MSU Research Foundation Podcast

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, David Washburn talks with Dr. Mairi Gibbs, CEO of Oxford University Innovation, about how Oxford approaches commercialization, company creation, and ecosystem development.Mairi shares her path from chemist to CEO and reflects on how university tech transfer has evolved—from traditional licensing to a broader model of knowledge exchange that includes entrepreneurship, consultancy, and social impact. She discusses Oxford’s approach to building a steady pipeline of spinout companies, the role of capital and talent, and how partnerships like Oxford Science Enterprises have helped accelerate growth.The conversation also explores how Oxford supports researchers through early-stage development and the role universities play in driving long-term economic growth.Host: David Washburn and Jeff WesleyGuests: Dr. Mairi Gibbs, CEO, Oxford University InnovationProducers: Jenna McNamara and Doug SnitgenMusic: "Devil on Your Shoulder" by Will Harrison, licensed via Epidemic SoundStay connected with the MSU Research Foundation by following us on LinkedIn or subscribing to our email newsletters.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, guest host Pete Martin talks with Parker Boundy, Co-Founder and CEO of General Orbit and a PitchMI Championship finalist, about advancing navigation and sensing technology for space and Earth-based applications.Parker shares how General Orbit spun out of University of Michigan research to commercialize a new approach to magnetometers—using software to filter out interference and deliver highly accurate readings without complex hardware. Originally developed for satellites, the technology is now being applied to aviation, autonomous vehicles, and defense systems, with the potential to complement or replace GPS in critical environments. He reflects on the company’s rapid growth since launching in 2024, the role of university tech transfer, and the realities of building a hard-tech startup. As a PitchMI finalist, Parker also discusses preparing for the $1 million Championship and offers advice for founders building in Michigan.Host: Pete MartinGuests: Parker Boundy, Co-Founder and CEO, General OrbitProducers: Jenna McNamara and Doug SnitgenMusic: "Devil on Your Shoulder" by Will Harrison, licensed via Epidemic SoundStay connected with the MSU Research Foundation by following us on LinkedIn or subscribing to our email newsletters.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, guest host Pete Martin talks with Lindsay A. Joseph, Co-Founder and CEO of BedConnect and a PitchMI Championship finalist, about improving how hospitals connect patients with post-acute care providers after discharge.Lindsay shares how BedConnect helps hospitals and nursing facilities coordinate patient placements more efficiently by matching clinical needs, bed availability, and insurance networks in real time. She reflects on her path from healthcare consulting and hospital leadership to launching a startup, the firsthand experiences that inspired BedConnect, and the challenges of building technology in the healthcare system. As a PitchMI finalist, Lindsay also discusses preparing for the $1 million Championship and offers advice for founders building companies in Michigan.Host: Pete MartinGuests: Lindsay A. Joseph, Co-Founder and CEO, BedConnectProducers: Jenna McNamara and Doug SnitgenMusic: "Devil on Your Shoulder" by Will Harrison, licensed via Epidemic SoundStay connected with the MSU Research Foundation by following us on LinkedIn or subscribing to our email newsletters.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, guest host Pete Martin talks with Max Albert, Founder and CEO of Adrenaline Interactive and a PitchMI Championship finalist, about transforming how brands and video games work together to create more immersive, measurable advertising experiences.Max shares how Adrenaline Interactive uses AI to integrate branded products directly into game environments—making ads feel native to gameplay while delivering real sales attribution for advertisers. He reflects on his path from building a Michigan-based game studio to launching a venture-backed startup, the early support and connections that helped shape the company’s growth, and the realities of scaling in the rapidly evolving gaming and AI landscape. As a PitchMI finalist, Max also discusses preparation for the $1 million Championship and offers advice for founders building in Michigan.Host: Pete MartinGuests: Max Albert, Founder and CEO, Adrenaline InteractiveProducers: Jenna McNamara and Doug SnitgenMusic: "Devil on Your Shoulder" by Will Harrison, licensed via Epidemic SoundStay connected with the MSU Research Foundation by following us on LinkedIn or subscribing to our email newsletters.