WICHITA, Kan. — Applications are open for the second year of ACCEL-KS, a proof-of-concept grant program offering Kansas technology entrepreneurs up to $25,000.
Accelerating Concept to Commercialization in Kansas, or ACCEL-KS, is administered by Groover Labs in partnership with the Kansas Department of Commerce. Applications opened Monday and will remain available through 5 p.m. Sept. 30.
The program supports Kansas founders developing novel hardware or software technologies. Grant funds may be used for prototyping, testing, expert assistance and concept validation, but cannot cover salaries or overhead expenses.
Applicants must be Kansas residents and U.S. citizens and must provide a W-9 to receive funding. Retail businesses, storefronts and consulting firms without a technology component generally are not eligible.
Groover Labs said this year’s program features a simplified application, fewer reporting requirements and a single application process for rural and non-rural entrepreneurs. Program organizers want at least 30% of funded projects to come from rural Kansas and plan to visit communities across the state during the application period.
In addition to funding, participants will have access to startup courses, workshops and individual consultations covering artificial intelligence, product-market fit, intellectual property, manufacturing and marketing strategies.
Funding generally will be distributed in two payments. Recipients will receive the first payment after selection, with the second released after they submit a milestone report documenting their progress. Smaller awards may be distributed in a single payment.
The awards are grants and do not have to be repaid. Neither the Kansas Department of Commerce nor Groover Labs will receive equity in the participating companies. Founders also retain ownership of intellectual property developed before or during the grant period.
Nearly 70 people applied during the program’s first year, and 25 founders received funding for projects involving agricultural technology, construction technology, defense, education, aerospace and artificial intelligence. More than 44% of those projects came from rural Kansas, exceeding the program’s 30% goal.
Groover Labs will host an application webinar at 10 a.m. Thursday. Virtual office hours also are scheduled from 4 to 5 p.m. Aug. 31 and Sept. 8, 14 and 21.
Eligible applications will be reviewed before selected founders present their projects to a review committee. The new ACCEL-KS class is expected to be announced at the end of October, followed by an open house and orientation in early November.
Applications and additional information are available at grooverlabs.org/accel-ks.