ACCEL-KS at Groover Labs

Proof of Concept Grant Program

What is it?

Accelerating Concept to Commercialization, or ACCEL-KS, is a statewide program helping Kansas innovators turn ideas into products. Funded by the Kansas Department of Commerce, the program offers proof-of-concept grants up to $25,000, plus access to Groover Labs’ programming, mentors, and partners. At least 30% of awards are reserved for rural founders.

Who should apply?

You must be Kansas-based or building your business in Kansas, and your project should focus on innovative products, software, or hardware.

  • Early-stage startups or founders

  • Innovators with a product idea or prototype

  • Researchers seeking commercialization paths

  • Entrepreneurs looking for technical assistance or market validation

“The ACCEL-KS grant program is designed to drive commercialization, foster new startup creation, stimulate economic growth, and generate high-quality jobs—aligning with Kansas’ broader vision for a dynamic, resilient, and innovation-driven economy.”

-Kansas Department of Commerce

How Does it work?

  1. Apply online September 2-30

  2. Screening Call (30-minute Zoom)

  3. Review Committee (25-minute pitch)

  4. Funding (milestone-based tranches)

Review and Funding

Review Committee

  • Merit, feasibility

  • Commercialization

  • Founder capacity

Funding

  • $10k-$25k

  • Milestones required

  • Paid in tranches

Program Tracks

Software Track

Hardware Track

Apply Now!

Round 1:

  • Tuesday, September 2: Application Opens

  • Wednesday, September 30: Application Closes

  • Thursday, October 30: Award Decisions Announced

(Dates and times subject to change based on applicant volume.)

Round 2:

  • Wednesday, October 15: Application Opens

  • Friday, November 15: Application Closes

  • Monday, December 15: Award Decisions Announced

(Dates and times subject to change based on applicant volume.)

 FAQs

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.