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, guest host Pete Martin talks with Josef Hjelmaker, Founder and CEO of Electric Outdoors and a PitchMI Championship finalist, about building sustainable, off-grid infrastructure that unlocks new possibilities for landowners and communities.Josef shares how Electric Outdoors developed the EO Canopy—a self-sustaining, solar-powered platform that enables energy independence, EV charging, and resilient microgrid capabilities without traditional infrastructure. He reflects on his path from global leadership roles in automotive, appliance, and RV manufacturing to launching a Michigan-based startup, the early support from the MSU Research Foundation and Michigan Rise, and the realities of scaling a hard-tech company. As a PitchMI finalist, Josef also discusses preparation for the $1 million Championship and offers advice for founders building in Michigan.Host: Pete MartinGuests: Josef Hjelmaker, Founder and CEO, Electric OutdoorsProducers: Jenna McNamara and Doug SnitgenMusic: "Devil on Your Shoulder" by Will Harrison, licensed via Epidemic SoundStay connected with the MSU Research Foundation by following us on LinkedIn or subscribing to our email newsletters.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, David Washburn talks with Jeff Wesley, Executive Director of Ventures at the MSU Research Foundation, about the rapid growth of venture creation and early-stage investing across Michigan.Jeff shares updates on the Conquer Accelerator’s 10-year milestone, recent sector-based and regional cohorts, and partnerships with Henry Ford Health, Michigan Virtual, and MSU Federal Credit Union. He discusses how these programs are attracting startups from across the country and helping founders connect with customers, capital, and mentors.The conversation also explores the Foundation’s growing investment activity, recent exits—including ATLAS Space Operations, FirstIgnite, and TheraB—and what they signal for Michigan’s innovation economy, along with a preview of the PitchMI Championship on April 7 at Grewal Hall.Host: David WashburnGuests: Jeff Wesley (Executive Director of Ventures, MSU Research Foundation)Producers: Jenna McNamara and Doug SnitgenMusic: "Devil on Your Shoulder" by Will Harrison, licensed via Epidemic SoundStay connected with the MSU Research Foundation by following us on LinkedIn or subscribing to our email newsletters.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, David Washburn talks with Michigan State University Provost Dr. Laura Lee McIntyre about her path to MSU and how her experiences in research, fundraising, and innovation are shaping her leadership at the university.Dr. McIntyre shares lessons from helping launch the Ballmer Institute for Children’s Behavioral Health and Launch Oregon, and how those efforts inform MSU’s approach to interdisciplinary research, entrepreneurship, and commercialization. She also discusses the role of seed funding, shared governance, endowed professorships, and why cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset across disciplines is essential to strengthening Michigan’s innovation ecosystem.Host: David WashburnGuests: Dr. Laura Lee McIntyre (Provost, Michigan State University; MSU Research Foundation Distinguished Professor)Producers: Jenna McNamara and Doug SnitgenMusic: "Devil on Your Shoulder" by Will Harrison, licensed via Epidemic SoundStay connected with the MSU Research Foundation by following us on LinkedIn or subscribing to our email newsletters.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, David Washburn and Jeff Wesley talk with Michigan State University President Kevin Guskiewicz about how research, policy, and partnerships drive economic growth and improve lives across Michigan.Kevin reflects on his career in concussion research and how federally funded science led to major changes in NCAA and NFL safety standards. He also discusses the importance of advocating for public research funding, MSU’s expanding presence in Detroit, Grand Rapids, and East Lansing, and new initiatives supporting healthcare innovation, commercialization, and entrepreneurship. The conversation explores MSU’s “one team” approach to collaboration, emerging workforce and AI programs, and what gives him optimism about Michigan’s innovation ecosystem.Host: David Washburn and Jeff WesleyGuests: Kevin Guskiewicz Wesley (President, Michigan State University)Producers: Jenna McNamara and Doug SnitgenMusic: "Devil on Your Shoulder" by Will Harrison, licensed via Epidemic SoundStay connected with the MSU Research Foundation by following us on LinkedIn or subscribing to our email newsletters.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, David Washburn talks with Craig Wesley, Executive Director of 20Fathoms in Traverse City, about how northern Michigan is cultivating a vibrant entrepreneurial community and expanding opportunities for early-stage founders across a 10-county region.Craig shares his path from Michigan State University to two decades in Silicon Valley and back to Traverse City, and how that experience shaped his vision for building an environment where innovators can thrive. He discusses the evolution of 20Fathoms from a local coworking hub to a regional catalyst for startup activity, along with emerging strengths in freshwater research, fisheries innovation, and drone technology. Craig and Dave also explore how statewide partnerships, new research facilities, and collaborations like PitchMI and Conquer Accelerator are creating more pathways for entrepreneurs across northern Michigan.Host: David WashburnGuests: Craig Wesley (Executive Director, 20Fathoms)Producers: Jenna McNamara and Doug SnitgenMusic: "Devil on Your Shoulder" by Will Harrison, licensed via Epidemic SoundStay connected with the MSU Research Foundation by following us on LinkedIn or subscribing to our email newsletters.