ManuTech Incubator
The ManuTech Incubator helps Michigan's high-tech startups navigate the programs, resources, and funding mechanisms required to advance from idea to commercial scale.
2
Companies Served
24
Jobs Created
$65K
Follow On Funding
12+
Products Commercialized
You're building something real — but the path forward isn't obvious
Ecosystem Overload
"There are dozens of Michigan resources I should be using, but I don't know where to start or which ones actually fit my stage."
Milestone Ambiguity
"I know I need to hit specific technology and commercial milestones before the next funding round, but I don't have a clear roadmap."
The Startup Reality
Building a hardware or software company is hard enough without trying to also figure out the funding stack, partnership stack, and milestone framework alone.
Are you ready to advance your startup?
If you're a Michigan-based hardware or software founder looking for milestone-driven support, you're in the right place. Our team will help you identify your current stage, map your next milestones, and connect you to the right programs, partners, and capital.
How to engage through ManuTech
Who is ManuTech for?
We focus on helping Michigan based high-tech hardware, software, and advanced manufacturing founders. Whether you're early prototype or scaling production, ManuTech Incubator is built for you.
What do I get?
Access to hardware prototyping labs at the AMTC, engineering EIRs, TRL/MRL/CRL readiness scoring, state-backed manufacturing grants, Tier 1 supply chain partners, and dedicated coworking space.
How do I apply?
Click the Apply button to start your intake. Our team will review your application, schedule an intake meeting, score your technology and commercial readiness, and map out your incubation milestones.
A maker space for Michigan's next generation of tech
Through our partnership with the Jackson Area Manufacturers Association and The Shop Rat Foundation, ManuTech Incubator clients have the opportunity to apply for membership at the Advanced Manufacturing Training Center (AMTC) — a working space built for startups that need more than a desk.
Space + Labs for Every Stage
Full shop floor with CNC, manual machining, welding equipment, and warehouse racking when you need to prototype or build hardware.
A Network You Can't Build Alone
Embed directly in an ecosystem of machine shops, tooling suppliers, technicians, and skilled trades across Southern Michigan.
Downtown Coworking Included
AMTC membership comes with full access to Lean Rocket Lab's downtown Jackson coworking hub, conference rooms, and focus pods.
Technology & manufacturing readiness
For deep tech and hardware founders, skipping stages is catastrophic. We evaluate your startup across DoD/NASA-backed Technology Readiness Levels (TRL 1–9) and Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRL 1–9) before mapping your capital needs.
Technology Readiness
From basic scientific research to proven commercial demonstration. Validates software, firmware, and tech architecture.
Manufacturing Readiness
Based on DoD frameworks. Proves repeatability, tooling, unit economics, supply chain, and full-rate production.
The 4-step Milestone Acceleration Loop
Our continuous growth cadence — reviewed and rescored quarterly.
AI Intake & Scoring
Complete our intake form. Our AI-assisted intake engine scores your business against TRL, MRL, CRL, or MSRL scales.
Intake Meeting & Map
Meet one-on-one with our leadership. We deep-dive into your numbers and define 3–5 pivotal, achievable milestones.
Ecosystem Connection
Get plugged into the exact programs, EIR mentors, grants, and collectives tailored to hit your milestone goals.
Quarterly Rescoring
Accomplish your milestones, return each quarter to re-score your readiness levels, and unlock the next tier of growth capital.
ManuTech Incubator team & experts
The coaches, experts in residence, and team members guiding ManuTech Incubator.
Zach Kraabel is Director of Operations at Lean Rocket Lab in Jackson, Michigan. He specializes in go-to-market strategy for manufacturing startups, technology vetting and market research, and connecting Michigan manufacturers with contract-manufacturing partners. He has helped vet 400+ startups and build partnerships with small manufacturers and Fortune 500 OEMs.
Steve Tebbetts is the owner of STEAM Services LLC, an engineering consultancy in Tecumseh, Michigan that provides advanced manufacturing engineering, project management, operations consulting, contract engineering and technology scouting. He brings 30 years of hands-on manufacturing experience, from running injection molding lines to leading new model launches and lean improvement programs for automotive suppliers including Visteon, INOAC Interior Systems and Summit Polymers, plus a year as Business Solutions Manager at the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center. A Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and Certified Master Molder with a mechanical engineering degree from Western Michigan University, Steve helps manufacturers succeed by helping the people in their companies succeed.
Joe is an automotive engineer turned entrepreneur, mayor, and leadership guide. Over his career in the tech and automotive sector, he earned promotions, a patent, and industry recognition for his engineering work. After navigating an industry downturn, Joe took the same tools, training, and strategies that made him successful in engineering and applied them to leadership in a new arena—founding HomeGrown Leadership, where he helps people lead with the same rigor, communication, and goal-setting they use at work. Today, as a small-city mayor and entrepreneur, Joe brings an engineer's mindset to building strong teams, clear systems, and resilient communities.
Brandon is the visionary founder of Lean Rocket Lab, driven by a passion for nurturing and empowering startup companies. With a relentless commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurial success, Brandon has created a thriving ecosystem within Lean Rocket Lab.
Leland is one of our EIR's at Lean Rocket Lab. Leland has a diverse skill set spanning business analytics, software development, manufacturing, and technology. With a wealth of knowledge and experience in these pivotal areas, Leland is a valuable asset to the Lean Rocket Lab community, providing invaluable insights and guidance to fellow members and entrepreneurs.
Brandon Bartel is a sales and revenue-growth professional currently at SWYFT Solutions, where the focus is on guiding innovative startups and growing manufacturing teams. He specializes in sales coaching and strategy, a client testimonial credits him with helping develop a sales playbook that nearly doubled the business year-over-year. He's also active in the Jackson, Michigan community, having served on the Drive Jackson Key Leadership Committee, which fits with the local focus of your funders project.
Upcoming ManuTech Incubator events
Workshops, bootcamps, and gatherings tied to ManuTech Incubator.
Manutech LIVE Innovation Experience 2026
See live demos, manufacturing technology, prototyping, innovation, and training at Jackson's AMTC.
Advanced Manufacturing Training Center, 3517 Scheele Drive, Jackson, MI 49202
RegisterManuTech Incubator resources
Curated software, services, and support available to ManuTech Incubator participants.
Free business consulting/workshops
Intellectual Property Specialists
Jackson advanced manufacturing training facility
Hands-on SBIR/STTR proposal and grant support
Startup and gap funding for life sciences ventures
Meet our clients
See and hear from past and current clients!