News, Stories, and Podcasts
News, Stories, and Podcasts
Explore updates from across the MSU innovation ecosystem, with stories about research, entrepreneurship, and partnerships that reflect the MSU Research Foundation’s role in discovery and economic development.
October 14, 2025
(July-Sept. 2025) Four new startups joined the Foundation’s incubator ecosystem this quarter, expanding innovation in digital security, healthcare, sustainability, and creative media.
October 7, 2025
Regional pitch events drew hundreds of attendees and $725,000 in additional co-investments, underscoring momentum in Michigan’s startup ecosystem.
September 25, 2025
Accelerator programs provide $20,000 investment, mentorship, and 10-week programming for Michigan startups in Grand Rapids and a new national EdTech accelerator powered by Michigan Virtual.
September 22, 2025
Four regional pitch events will showcase Michigan’s most promising innovators, with winners advancing to the statewide championship in April 2026.
September 18, 2025
Licensing royalties from the life-saving cisplatin treatment have generated more than $400 million for research, startup investment, and innovation programs led by the MSU Research Foundation.
September 8, 2025
In this episode, we talk with Pete Martin, Director of Portfolio Management at the MSU Research Foundation, about the launch of PitchMI, a statewide startup pitch competition awarding up to $1.25 million in investment.
September 2, 2025
With two $1.25M grand prizes and tailored regional spotlights, PitchMI will deliver among the largest startup investments in the U.S., exclusively for Michigan-based founders.
August 26, 2025
Hosted by the MSU Research Foundation and MSU Mobility, the inaugural summit convened researchers, innovators, and partners to advance Michigan’s role as a living testbed for next-generation mobility solutions.
August 19, 2025
Funded projects include next-generation vaccine design, low-cost biomedical diamond nanoparticles, and a proposed national physics center to explore new forces of nature.
August 11, 2025
In this episode, we talk with Jeff Wesley, Executive Director of Ventures at the MSU Research Foundation, about a high-impact quarter of startup activity and the launch of two new venture funds designed to strengthen Michigan’s early-stage ecosystem.
August 5, 2025
MSU Research Foundation portfolio company joins global technology group, reinforcing startup momentum in Michigan.
July 30, 2025
In this episode, we talk with Chad Bassett, COO of BAMF Health, about how the company is transforming cancer care and clinical trials through advanced imaging, radiopharmaceuticals, and AI.
July 23, 2025
The Henry Ford + MSU Innovation Hub is a collaboration between Henry Ford Innovations and MSU Research Foundation meant to transform groundbreaking discoveries into real-world clinical solutions that improve care delivery, consumer access and patient experience.
July 22, 2025
Backed by the MSU Research Foundation and Lansing Regional SmartZone, the Conquer East Lansing Accelerator helps high-growth, Michigan-based startups gain traction and prepare for investment.
July 18, 2025
The new Michigan Rise Evergreen Fund will expand the MSU Research Foundation’s capacity to back pre-seed startups across Michigan—and reinvest returns to support future entrepreneurs.
July 17, 2025
(April-June 2025) The MSU Research Foundation backs a diverse range of startups through its Red Cedar Ventures and Michigan Rise Pre-Seed III investment funds, supporting companies in biotech, agtech, digital platforms, and more.
July 15, 2025
(April-June 2025) The MSU Research Foundation welcomed seven startup businesses to incubator facilities in East Lansing and Grand Rapids. Companies specializing in industries, from cancer therapeutics to AI-powered cybersecurity, add to the region’s growing high-tech innovation ecosystem.
July 14, 2025
In this episode, we talk with Jon Barada, vice president of IU Ventures, about how Indiana University is building a thriving startup ecosystem powered by alumni engagement and early-stage venture funding.
June 30, 2025
In this episode, we talk with Peter Falzon, president and CEO of Ripple Science, a clinical trials software company that spun out of a university and now serves researchers around the world.
June 26, 2025
Cogrounded helps education experts bring high-quality programs, curricula, and training tools into the hands of the people they were designed for.
June 24, 2025
New 10-week program will support early-stage startups developing K-12, secondary, and workforce development technologies with funding, training, and mentorship.
June 23, 2025
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Tom Guarr, founder and CTO of Jolt Energy Storage Technologies, a Michigan-based startup developing organic compounds for redox flow batteries.
