AMMP 2026 Beginnings, A Recap

MTEC’s Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Accelerator Program has officially kicked off its third annual cohort, welcoming it’s first class with an in-person session that set the tone for the weeks and months ahead. Founders gathered to introduce themselves, share their companies, and get a firsthand look of what the Accelerator program has to offer. From the room’s energy, it was clear that this group was ready to get to work!

Later that day, a social networking event brought the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem into the fold. They were engaged, attentive, and eager to learn about the founders and their startups. Community members came with genuine curiosity, asking thoughtful questions, and took the time to understand each founder’s goals and aspirations. In true UP fashion, they welcomed them to the Keweenaw with genuine care and readiness to help.

The next day, MTEC hosted the program’s official kickoff at the Finish American Heritage Center. Founders had the opportunity to hear from none other than Dr. Brad King, Founder and CEO of Orbion Space Technology. He spoke directly to the founders, sharing his journey of growing an idea on paper into a multi-million-dollar company. Dr. King spoke candidly to the founders, providing them with ideas and takeaways they could immediately apply to their own journeys. An engaging Q&A followed, with founders asking insightful questions. Dr. King thoughtfully addressed their concerns, answered questions, and shared firsthand experiences that truly resonated with those in the room.

“The entire two-day kickoff event was amazingly put together.” says Sergiy Blackwood, Founder of SinusBath. “It reminded me why I choose to be a founder: the amazing community that exists in Houghton for founders and entrepreneurs. Secondly, I am amazed at how down-to-earth Brad King was, and how focused he was on answering the cohort companies questions. As someone who’s been through all of the things that we’re about to experience and familiar with the journey we’re embarking on, I find his insight to be incredibly valuable.”

AMMP continues to do what it was built for: helping early-stage founders accelerate their business growth. Whether that means giving advice, facilitating connections, lending a hand, or just providing encouragement when the road gets tough, the program is designed to meet founders wherever they are. No challenge is too big, no problem too complex, and this year is no different.

As classes are in full swing, we are excited to see how these businesses grow and evolve in the months ahead. What can be said with certainty is that this cohort has a great deal of promise, a clear sense of purpose, and the drive to make their startup dreams a reality. Exciting things are ahead .

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About AMMP Accelerator
The Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Program (AMMP) Accelerator is designed to support around five cohort companies every three years, fostering a sustainable model for startup acceleration. Through targeted training and mentorship, the initiative aims to catalyze economic growth, with a projected creation of 40 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs in the Upper Midwest region. Additionally, the program will provide guidance and mentorship to approximately 120 companies in the community, driving forward the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Program funding comes from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) Build to Scale Program, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and MTEC SmartZone. 

About MTEC
Michigan Tech Enterprise Corporation (MTEC) is one of 21 SmartZones in the State of Michigan. MTEC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), its mission is to facilitate the creation and ongoing success of high-tech value propositions in conjunction with the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. Since 2003, the MTEC SmartZone has provided mentoring, technical support, and other services to local companies that have led to the creation of over 800 high-tech jobs in the Houghton and Hancock Michigan area.