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The MSU Research Foundation is focused on helping Michigan State University achieve its objectives around economic development through the technology transfer and commercialization of intellectual property created by its faculty, staff, and students. Hear from David Washburn, CEO of the MSU Research Foundation, as he discusses the MSU Research Foundation and how they manage an endowment built from decades of licensing revenue. Through their subsidiary organizations: Spartan Innovations, Red Cedar Ventures, Michigan Rise Pre-Seed Fund III, and Research Parks – the MSU Research Foundation is a key partner in the Michigan State University innovation ecosystem along with MSU Business Connect and MSU Technologies. In addition to providing over $10 million in research funding at MSU annually, this non-profit is focused on technology commercialization, economic development, and placemaking.
Originally uploaded April 23, re-edited July 11th. Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Jordan Turner, Economic Development Coordinator, Grand Rapids SmartZone, Grand Rapids, MI. The Grand Rapids SmartZone and its partners at Start Garden and Spartan Innovations are empowering Grand Rapids' high-tech, high-growth startup community. Last month, the Grand Rapids SmartZone attended South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, representing Michigan at Midwest House. Several Grand Rapids-based entrepreneurs and innovators attended with their startups, all under the Grand Rapids SmartZone banner. At the event, founders were able to network and connect with investors. The Grand Rapids SmartZone provides a wide range of services to companies, including access to funding, networking opportunities, incubation space and more. Jordan can provide examples of companies that the Grand Rapids SmartZone has supported. o Examples: Protein Pints, OPNR, Vetr and Peadbo.
Spartan Innovations is committed to assisting technology start-ups here in Michigan. Joining Chris to share the story of a recent cohort and why it's important is the Director of Venture Programming, Tom Stewart!
The Michigan State University Research Foundation has been enhancing research, encouraging innovation, supporting entrepreneurship, and facilitating economic development through modern commercialization practices, venture creation activity, and innovation partnerships at Michigan State University and across Michigan for 50 years. Executive Director David Washburn reflects on the foundation's history, mission, and impact and on challenges and opportunities ahead for the next 50 years. Conversation Highlights: (2:26) – “We had flown under the radar for many decades. And when you unpack the story of the foundation, it was like ‘Holy Cow.' There aren't many organizations like this that exist in North America.” (3:02) – “In the late 60s and early 70s, most public universities came to the realization that state support probably wasn't going to be able to keep pace with the growth and expansion of public universities.” (6:13) – “One major inflection point that happened at the foundation was the discovery of Cisplatin and Carboplatin cancer therapeutics.” (7:08) – “Faculty researchers here at MSU discovered a cure for cancer.” (12:07) – “Many faculty in university decided ‘Well, what if we just start new companies and go out and raise venture dollars to see if we can build up a product or service here locally with some local venture dollars?'” (13:30) – “Our focus now at the foundation is in a couple areas. I would refer to them as more venture creation…a lot of states and municipalities are trying to figure out how to create new jobs and an innovation ecosystem. That's the space we're playing in a lot with Spartan Innovations.” (15:40) – “The board approved it and we put together Red Cedar Ventures and have invested in close to 120 start-up companies. We've deployed close to $10 million out of Red Cedar Ventures, and those companies have gone on to raise hundreds of millions of dollars from the venture markets in the state and around the Midwest and on both coasts.” (16:20) – “Between Michigan Rise and Red Cedar Ventures, we have close to $40 million in two robust captive venture funds.” (18:10) – “We built a headquarters for TechSmith because they have a very robust student intern program, and over half of their employees are MSU alumni. They wanted to be closer to campus…They're trying to compete with the Googles and Amazons of the world. And they thought if they had a cool campus, they would have a shot. I think that's helped them.” (18:58) – “We're building spaces so as we start up new companies, not only do we want to help them with their business plan and early-stage funding, but we're trying to find them a home in and around our ecosystem. We think that combination leads to economic development, job growth, and economic diversity. That's really the place where we collaborate and help MSU.” Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen.