June 10, 2025
Entrepreneur, investor, and MSU alumnus Rick Lasch joins the MSU Research Foundation board, bringing startup experience and a history of supporting the university.
June 9, 2025
By David Washburn, Chief Executive Officer, MSU Research Foundation VIEWPOINT — [...]
June 5, 2025
A decade of ecosystem-building by MSU, the Foundation, and regional partners is helping position Greater Lansing as a competitive hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
June 3, 2025
With support from the MSU Research Foundation, the upgraded Core is helping MSU researchers pursue complex, cross-disciplinary challenges.
June 2, 2025
In this episode, we talk with Nick Farina and Dr. Johannes Pollanen of EeroQ, a quantum computing startup with roots at Michigan State University.
May 27, 2025
Laura Lee McIntyre will join MSU as provost and MSU Research Foundation Professor, bringing experience in education, behavioral health, and university leadership to help guide the university’s academic mission and research priorities.
May 20, 2025
New platform showcases the growth of the Foundation’s startup portfolio, provides a curated path into Michigan’s innovation ecosystem, and supports long-term talent retention across the state.
May 15, 2025
The nonprofit foundation’s $75 million designation to the campaign reinforces its decades-long partnership with Michigan State University, advancing research, innovation, and student success through strategic funding over the next eight years.
May 13, 2025
Indapta Therapeutics reports 90%+ tumor marker reduction in early trials—without the dangerous side effects of CAR T-cell therapies.
May 12, 2025
Dr. Mark Frohlich never set out to build a lean [...]
May 5, 2025
When Bruno Basso stepped off the plane in Michigan as [...]
May 5, 2025
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Mark Frohlich, CEO of Indapta Therapeutics, a biotech company working to make cancer treatment safer, more effective, and more accessible.
April 28, 2025
In a world awash with data, the most valuable innovations [...]
April 28, 2025
Built on MSU technology, Bruno Basso’s company CIBO Technologies helps global brands turn agricultural data into measurable environmental outcomes.
April 22, 2025
(January-March 2025) MSU Research Foundation backs a diverse range of startups through its Red Cedar Ventures and Michigan Rise Pre-Seed III investment funds, supporting companies in healthcare, fintech, education mobility and more.
April 21, 2025
In part two of our conversation with Bruno Basso, professor at Michigan State University and co-founder of CIBO Technologies, we explore what it takes to scale scientific innovation into a venture-backed company.
April 15, 2025
Hosted by the MSU Research Foundation, the event showcased Michigan’s leadership in advanced packaging and brought together regional partners to explore innovation, public-private collaboration, and the future of materials recovery and reuse.
April 15, 2025
(January-March 2025) MSU Research Foundation welcomed three startup businesses to incubator facilities in East Lansing. Companies specializing in medical devices, neonatal care, and protein therapeutics add to the region’s growing high-tech innovation ecosystem.
April 15, 2025
Before founding Genomenon, Dr. Mark Kiel was a researcher at [...]
April 14, 2025
In part one of this two-part episode, we talk with Bruno Basso, professor at Michigan State University and co-founder of CIBO Technologies, a company using advanced modeling to help farmers make smarter decisions that improve both productivity and environmental outcomes.
April 8, 2025
The MSU Research Foundation and Broad College of Business announce this year’s student-selected investments, backing Michigan startups in eco-friendly packaging, wearable health tech, and pet wellness.
April 7, 2025
In a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in San Diego, [...]
April 3, 2025
Open to everyone, the MSU Research Foundation event celebrated women’s contributions to tech while inviting broader conversations on innovation, sustainability, AI in healthcare, and the future of entrepreneurship.
March 31, 2025
In this episode, we talk with Mike Klein, CEO of Genomenon, a genomics intelligence company helping researchers and clinicians make sense of vast amounts of genetic data.
March 18, 2025
With nearly $5.8M deployed, the two-year-old financing program, backed by the MSU Research Foundation, is proving essential for Michigan-based startups.
February 27, 2025
MSU Research Foundation Professor Elena Litchman Investigates Impact of Climate Change on Gut Health
Litchman’s research examines how climate-driven disruptions to gut microbiomes could affect health, especially in vulnerable populations.
February 24, 2025
Silicon Valley has long been the epicenter of tech innovation, [...]
