MSU Research Foundation

Our team had an incredible experience participating in the Michigan State University - Eli Broad College of Business Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC). The competition provides a hands-on learning experience, helping students to gain practical insights into venture capital, entrepreneurship, and strategic decision-making, while also helping them build professional connections. Special thanks to Denise Kay from Enspired Solutions, Surush K., Ryan Smalley, Vikram Mohan, Tom Stewart, and everyone else who made this event a success! Curious about the National VCIC Competition? Check it out here: https://bit.ly/48WnWMR

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the inaugural Energy Summit! Researchers, startups, industry leaders, and policymakers came together to explore sustainable aviation, electric vehicles, energy storage, and grid resilience. Keynotes by Kelly Williams of Eaton and Rob Threlkeld of General Motors and panels moderated by Judd Herzer of MSU Mobility, Peter Savolainen, and Annick Anctil of Michigan State University Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering provided valuable insights into Michigan's energy and mobility future. Special thanks to our advisors, Wolfgang Bauer and Mahmoodul Haq, and to the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) at Michigan State University for hosting this impactful event! Watch the highlights here: https://bit.ly/3CBGOEV #EnergySummit2024

48 HOURS LEFT TO APPLY! Ready to accelerator your startup growth and success? Applications are open for two MSU Research Foundation Conquer Accelerator programs: ?? Conquer FINANCE & INSURANCE Accelerator, powered by MSU Federal Credit Union: for financial or insurance technology startups. ?? Conquer DETROIT Accelerator, powered by Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences: for Detroit-area startups developing HealthTech products or services. Apply here: https://bit.ly/4dkoc9A

We're excited to welcome Pete Martin as our new Director of Portfolio Management! Pete is a former venture-backed founder with a passion for helping startups scale and succeed. Drawing on his entrepreneurial experience, he'll work closely with our portfolio companies to guide their growth and position them for successful exits. Known for his positive attitude, and hands-on approach, Pete is dedicated to building connections and driving results that help entrepreneurs turn their visions into reality. Please join us in welcoming Pete!

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Clifton R. Wharton, Jr., former Michigan State University President and founder of the MSU Research Foundation. Dr. Wharton’s visionary leadership created an enduring legacy on campus and laid the foundation for what the MSU Research Foundation has become today. Read more: https://bit.ly/3URRJ3h

Last week, we gathered in Detroit for the "Advancing Health Equity: Bridging the Telehealth Divide" event, hosted by Henry Ford Innovations and Premier Inc. PINC AI?. Together with dozens of community leaders, health experts, and industry innovators, organizations, we developed a better understanding of digital literacy—who lacks access and how we can help bridge the gap. Thank you to our hosts for driving this important conversation toward meaningful action and solutions!

We're excited to welcome Mike Taylor as the new Director of Venture Creation at our Grand Rapids office! Mike brings extensive experience in transforming new ideas into real-world impact at the intersection of enterprises, universities, and startups. With a unique background spanning high-tech ecosystems, complex systems, and design thinking, he’s here to drive innovation and growth in West Michigan and beyond. Mike previously worked as an Innovation Entrepreneur at Nike’s Technology Innovation Office and held key roles in research, strategy, and development at Steelcase. He also has automotive manufacturing experience with Bosch and Autocam. Please join us in welcoming Mike!

Ready to accelerator your startup growth and success? Applications are NOW OPEN for two MSU Research Foundation Conquer Accelerator programs: ?? Conquer FINANCE & INSURANCE Accelerator, powered by MSU Federal Credit Union: for financial or insurance technology startups. ?? Conquer DETROIT Accelerator, powered by Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences: for Detroit-area startups developing HealthTech products or services. Apply here: https://bit.ly/4dkoc9A

It's National STEM/STEAM Day! We're giving a HUGE shoutout to our friends at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation STEAM Ahead program. This statewide initiative provides funding to Michigan companies hiring interns in the science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) fields, creating meaningful, hands-on career experiences. STEAM Ahead supports companies of all sizes in building a strong tech talent pipeline for the future. Learn more about the STEAM Ahead program here: https://puremi.ch/3YlIqcQ

Congratulations to MSU Research Foundation Professors Jiliang Tang and Kenneth Frank, co-principal investigators on a $4.7M NSF-funded project to enhance professional development for elementary math teachers through AI-powered learning tools. Learn more about their work here: https://bit.ly/3UA52p0