Our History

The Desai Accelerator was founded in 2013 to expand the growing Ann Arbor technology startup community. With support from our generous benefactors at the Desai Sethi Family Foundation, the Desai Accelerator was created as a joint initiative between Zell Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies at Michigan Ross and the Center for Entrepreneurship at the College of Engineering at the University of Michigan. Equipped with resources from both the University and the city of Ann Arbor, the Desai Accelerator is able to help entrepreneurs build their businesses and maximize their potential.

Our Partners

The Samuel Zell & Robert H. Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies and Center for Venture Capital and Private Equity advances the knowledge and practice of entrepreneurship and innovation through a broad range of activities, including academics, symposium, competitions, and global community outreach. The Institute is the foremost resource for students and alumni of the Stephen M. Ross School of Business as they pursue entrepreneurial endeavors and private equity careers.

The Institute’s innovative approach to experiential learning - combined with the Business School's traditional management excellence - encourages and nurtures students exploring entrepreneurial careers to succeed, autonomously or in a corporate setting, as leaders for new venture creation and growth.