Tanya Hart Innovator/ Business Developer/ Marketer and Strategist.Tanya has spent a 35+ year career as a business developer and pioneering innovative entrepreneur. Her expertise spans business development/strategy, branding, marketing, retail, and distribution,transitioning decades of expertise into material engineering technology innovations for Polymer composites, including Bioplastics, Nano materials, Hemp and Graphene. As CEO of Titan Bioplastics, Tanya has led her team and company from its inception and positioned itas an emerging global leader in Polymer development, Biomaterial composites and Nano technologies in a mere 36 months. In 2020 Titan Bioplastics was independently reviewed and rated as one of the top four- 4/97- global companies to watch in nano technology and barrier properties for packaging-by Startus-Insights February 2020 Issue. In 2022 Titan Bioplastics was the proud recipient of a prestigious investment from Spartan Innovations and Red Cedar Ventures, wholly owned subsidiariesof the Michigan State University Foundation. Additionally in 2022, Titan Bioplastics was selected as a participant in Plug and Play Tech Center – New Materials & Packaging Startups Batch 14. Titan Bioplastics continues to drive commercial sustainable proprietary material innovations, like ‘Augie Bones' for the pet industry. Along with developing advanced material engineering solutions for industry and companies building and enhancing their sustainability directives to meet upcoming global mandates. Tanya has positioned Titan Bioplastics to lead this segment of industry with innovative, insertable cost-efficient technology solutions, including advanced innovations and IP working with Graphene and Graphene Oxide for industry impact which include medical, military and main stream commercial applications. The initial 15 years of Tanya's career were spent managing multi-million-dollar wine portfolios and wineries, distributor regional and national sales teams with the world's largest wine/liquor distribution company, Southern Wine & Spirits. In 2002, Tanya left to open her first fine wine shop in Hinsdale, Illinois. Within 12 months she had changed legal legislation to expand her business successfully across three cities, being the first liquor licenses to activate in each township. All three locations were sold in 2010. President - Hart Wine Group was formed early 2011 to advance and promote wine in alternative packaging. As a seasoned brand builder, Tanya sourced wine, created blends, developed and marketed brands in alternative packaging for national chain restaurants, retailers and distributors.Tanya's expertise is founded in business strategy and development. She can take a product/concept from inception all the way through production and distribution, to the shelf. Tanya appeared regularly as a public speaker, and on Chicago NBC network Television as a Wine & Food expert, as well as in several publications as an innovator for her industry.Tanya is a visionary, activator, communicator, and decisive leader, with extensive expertise as a business developer and consulting strategist, working with varied team dynamics. Tanya retains her passion for wine and loves to cook. She lives in Seattle with her husband Shep of30 years and Augie dog, she enjoys the outdoors – rowing, kayaking, and hiking, has a daughter recently graduated with her MS, living and working in Washington DC, and a college football athlete son.Support the show
In early March, Spartan Innovations hosted a grand opening for a highly-anticipated incubator space called the Bridge. Joining Chris to share what the Bridge is and why it's important are the Director of Health Innovations, Kyle McGregor, and the Executive Director for Spartan Innovations, Jeff Wesley!
Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Kyle McGregor, Director of Health Innovations Grand Rapids, Michigan State University Research Foundation (MSURF) and Mike Mraz, President of Real Estate Development, Rockford Construction, Grand Rapids, MI In their conversation they cover: - How did the partnership between Spartan Innovations and Rockford Construction begin? - Why would a start-up choose to rent office space at The Bridge? - What services can be provided for Bridge tenants? - What kinds of businesses will The Bridge attract? - Why is it important that healthcare and health-tech start-ups get their roots in West Michigan? - Can the space accommodate different sized start-ups? If so, what are the ranges in office sizes offered? Kyle McGregor, Director of Health Innovations Grand Rapids, Michigan State University Research Foundation (MSURF) Kyle is focused on bringing new ideas, innovative approaches, and person-centered technology into the communities that need them most. He has a passion for linking industry, academia, and healthcare to develop high impact projects that are capable of scaling to meet unmet needs. About MSURF's Spartan Innovations Spartan Innovations is the Michigan State University Research Foundation's venture creation entity that drives entrepreneurs to develop their ideas, create business plans, and successfully launch high-tech startups. Mike Mraz, President of Real Estate Development, Rockford Construction Mike oversees all aspects of the real estate development process including financing, acquisitions, leasing, project management, investor relations and owner's representation. He has more than 19 years of experience in the real estate industry, with many high-profile projects completed in the greater Grand Rapids area. About Rockford Construction Established in 1987, Rockford Construction (Rockford) is a nationally recognized construction, real estate development and property management provider. Rockford has built projects totaling more than $5.5 billion of various size and scope in more than 800 cities across the country » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN's YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCqNX… » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/
Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Tom Stewart, Conquer Accelerator Program Director with Spartan Innovations, of East Lansing, but also serving Grand Rapids. Their discussion covers Conquer Accelerator currently conducting the Seventh East Lansing Cohort, and the opportunity to apply during July 2022 for the next Cohort set for Grand Rapids. Among the questions Jeffrey covers with Tom in this interview: What is the Conquer Accelerator program? How does a startup apply for the program? Who is eligible? What is the application process like? Do you have any advice for startups who may be interested in applying? What perks are available to Conquer Accelerator program participants? What can you tell us about the current East Lansing cohort? How long does your Grand Rapids cohort continue accepting applications? Where can people go to learn more? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN's YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCqNX… » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/
Ara talks with Jeff Wesley, Executive Director of Red Cedar Ventures, the venture investment subsidiary of the MSU Foundation. In his role, he actively manages and grows the company's venture investment portfolio. Jeff is also Executive Director for Michigan Rise Pre-Seed Fund III invests in Michigan tech startups to help commercialize innovative technologies. Prior to Red Cedar Ventures, Wesley served as CFO of Two Men and a Truck from 2008 to 2015, then as the company's chief executive from 2015 to 2017. Under his leadership, the company grew from $186 million to over $500 million in annual revenues and earned a place among Crain's Detroit Business' “Cool Places to Work”.
