to provide small direct grants for essential items such as equipment and software—support that directly enables business scale-up. 

Michigan-based service providers are a key part of the program’s model, and LEAP and SmartZone staff work hand-in-hand with entrepreneurs to identify the right local partners who can help them move their ventures forward. 

Beyond funding, the program also delivers value through mentorship and peer-to-peer learning opportunities, creating a supportive environment that encourages knowledge-sharing and connection among high-tech startups. 

The companies supported by the Fund Your Acceleration program span a range of industries and technologies, representing the diversity and ingenuity that defines the greater Lansing entrepreneurial community. 

This work reflects the shared commitment of LEAP, the Lansing Regional SmartZone, SBDC, MEDC, and the MSU Research Foundation to build a strong, inclusive economy rooted in innovation, regional collaboration, and long-term business success. 

For more information about the program visit our website here. 

About LEAP
The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) is a coalition of area leaders partnering to build a stronger community for all—working every day to grow, retain and attract business to the Lansing, Michigan, region. 

About the Lansing Regional SmartZone
The Lansing Regional SmartZone (LRSZ) drives growth in the Greater Lansing region’s high-tech sector by funding local partners to deliver exceptional entrepreneurial support services. The LRSZ is a partnership between City of East Lansing, City of Lansing, East Lansing Public Schools, Ingham County, Lansing Community College, Lansing School District, Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Michigan State University Innovation Center, and Michigan State University Research Foundation. A dynamic organization of leaders from all backgrounds and business sectors, the LRSZ has locations in downtown East Lansing at the Technology Innovation Center (TIC) and in Lansing at the MSU Health Park. 

LRSZ is funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).