In this episode, we talk with Pete Martin, Director of Portfolio Management at the MSU Research Foundation, about the PitchMI competition—from the quarterfinal events held across Michigan to the championship in Lansing, where Adrenaline Interactive received a $1 million investment.
Built on firsthand operator experience, Clicki helps businesses turn referrals into a more structured and measurable way to grow—reducing reliance on paid advertising.
The MSU Research Foundation is building a connected innovation ecosystem that helps researchers and entrepreneurs across Michigan access the resources, relationships, and capital needed to turn ideas into real-world impact.
The MSU Research Foundation program has supported more than 100 startups across Michigan, helping founders move from early concepts to scalable ventures.
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Mairi Gibbs, CEO of Oxford University Innovation, about how Oxford approaches commercialization, company creation, and ecosystem development.
(Jan.-Mar. 2026) The MSU Research Foundation backed a diverse range of startups across healthcare, fintech, energy, and enterprise software sectors through its Red Cedar Ventures and Michigan Rise investment funds.
Narrated by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, this PitchMI 2026 highlight reel captures the culmination of a statewide competition that brought four top startups to Lansing to compete for a $1 million investment—reflecting the scale, momentum, and coordination behind Michigan’s growing innovation ecosystem.
Built on frontline experience, Authsnap helps healthcare providers manage and appeal denied claims—turning a manual, resource-heavy process into something scalable.
(Jan.-Mar. 2026) Four new startups joined the Foundation’s incubator facilities in East Lansing and Grand Rapids, expanding activity in artificial intelligence, software, and advanced imaging technologies.
Adrenaline Interactive of Ann Arbor, a startup specializing in dynamic in-game advertising, was named the winner of the 2026 competition which saw 375 applicants from around the state.
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