EPISODE · Sep 26, 2025 · 6 MIN
Michigan Business Beat | Pete Martin, MSU Research Fdn. – PitchMI $4M Statewide Startup Competition!
from Michigan Business Network · host Michigan Business Network
Chris Holman welcomes Pete Martin, Director of Portfolio Management, MSU Research Foundation, East Lansing, MI. Welcome Pete tell us a little about the MSU Research Foundation and the PitchMI Startup Competition? Michigan’s Innovation Showcase PitchMI is now one of the nation’s richest state-based startup competitions, offering $4 million in investment. How does this expanded competition elevate Michigan’s position as a leader in startup innovation and funding? Regional & Statewide Strategy The competition features four regionally themed events—healthcare in Grand Rapids, clean tech in Traverse City, mobility in Detroit, and AI/software in Ann Arbor—each awarding $250,000, with finalists moving on to compete for a $1 million prize. What’s the strategic intent behind aligning region with specific startup industries, and how does it benefit both local ecosystems and statewide momentum? Building Momentum & Ecosystem Engagement Regional winners receive funding and, importantly, time to grow before the statewide finals—an intentional six-month runway for impact and support. Why is this momentum-building phase so critical, and what role do regional networks and ecosystems play in supporting startup trajectories? Long-Term Vision & Scalability With $3 million from the Michigan Innovation Fund and $1 million from Michigan Rise ensuring this is a multi-year initiative, PitchMI aims to run through 2026 and potentially become annual. How does this level of long-term funding and planning reflect Michigan’s broader economic development priorities? Equity & Access in Startup Support Although each region focuses thematically, startups from anywhere in Michigan can enter any regional event that matches their focus. How does PitchMI’s open and inclusive structure help break down geographic silos and create equitable opportunities across the state’s innovation ecosystem? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/
What this episode covers
Chris Holman welcomes Pete Martin, Director of Portfolio Management, MSU Research Foundation, East Lansing, MI. Welcome Pete tell us a little about the MSU Research Foundation and the PitchMI Startup Competition? Michigan’s Innovation Showcase PitchMI is now one of the nation’s richest state-based startup competitions, offering $4 million in investment. How does this expanded competition elevate Michigan’s position as a leader in startup innovation and funding? Regional & Statewide Strategy The competition features four regionally themed events—healthcare in Grand Rapids, clean tech in Traverse City, mobility in Detroit, and AI/software in Ann Arbor—each awarding $250,000, with finalists moving on to compete for a $1 million prize. What’s the strategic intent behind aligning region with specific startup industries, and how does it benefit both local ecosystems and statewide momentum? Building Momentum & Ecosystem Engagement Regional winners receive funding and, importantly, time to grow before the statewide finals—an intentional six-month runway for impact and support. Why is this momentum-building phase so critical, and what role do regional networks and ecosystems play in supporting startup trajectories? Long-Term Vision & Scalability With $3 million from the Michigan Innovation Fund and $1 million from Michigan Rise ensuring this is a multi-year initiative, PitchMI aims to run through 2026 and potentially become annual. How does this level of long-term funding and planning reflect Michigan’s broader economic development priorities? Equity & Access in Startup Support Although each region focuses thematically, startups from anywhere in Michigan can enter any regional event that matches their focus. How does PitchMI’s open and inclusive structure help break down geographic silos and create equitable opportunities across the state’s innovation ecosystem? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/
NOW PLAYING
Michigan Business Beat | Pete Martin, MSU Research Fdn. – PitchMI $4M Statewide Startup Competition!
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
No similar episodes found.
Similar Podcasts
No similar podcasts found.