On Michigan Reimagined we discuss a variety of topics - making Michigan an attractive and clean place to live and great start-up companies among them. Today we get to discuss both! Joining Chris to introduce a new Michigan-based company whose mission is to permanently eradicate PFAS risks to human health and ecosystems are the Director of Venture Creation for Spartan Innovations, Brad Fingland and Co-Founder and CEO of Enspired Solutions, Dr. Denise Kay!
On Michigan Reimagined we discuss a variety of topics - making Michigan an attractive and clean place to live and great start-up companies among them. Today we get to discuss both! Joining Chris to introduce a new Michigan-based company whose mission is to permanently eradicate PFAS risks to human health and ecosystems are the Director of Venture Creation for Spartan Innovations, Brad Fingland and Co-Founder and CEO of Enspired Solutions, Dr. Denise Kay!
Welcome back to the Hatchcast! After a one-week hiatus, we find ourselves at the halfway point of the Conquer Accelerator Program. So, it was only right to bring on Tom Stewart, Program Manager at Conquer Accelerator, to catch up on this year's cohort. Then, Paul Jaques, Director of Student & Community Engagement at Spartan Innovations, gives us a preview of what to expect for the second half of the program. Ranging from Gary Vaynerchuk to Bawls Guarana drinks, this episode has no shortage of energy. So sit back, relax, and enjoy our tenth installment of the Hatchcast.
Welcome back to the Hatchcast! First, we have Lori Fischer, Events & Student Program Manager at Spartan Innovations and former owner of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen. Lori talks experiences at the Hatch, her own entrepreneurial endeavors, and working alongside Kaitlyn. We then say farewell to Kaitlyn Setter, former Business Development Intern at Spartan Innovations, and Incoming Assistant Brand Manager at Whirlpool Corporation. From the Phi Phi Islands to Benton Harbor, Michigan, this episode is a bittersweet voyage. So sit back, relax, and enjoy our ninth installment of the Hatchcast. Emily Allen Speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1cj5xb1_sw
Find out how to position your product with insights from top experts; Mike Murshak of Loomis Law, Paul Jaques of Spartan Innovations and Thomas Stewart of Conquer Accelerator. Learn how to handle chronically late employees on “Ask Phil” with Phil Zeller of Dale Carnegie - Michigan and hear State Senator, Mike Kowall (R), talks with Michael Patrick Shiels of Michigan's Big Show about his U.S. Congressional campaign . #AskBizRap
Find out how to position your product with insights from top experts; Mike Murshak of Loomis Law, Paul Jaques of Spartan Innovations and Thomas Stewart of Conquer Accelerator. Learn how to handle chronically late employees on “Ask Phil” with Phil Zeller of Dale Carnegie - Michigan and hear State Senator, Mike Kowall (R), talks with Michael Patrick Shiels of Michigan's Big Show about his U.S. Congressional campaign . #AskBizRap
And we're launched! Join Tyler Mehigh, Kurt Creger, and Aaryn Richard as they discuss (nearly) everything entrepreneurship at Michigan State University. Episode 1 introduces the podcast and the team. The Hatchcast team interviews Paul Jaques, Director of Student and Community Engagement at Spartan Innovations.
Business Pitch Competitions For Startups; How to select, prepare and participate in a competition for funding. Expert insights from Spartan Innovations, Ann Arbor SPARK, Michigan SBDC State Lead Center and VADE Nutrition on today's recording of Entrepreneur Friday brought to you by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
Business Pitch Competitions For Startups; How to select, prepare and participate in a competition for funding. Expert insights from Spartan Innovations, Ann Arbor SPARK, Michigan SBDC State Lead Center and VADE Nutrition on today's recording of Entrepreneur Friday brought to you by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
We discuss the steps to take to become a successful entrepreneur, at all stages of life; in high school, college, and into your retirement, with our expert panel from AARP Michigan, Spartan Innovations, LEAP, Equanimity Wealth Managment and Simplfied Tax and Accounting.
We discuss the steps to take to become a successful entrepreneur, at all stages of life; in high school, college, and into your retirement, with our expert panel from AARP Michigan, Spartan Innovations, LEAP, Equanimity Wealth Managment and Simplfied Tax and Accounting.
Guests Paul Jaques of Spartan Innovations, Rob Zondervan of SteriDev and Lesley Bergquist of Simplified Tax and Accounting will join us to discuss pitching your ideas and inventions to investors. Questions and tips from the owners of Simplified Tax and Accounting and Hiring Solutions LLC.
Guests Paul Jaques of Spartan Innovations, Rob Zondervan of SteriDev and Lesley Bergquist of Simplified Tax and Accounting will join us to discuss pitching your ideas and inventions to investors. Questions and tips from the owners of Simplified Tax and Accounting and Hiring Solutions LLC.