February 17, 2025
The path from university research to successful startup can be [...]
February 12, 2025
Physician-scientist Charles Hong, MD, PhD, is honored for his research on disease pathways and his work to develop new treatments for cancer, heart disease, and other serious conditions.
February 10, 2025
In this episode we talk with James Klausner, professor of mechanical engineering at MSU and co-founder of Redoxblox, a startup developing thermochemical energy storage solutions.
February 6, 2025
The MSU Research Foundation honors the memory of former board member Gary L. Seevers, who passed away on February 1, 2025, at 87.
January 30, 2025
With early support from the MSU Research Foundation, MSU professor Johannes Pollanen launched EeroQ to turn quantum research into a scalable startup with potential applications in fields like drug discovery.
January 28, 2025
Conquer Accelerator programs offer funding, mentorship, and networking to grow finance, insurance, and health tech businesses in Michigan.
January 23, 2025
With support from the MSU Research Foundation and MSU Technologies, professor Ruby Ghosh launched Opti O2 to commercialize a durable, low-maintenance sensor that delivers real-time insight into water health.
January 21, 2025
(October-December 2024) The Michigan State University Research Foundation backs a diverse range of startups through its Red Cedar Ventures and Michigan Rise Pre-Seed III investment funds, supporting companies in healthcare, education, consumer products, and more.
January 17, 2025
Jeff Wesley, Executive Director of Ventures at the MSU Research Foundation, joins the Michigan Venture Capital Association board to advance Michigan's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
January 13, 2025
Governor Signs Michigan Innovation Fund Bills, Creating $60M Program to Support Startups in Michigan
MSU Research Foundation among key partners advancing program to create self-sustaining nonprofit early-stage funds and strengthen Michigan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
January 9, 2025
(October-December 2024) The MSU Research Foundation welcomed three startup businesses to incubator facilities in the Lansing capital region and Grand Rapids. Companies specializing in media, manufacturing technology, and AI-driven contract management add to high-tech innovation ecosystem.
January 7, 2025
MSU Research Foundation Professor Teresa K. Woodruff has been awarded the National Medal of Science, the nation’s highest scientific honor. A pioneer in oncofertility, Woodruff's work has advanced reproductive health, fertility preservation, and science mentorship globally.
December 19, 2024
TechSmith Corporation founder, Bill Hamilton, was a visionary leader whose innovations, community contributions, and commitment to his team created a lasting impact on East Lansing and beyond.
December 17, 2024
MSU Research Foundation and MSU Technologies hosted the second annual AgTech Summit at the Great Lakes EXPO, exploring emerging technologies, fostering partnerships, and addressing sustainability challenges in Michigan’s agricultural sector.
December 16, 2024
HARP Development and Production Awards recognize faculty for their creative and performance-based contributions to the humanities and arts, with support from the MSU Research Foundation.
December 12, 2024
PBS series from WKAR at Michigan State University explores AI’s influence on creativity, medicine, education, and democracy.
December 4, 2024
Participation in MIT’s global program highlights a commitment to advancing innovation-driven entrepreneurship, with MSU Research Foundation Director of Research Parks, Jeff Smith, among the leaders shaping the effort.
November 26, 2024
Annual report highlights $11.8 million in grants, support for over 180 startups, and advancements in Michigan’s innovation ecosystem.
November 19, 2024
Foundation Professor Sue Rhee Among MSU Researchers Tackling Global Food Challenges with NSF Support
MSU has been selected as one of six institutions to lead an $82 million NSF-funded Global Center, with its International Research Center for Enhancing Plant Resilience focusing on genomics and plant resilience to address food insecurity.
November 18, 2024
Former MSU President and Founder of the MSU Research Foundation remembered for his leadership in higher education, business, and philanthropy.
November 12, 2024
Hosted by the MSU Research Foundation, the summit brought together researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to explore sustainable aviation, electric vehicles, energy storage, and grid resilience solutions for Michigan’s energy future.
November 7, 2024
Entrepreneurship program leverages Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences Partnership with focus on healthcare entrepreneurship.
November 1, 2024
MSU Research Foundation portfolio company mission will showcase technology for safer, more sustainable space operations through advanced orbital debris removal and relocation capabilities.
