The MSU Research Foundation carries out much of its work through several wholly owned subsidiary organizations:

• Spartan Innovations: Venture creation services
• Red Cedar Ventures: Seed-stage venture fund
• Michigan Rise: Pre-seed fund (in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation)
• Research Parks: Real estate and placemaking initiatives

These subsidiaries are legal business entities but operate much like departments within the Foundation. They do not have separate branding, websites, or social media channels.

Always prioritize the MSU Research Foundation name and logo in communications. This reflects the unified mission and overarching goals of the organization.

Use appositive constructions when referencing a subsidiary by name (e.g., “Spartan Innovations, a venture creation subsidiary of the MSU Research Foundation, has achieved…”).

The MSU Research Foundation logo is the primary visual symbol of our brand identity. Subsidiary logos should be used only in limited cases, such as:

• Legal documents or contracts involving the subsidiary as a legal entity
• Employment agreements specific to the subsidiary
• Instances showcasing the Foundation’s collective support strength, where multiple logos appear together (e.g., the Foundation logo alongside subsidiary logos)

By following these guidelines, we maintain the integrity and unity of the MSU Research Foundation brand while recognizing the specific roles and legal identities of its subsidiaries.