• A digital graphic with a dark blue background showcasing various company logos and names, including Desai Accelerator, Deal Blazer, Oxr, Intelligent Noise, Good Game Sports, Minarosa Technologies, and Fastos, connected by curved lines.

    Welcome Batch 12

    The 2026 founder cohort spans AI, XR, Women’s Health, and Sports Tech. These are the companies that impressed us with their laser focus on traction and growth.

    Meet the 2026 Cohort
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    Building is a bold act.

    That courage matters. It's the core of a founder. At Desai, you'll be surrounded by others who have it, too. People who get what it takes to build something real.

    Learn More
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    "The discipline, structure, and lifelong community from the Desai Accelerator were foundational to XRAY’s early success."

    Shams Juma, Founder
    XRAY Commerce (Desai 2024)

    Apply Now
  • Three people engaging in a discussion or presentation in front of a wall covered with drawings and notes, with one person pointing at the wall and others listening.

    Best. Summer. Ever.

    Each year we hire ten U-M students for software, design, and business roles, and we welcome international applicants! Build your portfolio, execute meaningful projects, and

    Learn about the Desai internship

Startup Accelerator

Everything Michigan's ecosystem has to offer to scale from concept to market leader. You're not just joining an accelerator. You're joining a legacy of builders who transform industries.

Program Information
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Student Internships

Experience the intensity and innovation of startup culture. This isn't just an internship—it's an accelerated education in entrepreneurship.

Become a Desai Intern

The Desai Accelerator seeks exceptional founders who embody the Michigan spirit: ambitious vision, analytical rigor, and collaborative excellence.

We're looking for early-stage ventures ready for exponential growth.

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What you can expect:

  • $25,000 investment + hundreds of thousands in resources per startup

  • 10 U-M student interns who deliver 60-80 high-impact projects during the cohort.

  • The largest living alumni network in the world—630,000+ professionals across industries, providing mentorship, partnerships, and market access.

  • A systematic approach to venture creation that combines Silicon Valley best practices with Michigan academic rigor.

    • Market validation through academic research methodologies

    • Initial funding deployment and strategic planning

    • Weekly mentorship with serial entrepreneurs and ecosystem innovators

    • Access to Michigan's research facilities and labs

    • Partnership with student project teams for rapid development

Ventures in our portfolio include:

MySwimPro logo with a stylized swimmer icon in blue and black text

Personalized swim workout app

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AI literature review for in vivo study design

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Publish content and get recommended by AI search

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AI smart copy and studio visuals for merchandisers

Let’s Stay in Touch

Where Vision Becomes Venture

Our portfolio companies represent the cutting edge of innovation, spanning industries from consumer technology to biotech breakthroughs. Each venture demonstrates the power of combining Michigan intellectual capital with entrepreneurial execution.

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