October 31, 2024
MSU Research Foundation portfolio company is commercializing thermochemical energy storage technology developed at Michigan State University
October 29, 2024
Former MSU trustee and Research Foundation board member passes at 85, leaving a legacy in business, media, and community development.
October 24, 2024
Applications open for 10-week program of education, insight, investment in 2025
October 22, 2024
Co-principal investigators Jiliang Tang and Kenneth Frank help lead a $4.7M NSF-funded project to enhance professional development for elementary math teachers through AI-powered learning tools.
October 17, 2024
(July-September 2024) The MSU Research Foundation welcomed four startup businesses to incubator facilities in the Lansing capital region and Grand Rapids. Companies specializing in BioTech, AgTech, and AI add to high-tech innovation ecosystem.
October 15, 2024
(July-September 2023) The Michigan State University Research Foundation backs a diverse range of startups through its Red Cedar Ventures and Michigan Rise Pre-Seed III investment funds, supporting companies in healthcare, energy, AgTech, and more.
October 8, 2024
Hosted by the MSU Research Foundation, the summit brought together experts and industry leaders to discuss quantum computing, cybersecurity, AI ethics, and the latest advancements in data science.
October 1, 2024
MSU Research Foundation event draws local entrepreneurs, students, and professionals together for an afternoon of networking, collaboration, and local culinary experiences and entertainment on the Michigan State University campus.
September 24, 2024
Designed by SmithGroup for TechSmith and the MSU Research Foundation, the award-winning headquarters on Michigan State University’s campus emphasizes well-being, environmental stewardship, flexible workspaces, and energy-efficient systems.
September 17, 2024
MSU Research Foundation program offers funding, mentorship, and networking to Michigan-based entrepreneurs, plus hands-on experience for entrepreneurship-focused interns.
September 10, 2024
The MSU Board of Trustees has approved a planning study for a new community-oriented venue that would include a hotel, retail space, and athletic arena, located near the proposed innovation center being developed by the MSU Research Foundation.
September 10, 2024
The MSU Research Foundation seeks to develop a multi-tenant innovation center within the Crescent Road redevelopment area to foster entrepreneurship and technology transfer.
September 10, 2024
MSU’s Board of Trustees has approved the construction of a $200 million Plant and Environmental Sciences Building to enhance research in food security and climate adaptation, supported in part by a grant from the MSU Research Foundation.
August 20, 2024
MSU Research Foundation coworking and incubator spaces are fueling startup success by fostering collaboration, creativity, and community. Discover how these environments are transforming innovative ideas into thriving businesses like Ride YourWay, Michigan's top non-emergency medical transportation provider.
August 13, 2024
The Michigan State University Research Foundation has committed $11.8 million for the 2024-2025 academic year, matching the previous year's grant, to support key programs at Michigan State University, including technology commercialization, faculty recruitment, and research initiatives.
August 6, 2024
Researchers from the Brandizzi lab at Michigan State University discovered two proteins that work in tandem when dealing with life-and-death decisions in plants, offering new insights into improving plant resilience.
August 6, 2024
East Lansing program offers funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities to grow new businesses in any industry, while SBIR/STTR grant-writing program focuses on highly technical companies needing additional research to commercialize their technology.
July 23, 2024
Success stories from Enspired Solutions, Great Lakes Crystal Technologies, and the MSU Research Foundation reveal how internships and mentorship are critical in developing and retaining high-tech talent in the region.
July 16, 2024
(April-June 2024) The Michigan State University Research Foundation backs a diverse range of startups through its Red Cedar Ventures and Michigan Rise Pre-Seed III investment funds, spanning from cybersecurity and healthcare to AI, renewable energy, financial technology, and more.
July 9, 2024
(April-June 2024) The MSU Research Foundation welcomed eight startup businesses to incubator facilities in the Lansing capital region and Grand Rapids. Companies specializing in sustainable materials, robotics, and hydrogen technology add to high-tech innovation ecosystem.
July 2, 2024
The Michigan State University Research Foundation and Michigan State University will fund programs for prostate cancer therapy, polycrystalline diamond membranes for space-based communications, and advanced AI for early disease diagnostics.
February 7, 2024
MoveFactorX founders, Scott Damman and Ivan Kim, combine sports performance and technology to create movement health solutions that reach beyond elite athletics.
