MSU Research Foundation’s Captive Venture Funds Close 23 Investments

EAST LANSING, Mich. — The MSU Research Foundation announced 23 new startup investments through its Red Cedar Ventures and Michigan Rise investment subsidiaries between April and June 2026.

“This quarter’s investments reflect the diversity of innovation happening across Michigan and beyond,” said Jeff Wesley, Executive Director of Michigan Rise. “From healthcare technologies and AI-powered software to advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and financial services, we’re continuing to support founders tackling meaningful challenges and building scalable businesses. These investments demonstrate our commitment to helping entrepreneurs access the capital and support they need to launch, grow, and create lasting impact.”

Investments this quarter include the following:

• Akadeum Life Sciences (akadeum.com) – Uses buoyant microbubbles to separate cells and molecules, improving sample preparation for research and clinical use.
• Adrenaline Interactive (adrenalineinteractive.ai) – Puts real-world brands into video games as part of gameplay, allowing ads to appear naturally within the experience.
• Ankra Health (ankrahealth.com) – Uses data from labs, wearables, and medical records to predict health risks early and guide actions to improve health.
• AutoSitu (autositu.com) – Uses AI to review development plans for zoning and building code issues, enabling faster approvals with fewer revisions.
• Bit-Farms (bit-farms.com) – Creates subscription-based micro-farms that help schools, restaurants, and organizations grow fresh produce on-site while reducing waste and transportation costs.
• Bloom (bloomnetwork.ai) – Connects electric mobility and hard tech companies with services that bring products to market.
• Clicki Referrals (joinclicki.com) – Enables service businesses to launch and manage referral programs that drive customer growth.
• Crebit (crebitpay.com) – Provides a stablecoin-powered payments platform for faster, lower-cost tuition and remittance payments.
• Culturewell (getculturewell.com) – Tests surfaces in healthcare facilities to identify harmful germs, assess risk, and guide cleaning to prevent infections.
• Essata Technologies (essata.io) – Provides software to manage energy use and infrastructure in commercial buildings.
• FinGoal (fingoal.com) – Provides analytics tools that help financial institutions better understand customer spending habits and deliver more personalized banking experiences.
• Jupid (jupid.com) – Embeds business formation, accounting, tax, and compliance tools into digital banking platforms for entrepreneurs.
• Luminur – Supports emergency clinicians with decision tools that reduce unnecessary CT scans in pulmonary embolism care.
• PhotoniCare (photoni.care) – Develops imaging technology to diagnose ear infections and reduce unnecessary antibiotic use.
• Promethient (thermavance.com) – Manufactures heated and cooled seating systems for industrial, commercial, and specialty use.
• Sail (savewithsail.com) – Provides an HSA/FSA reimbursement platform that enables upfront payment and automatic reimbursement.
• Side Door (sidedoorapp.com) – Offers an online platform that helps home buyers and sellers manage their own transactions with support from vetted professionals when needed.
• ScopeMed (scopemedicine.com) – Develops a nasal cannula system that improves oxygen delivery during endoscopy.
• SPARE (gotspare.com) – Provides an embedded financial services platform that expands access to banking without physical branches.
• Sit Sense – Builds automated medical recliners that reposition patients to prevent pressure injuries and reduce strain on caregivers.
• VERN AI (vernai.com) – Uses real-time emotion recognition to support applications in customer service, mental health, and other industries.
• VETR Health (vetrhealth.com) – Combines in-home veterinary care, telehealth services, and wellness plans that make pet healthcare more convenient and accessible.
• Wimee AI (wimee.tv) – Helps children build vocabulary and reading skills through an interactive learning platform featuring stories, creative activities, and guided exploration.

The MSU Research Foundation invests in early-stage technology startups through its Red Cedar Ventures and Michigan Rise family of venture funds. This coordinated approach provides capital and support from pre-seed through follow-on investment, helping startups launch, grow, and scale in Michigan.

For more information about the MSU Research Foundation’s investment funds and portfolio companies, visit msufoundation.org/venture-funds.