Ahead of the PitchMI Championship, founders work with stylist Arturo Garcia to explore how personal style connects to confidence, presence, and brand identity. They experiment with looks that reflect who they are, how they show up on stage, and how first impressions shape the pitch.
Ahead of the PitchMI Championship, founders work with branding expert Hien Lam to refine how they present their companies—focusing on clarity, connection, and the story behind the pitch. The session pushes them to think more intentionally about how their ideas come across and how to communicate them on stage.
Ahead of the PitchMI Championship, founders step outside their comfort zones in an improv workshop with Marc Evan Jackson, actor and co-founder of the Detroit Creativity Project, building confidence, adaptability, and communication skills that matter just as much as the pitch itself.
The Women of Innovation Summit brought together founders, investors, researchers, and industry leaders to explore how women are shaping innovation across sectors, hosted by the MSU Research Foundation with support from the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) and Lansing Regional SmartZone.
The Data Science + AI Summit brought together researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to explore how agentic AI is transforming the workforce and accelerating innovation, hosted by the MSU Research Foundation and sponsored by Google Cloud and Delta Dental of Michigan.
Four PitchMI regional events in Grand Rapids, Traverse City, Detroit, and Ann Arbor showcased Michigan’s most promising innovators, drawing hundreds of attendees and $725,000 in additional co-investments. Winners advance to the $1 million statewide championship in April 2026.
Introducing the 20 startup teams selected to compete in the PitchMI regional events, where founders present their ideas, connect with investors, and compete for a place in the statewide championship awarding an additional $1 million.
The MSU Research Foundation supports Grand Rapids startups through venture funding, startup services, and community connections—helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into scalable companies in Michigan.
The Bridge is a startup incubator within the Doug Meijer Medical Innovation Building, offering collaborative space, structured support, and connections to capital, customers, and peers—anchored in the heart of Grand Rapids’ Medical Mile.
Launched by the MSU Research Foundation and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan Rise is an early-stage investment fund providing capital, mentorship, and connections to help founders scale and strengthen Michigan’s innovation economy.
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