MSU Trustees Authorize Long-Term Land Lease Negotiation with MSU Research Foundation
The MSU Research Foundation seeks to develop a multi-tenant innovation center within the Crescent Road redevelopment area to foster entrepreneurship and technology transfer.
The new innovation center would be located adjacent to the TechSmith Corporation headquarters, which was also developed by the MSU Research Foundation, within the Crescent Road redevelopment area. Work on the innovation center project is ongoing.
EAST LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan State University Board of Trustees has authorized university administration to negotiate a long-term ground lease and development agreement with the MSU Research Foundation for approximately 5 acres in the Crescent Road redevelopment area. This agreement will facilitate the development of a new facility that will serve as a multi-tenant innovation center.
The MSU Research Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, supports the Michigan State University innovation ecosystem by advancing entrepreneurship and accelerating technology transfer. The Foundation plans to create a new facility that will house startup companies and corporations collaborating with the university to bring new technologies to market. The innovation center, located adjacent to TechSmith Corporation, aims to support MSU’s research and innovation ecosystem, benefiting both the Greater Lansing community and the state of Michigan.
“Our vision is to create an innovation center in the Greater Lansing area that acts as a hub for research, innovation, and commercialization,” said David Washburn, Executive Director of the MSU Research Foundation. “The facility and its extensive programming will foster growth and collaboration among science companies within the MSU ecosystem, in alignment with MSU’s strategic plan.”
With this investment, the MSU Research Foundation aims to:
Integrate and connect with the innovation ecosystem, including a portfolio of venture-backed startups, MSU’s corporate research partners, students, and faculty researchers.
Incorporate a complementary mix of uses, with an open-access ground floor for showcases, events, co-working, and other communal activities.
Ensure a dynamic and adaptable layout to accommodate flexible tenant and use scenarios that are welcoming to all.
Support the physical and mental well-being of staff, tenants, guests, and users to inspire discovery and collaboration.
Foster a healthy and sustainable environment in mid-Michigan where individuals at all stages of life and career can thrive.
In 2018, MSU began planning the redevelopment of the Crescent Road property, a 140-acre area between Mount Hope Road and Trowbridge Road (north and south) and Harrison Road and U.S. 127 (east and west). In Spring of 2023, the university renewed its planning efforts to align the property master plan with its broader vision.
The Crescent Road property will become a space that connects academic research with private industry, creating a central hub that accelerates discovery and innovation with direct business applications. This development aims to spur new business growth and technology transfer while serving as an economic development engine for the local region. The project will cluster liked-minded industry partners near relevant areas of strengths within MSU’s research portfolio, making Crescent Road an attractive destination for world-class researchers and companies.
Work on this project is ongoing.