Applicants encouraged to apply soon for a chance at up to $50,000 in investment
MARQUETTE, Mich., Feb. 5, 2026 – The Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund, Centrepolis Accelerator, Innovate Marquette, and Peak26 conference organizers announce that applications are now open for Michigan startup founders to participate in the Outdoor Innovation Pitch Competition, an event aimed at high growth companies advancing Michigan’s outdoor recreation industry.
The event gives Michigan-based startups the opportunity to pitch their businesses live to a panel of judges for a chance at up to $50,000 in investment from the Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund. Additionally, applicants could be awarded up to $5,000 in services from Michigan SmartZones Centrepolis Accelerator and Innovate Marquette with the Make it in Michigan Award. Those interested in applying for the Outdoor Innovation Pitch Competition can fill out the application form at https://bit.ly/PeakOutdoorPitch. “The Peak conference has proven to be an excellent avenue in celebrating the work Michigan startups are doing to advance the outdoor recreation industry with new innovations,” said Jim Tenzillo, Managing Director of the Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund. “Michigan’s vast opportunity for outdoor recreation companies to thrive is growing and we’re proud to highlight leading ventures with the Peak26 Outdoor Innovation Pitch Competition.” MORE Companies based in Michigan and focused on outdoor recreation are encouraged to apply to pitch in Peak26’s Outdoor Innovation Pitch Competition, which celebrates startups pursuing innovative ideas in outdoor recreation and Michigan’s entrepreneurial spirit. View the application form at bit.ly/PeakOutdoorPitch. The application deadline is 11:59 PM EST, Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Applying companies will be reviewed and the finalists will be invited to advance to the live pitch competition. Finalists will pitch live to a panel of judges on Friday, March 27, 2026, in Marquette, Mich.
AWARDS: The Outdoor Innovation Pitch Competition will present two awards:
Grand Prize: One (1) “Grand Prize” will be awarded. The “Grand Prize” winner will be eligible to receive up to $50,000 in services and investments from the Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund. Investment from the Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund is pending the results of the competition, completion of due diligence, and will be provided an investment in the form of a convertible note or Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE). Make it in Michigan Award: One (1) “Make it in Michigan Award” will be awarded, and the winner will receive up to $5,000 in product development services. The “Make it in Michigan Award” is sponsored by Centrepolis Accelerator and Innovate Marquette. The “Make it in Michigan Award” winner will receive product development services worth up to $5,000 in value. The services will be available through Centrepolis Accelerator, Innovate Marquette, and/or other Michigan service providers. Eligible services include product design, engineering, prototyping and/or manufacturing readiness services.
The Outdoor Innovation Pitch is made possible through statewide partnership with the Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund, Centrepolis Accelerator, and Innovate Marquette, who are the official sponsors of the two prestigious prizes awarded to the competition’s winners. These organizations play a crucial role in fostering innovation within Michigan’s outdoor industry, driving economic growth through a statewide entrepreneurial ecosystem. MORE Peak26 is a conference co-hosted by Innovate Marquette and SISU: The Innovation Institute at Northern Michigan University, taking place in March 2026. The Outdoor Innovation Pitch Competition will be the culminating event of Peak26, conducted in tandem with the Big Pitch Competition, hosted by the NMU College of Business, on Friday, March 27, 2026, on the campus of Northern Michigan University.
More information on Peak26 will be available soon.
About the Peak26 Peak26 is a two-day professional development conference centered on skill-building, collaboration, and helping you climb towards your next level of success. The conference is co-hosted by Innovate Marquette and SISU: The Innovation Institute at Northern Michigan University, taking place March 26-27, 2026, on the campus of Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan. The Outdoor Innovation Pitch Competition is taking place as part of Peak26 on Friday, March 27, 2026. More details on the conference programming to come soon. About the Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund The Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund, the first seed-stage venture fund in the Upper Peninsula and rural Michigan, is managed and administered by InvestUP, which is a private sector-led economic development organization focused on driving economic prosperity across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Founded by the region’s leading private sector businesses and three regional universities, its mission is centered on the people, projects, policies and promotion necessary to drive prosperity across the Peninsula. About Centrepolis Accelerator Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological University is a leading organization dedicated to supporting and accelerating the growth of cleantech and advanced manufacturing startups. In partnership with MEDC, EGLE, Whirlpool Corp., Gerdau, NREL, and Breakthrough Energy, Centrepolis Accelerator is committed to fostering innovation and driving industrial decarbonization through programs including the Industrial Decarbonization Innovation Challenge, C3 Accelerator and the MI Climate Wise Business. About Innovate Marquette Innovate Marquette offers access to critical resources, mentorship, funding, talent and network collaboration to entrepreneurs, existing businesses and startups. As one of 20 SmartZones designated by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Innovate Marquette works with partners to create a thriving local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
With an emphasis on technology-focused ventures in outdoor innovation, creative technology, and sustainable technology, Innovate Marquette aims to draw economic opportunity to the region and sustain an inclusive and approachable business community. Through a customized innovation journey and partnerships with the MEDC, City of Marquette, Northern Michigan University and other local economic development organizations, Innovate Marquette helps create a comprehensive network to support current and future economic development in the region. For more information, visit www.innovatemarquette.org.
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