From AI-powered platforms to hardware solutions and creative technology the 2026 MOMENTUM cohort represents the bold thinking and problem-solving mindsets elected teams represent the bold thinking and problem-solving mindset that define Spartan entrepreneurs.
The 2026 MOMENTUM Pre-Accelerator program, hosted by the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Michigan State University, kicks off the summer with a lineup of student-led startups who are developing the skills and strategies needed to grow their ventures.
The six-week summer program, from May 4 – June 13, provides participating teams with $5,000 in funding, mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and industry professionals, and resources to accelerate the growth of their startups. Teams will focus on validating their ideas, connecting with potential customers and preparing for the next stage of their entrepreneurial journey to turn their ideas into scalable ventures.
MOMENTUM marks an important step forward for these seven teams as they continue building the companies they started at MSU.
Programs like MOMENTUM help Spartan founders take ideas and turn them into real ventures, providing mentorship and hands-on experience along the way.
Meet the 2026 MOMENTUM Pre- Accelerator cohort:
Coldbridge
Jinu Kang, College of Social Science
The World’s First Anti-Energy Drink
Kernex
Peter Pena, College of Engineering, Krrish Seth, College of Engineering, Aditya Jindal, College of Engineering
Kernex modernizes how coding is learned, taught, and assessed by replacing fragmented, outdated tools with a single high-performance platform built for coding education and beyond.
Zoris AI
Rahul Pataskar, College of Engineering
Zoris turns simple text into production-ready CAD drawings. It enables faster designs creation, improves material efficiency through smarter layouts, and reduces overall design costs while incorporating established engineering codes and standards.
E-Z Lift Appliances
Michael Morrone, Eli Broad College of Business
EZ-Lift Appliances makes everyday appliances more accessible and ergonomic by retrofitting existing dishwashers with the height-adjustable E-Z Lift Dishrack, reducing bending, strain, and physical barriers at a fraction of the cost of replacing the appliance.
Sapt
Benjamin Meyer, College of Engineering
Sapt deploys AI agents that run your ads, email, social, SEO, and reputation, allowing your marketing to compound while you focus on your business.
Ekos Tech LLC
Kyli Corder, College of Communication Arts & Sciences
Ekos is a smart mirror-powered salon operating system that turns every appointment into data, automates operations, and helps independent stylists and salons grow revenue through AI-driven insights
Memory Sketch
Angela Leach, Eli Broad College of Business, Jackson Simkins, Eli Broad College of Business, Cara Kitchen, (B.A ’25), Griffin Reis, (B.A '25)
We are revolutionizing how we track the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease through patient drawings.
Throughout the six-week program, founders will work closely with experienced entrepreneurs and mentors while developing the skills and strategies needed to grow their ventures. Teams will focus on validating their ideas, connecting with potential customers and preparing for the next stage of their entrepreneurial journey.
The Burgess Institute equips Spartan founders with the mindset, community and resources needed to turn ideas into real ventures. For these seven teams, the summer program marks an important step forward as they continue building the companies they started at MSU.