NextCycle Accelerator
NMU has been selected to participate in the NextCycle Michigan project accelerator program designed to help improve sustainable materials management in the state. The SHINE team has proposed a plan to increase post-consumer compost collection on campus in an effort to contribute to Michigan’s waste diversion goals. As a part of the program, NMU will receive assistance to grow, find funds, and implement its plans, ultimately helping the state towards its 45% waste diversion goal by 2030 and building a robust circular economy.
The program helps participants develop investment-attractive and implementation-ready project plans. Specifically, SHINE@NMU will be able to advance its compost and recycling endeavors through:
- No-cost consulting support provided by NextCycle coaches and subject matter experts.
- Attending a multi-day workshop and planning-focused accelerator camp for targeted support, training sessions, and networking
- Participation in a Pitch Showcase, where they will present to potential funders, investors, partners, and community leaders.
Past teams have benefited from state funding and private investment after participating in NextCycle Michigan. Since 2018, it's estimated that $680 million has been invested in growing Michigan’s circular economy.
NextCycle Michigan is an initiative of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), facilitated by Resource Recycling Systems Inc. (RRS), the Michigan Recycling Coalition, and Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological University. It is designed to connect entrepreneurs, companies, organizations, and communities to technical support, financial resources, and capacity building for recycling, recovery, and reuse projects.