Street Food Connect Promotes Collaboration Through Networking and Local Cuisine
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.
EAST LANSING, Mich. — The third annual Street Food Connect event, hosted by the MSU Research Foundation, once again delivered a flavorful experience that went beyond the local food offerings. Held on Thursday, September 26, the event brought together startups, industry professionals, Michigan State University affiliates, and student entrepreneurs for an afternoon of networking, idea exchange, and community building.
This year’s event, relocated to the TechSmith Corporation parking lot on the west side of MSU’s campus, saw a lively turnout as attendees enjoyed a diverse array of local food vendors, live music, and an inviting outdoor atmosphere. The event aimed to spark meaningful connections, foster creative conversations, and support local businesses.
"We want to create spaces that inspire innovation and build collaborations, and Street Food Connect has become a unique platform for cultivating relationships across our ecosystem,” said Jeff Smith, Director of Research Parks at the MSU Research Foundation. “By blending food, music, and conversation, we’re creating opportunities for people to share ideas.”
The food offerings were as diverse as the attendees, with local vendors like La Fajita serving authentic Mexican street food, M I Vegan offering plant-based meals with a local flair, and Noosh Afghan Cuisine sharing traditional Halal dishes. Attendees also enjoyed sweet treats from Everything Is Cheesecake. MSU student-run businesses Macaronza!, and Protein Pints added unique options with handmade macarons and high-protein ice cream.
In addition to the food, entertainment was provided by All of the Above Hip Hop Academy, a Lansing-based organization dedicated to using hip hop culture as a tool for youth empowerment, education, and creative expression. Performances featured James Gardin, lead teaching artist, emcee, and writer, alongside Josiah (“Juice”) Chavez, a DJ, producer, and sound engineer. Their music set the tone for a vibrant atmosphere while highlighting the positive impact of hip hop on community-building and personal growth.
Anum Mughal, Placemaking Manager at the MSU Research Foundation, emphasized the community-building aspect of the event. "Street Food Connect sparks creative conversations and fosters new social connections while supporting our community. We’re excited to continue creating spaces that bring people together in meaningful ways."
The Street Food Connect event was held in the Crescent Road redevelopment area, a 140-acre site that Michigan State University is transforming into a hub for innovation. The vision for this space is to connect academic research with private industry, helping accelerate the process of turning research and discoveries into real-world business solutions.
As Street Food Connect continues to grow, it remains focused toward the mission of bringing people together to share ideas, support local businesses, and strengthen the connections that drive innovation across the MSU ecosystem and beyond. Collaborators for this year’s event included TechSmith Corporation, MSU Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Startup Grind Lansing, MSU College of Engineering, Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), and the AI Club at MSU.