Japanese Startups Look to the U.S. Midwest for Expansion as JETRO Selects Industry 4.0 Accelerator to Lead Manufacturing Tech Program

The Industry 4.0 Accelerator

133 W Michigan Ave

Jackson, MI 49201

www.i40accelerator.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 30, 2025

The Industry 4.0 Accelerator, a joint initiative of Lean Rocket Lab and the Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological University, has been selected by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) to lead its Global Startup Acceleration Program (GSAP) focused on ManufacturingTech and HardTech innovation. 

Through this program, 15–20 Japanese startups developing advanced technologies in 

hardware, advanced manufacturing, mobility, electrification, automated systems, advanced materials, IoT, and AI enabled hardware will participate in a multi-stage acceleration initiative designed to build pathways into the U.S. market—with Michigan and the broader Midwest serving as a primary landing zone for commercialization, investment, and long-term growth.

“Michigan and the Midwest represent a global hub for industrial innovation and production,” said Brandon Marken, CEO of Lean Rocket Lab. “This program not only creates opportunities for international startups but also strengthens our regional ecosystem by attracting cutting-edge technologies, new business models, and future-oriented manufacturing partnerships.”

Connecting Global Innovation with Regional Opportunity

The program will guide participating startups through a structured series of virtual and in-person engagements focused on market entry strategy, customer discovery, and business development. Participants will engage directly with manufacturers, investors, system integrators, and other potential customers and partners through curated experiences in Jackson and Detroit MI. 

This initiative will be spearheaded by Michael Magdich, Vice President of Business Development and an Expert in Residence at the Industry 4.0 Accelerator. Michael has deep expertise in Industry 4.0 and HardTech technologies, and extensive experience supporting Japanese and American companies in navigating cross-border business.

The program offers:

• Virtual Training: Focused on North American market dynamics, sales strategy, IP protection, and capital raising.

• U.S. Immersion Week: In-person sessions in key Midwest cities, including pitch events, facility tours, B2B meetings, and strategic networking.

• Ongoing Mentoring: Targeted mentoring throughout the 12 week program will provide the right level of support for each startups journey.

Program Timeline:

• Startup Selection: May 2025

• Japan Bootcamp: July 2025

• Virtual Sessions: August-September 2025

• U.S. Immersion Week: September 29 - October 3, 2025

Building a Bridge Between Japan and the U.S. Industrial Core

This initiative reflects the growing interest among global startups to access the U.S. Midwest’s manufacturing base—not just as a customer market, but as a launchpad for scale, innovation, and collaboration.

“The Industry 4.0 Accelerator is uniquely positioned to help these companies navigate the North American ecosystem,” said Dan Radomski, Executive Director of the Centrepolis Accelerator. “We bring together the technical resources, business expertise, and deep relationships with industry that are necessary to build meaningful traction in the manufacturing sector.”

About the Industry 4.0 Accelerator The Industry 4.0 Accelerator is a specialized commercialization program supporting early- and growth-stage companies in manufacturing, hardtech, and digital transformation. It is powered by Lean Rocket Lab, a Michigan-based innovation hub with a focus on go-to-market and growth strategy, and the Centrepolis Accelerator, a product development and engineering resource center located at Lawrence Technological University.

About JETRO The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) is a government-related agency that promotes mutual trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world. Through its Global Startup Acceleration Program, JETRO partners with leading innovation organizations to support the global scale-up of Japanese technology startups.

Media Contact: 

Zach Kraabel 

Lean Rocket Lab 

Email: zach@i40accelerator.com 

Phone: (618) 795-3023

Learn more about the program at www.i40accelerator.com