Startup Guide

I am a MSU faculty member or researcher with a startup that I want to scale.

Your first stop is MSU Technologies (MSUT), the technology transfer office at Michigan State University and one of three pillars of the MSU Innovation Center. MSUT’s Tech Managers help translate research into real-world impact by guiding the commercialization of inventions and copyrightable materials.

If your technology originated at MSU, it will follow a structured commercialization path. Whether you're disclosing an invention or already forming a startup, we're here to support you at any stage.

Find your MSU tech manager here.

MSU Commercialization Path

Resources

  • Startup Development

    Whether a faculty member with a newly discovered invention or an early-stage startup with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), the MSU Research Foundation can help develop and commercialize your new venture.

    The MSU Research Foundation assists startups at every stage, offering guidance on intellectual property (IP) analysis and strategy, research and grant support, market assessment, business plan development, company formation, commercialization, funding access, and ongoing mentorship.

    >> STARTUP SERVICES

    ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

    MSU Programs

    ADVANCE Grant – Early-stage funding for technology commercialization

    Targeted Support Grant for Technology Development (TSGTD) – Supports technology validation and development

    Strategic Partnership Grant (SPG) – Funds collaborative research with commercialization potential

    State of Michigan Programs

    Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – Supports high-tech startups and economic growth through funding, commercialization programs, and business resources.

    Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization (MTRAC) – Funding for university-based technology commercialization

    Michigan University Innovation Capital Fund (MUICF) – Investment for early-stage university startups

    Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) – Business consulting and mentorship

    Statewide Regional Support Programs – Various local startup resources

    Federal and National Resources

    BBCetc – SBIR/STTR grant writing support

    Small Business Administration (SBA) – Resources for starting and scaling a business

  • Accelerator Programs

    Startups with a Proof of Concept (POC) or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) may be eligible for the Conquer Accelerator, a 10-week program run by the MSU Research Foundation. Participants receive a $20,000 investment, mentorship from over 40 industry experts, and access to collaborative workspaces. The program provides personalized coaching, a structured curriculum, and hands-on support to help startups refine their business models and gain traction.

    >> CONQUER ACCELERATOR

  • Funding

    Bringing a technology to market requires capital, and startups have several funding options to explore:

    NON-DILUTIVE FUNDING

    These funding sources provide capital without requiring startups to give up equity.

    Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) & Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Grants – Federal programs that support early-stage technology commercialization. The MSU Research Foundation offers support in identifying and applying for these grants.

    Business Accelerator Funds (BAF) – Available through Michigan’s SmartZone network, these funds cover third-party specialized services to help startups grow. The MSU Research Foundation manages or co-manages the Grand Rapids and Lansing BAF programs.

    DILUTIVE FUNDING

    Investors provide capital in exchange for equity.

    Angel Investors typically invest smaller amounts in early-stage companies.

    Venture Capitalists invest larger amounts for a more significant ownership stake.

    The MSU Research Foundation offers two key venture capital resources through its Red Cedar Ventures and Michigan Rise funds.

    >> RED CEDAR VENTURES

    >> MICHIGAN RISE

  • Incubators & Co-working

    Having the right space is critical for startup success. The MSU Research Foundation provides incubators and co-working spaces designed to support early-stage ventures, foster corporate innovation, and strengthen research partnerships with MSU. These spaces offer access to mentorship, specialized programming, office space, and collaboration opportunities to help startups scale.

    EAST LANSING

    A network of incubators and co-working spaces supporting startups in various industries:

    VanCamp Incubator– Provides lab and office space for tech-based startups.

    Technology Innovation Center (TIC) – A co-working space offering business resources and community support for high-tech startups.

    The MSU Hatch – A student incubator supporting MSU student entrepreneurs with workspace, mentorship, and funding opportunities.

    UNIVERSITY HEALTH PARK

    A growing medical hub that supports innovation in healthcare and life sciences:

    McLaren Greater Lansing– A state-of-the-art medical facility fostering collaboration between healthcare professionals and innovators.

    Alliance Incubator – Provides office and lab space for health-tech and medical startups.

    MSU Medical Services Building – Houses MSU’s clinical and research facilities, creating opportunities for medical innovation.

    GRAND RAPIDS

    A hub for MedTech and healthcare innovation:

    The Bridge Incubator – Located within the Doug Meijer Medical Innovation Building, this incubator provides mentorship, programming, and office space through a collaboration between the MSU Research Foundation, MSU College of Human Medicine, and Grand Rapids SmartZone LDFA.

    DETROIT

    A center for mobility, healthcare, and emerging technologies:

    MSU Research Foundation office within NewLab @ Michigan Central – A partnership with Henry Ford Innovations, offering startups mentorship, industry connections, and investment opportunities.

FAQs

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New to the startup world? Our Glossary of Startup and Venture Terms explains key concepts and jargon to help you navigate this exciting journey.