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, David Washburn talks with Lisa Prasad, Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer at Henry Ford Health, and Jeff Wesley, Executive Director of Ventures at the MSU Research Foundation, about how Michigan State University and Henry Ford Health are accelerating healthcare innovation through collaboration and venture investment.Lisa shares how Henry Ford Innovations evolved to translate research and clinical expertise into real-world impact—supporting pilots, startups, and technologies that improve care and reduce costs. Jeff discusses the launch of the MSU-Henry Ford Health Innovation Hub and $10 million Healthcare Innovation Fund, and how these initiatives are driving commercialization, attracting international startups, and strengthening Michigan’s healthcare ecosystem.Host: David WashburnGuests: Lisa Prasad (Chief Innovation Officer, Henry Ford Health) and Jeff Wesley (Executive Director of Ventures, MSU Research Foundation)Producers: Jenna McNamara and Doug SnitgenMusic: "Devil on Your Shoulder" by Will Harrison, licensed via Epidemic SoundStay connected with the MSU Research Foundation by following us on LinkedIn or subscribing to our email newsletters.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, David Washburn interviews Pete Martin, Director of Portfolio Management at the MSU Research Foundation, about the launch of PitchMI—a new statewide startup pitch competition awarding up to $1.25 million in investment. Pete shares his journey back to Michigan after building a tech career across New York, Chicago, Florida, and Austin, and how reconnecting with the state’s entrepreneurial community reshaped his view of Michigan as a hub for innovation.We explore Pete’s role in supporting portfolio companies, the momentum he’s seen across Michigan’s startup ecosystem, and how PitchMI will highlight regional strengths in healthcare, clean tech, mobility, software, and AI. Pete also discusses the importance of fostering collaboration across cities, showcasing Michigan’s competitive advantages, and creating opportunities for founders to access capital, talent, and support networks statewide.Host: David WashburnGuests: Pete Martin (Director of Portfolio Management, MSU Research Foundation)Producers: Jenna McNamara and Doug SnitgenMusic: "Devil on Your Shoulder" by Will Harrison, licensed via Epidemic SoundStay connected with the MSU Research Foundation by following us on LinkedIn or subscribing to our email newsletters.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, David Washburn interviews Jeff Wesley, Executive Director of Ventures at the MSU Research Foundation, to recap a high-impact fourth quarter of venture activity. Jeff shares highlights from 20 new investments and financial transactions completed between April and June 2025, including support for startups tackling everything from microbiome therapeutics to plant health monitoring, as well as portfolio wins like the acquisition of Atlas Space Operations and a major funding milestone for Traverse City–based Takanak.We also cover two major announcements: the launch of a new $10.6 million evergreen fund, created with support from the Michigan Innovation Fund, and a $10 million healthcare innovation fund in partnership with Henry Ford Health + MSU Health Sciences. Jeff discusses what these new initiatives mean for early-stage investing in Michigan, and why statewide partnerships are key to building a more competitive startup ecosystem.Host: David WashburnGuests: Jeff Wesley (Executive Director of Ventures, MSU Research Foundation)Producers: Jenna McNamara and Doug SnitgenMusic: "Devil on Your Shoulder" by Will Harrison, licensed via Epidemic SoundStay connected with the MSU Research Foundation by following us on LinkedIn or subscribing to our email newsletters.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, David Washburn interviews Chad Bassett, Chief Operating Officer of BAMF Health, a precision medicine company transforming how cancer is diagnosed and treated. Based in MSU’s Grand Rapids Innovation Park, BAMF Health combines advanced imaging, targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy, and artificial intelligence to deliver highly personalized care and accelerate clinical trials.Chad shares the company’s origin story, which began with a 40-year vision sketched on a restaurant placemat and has grown into one of the most advanced cancer treatment centers in the country. The conversation covers BAMF’s expansion to Detroit, its soon-to-launch clinical trial platform called Radio Nexus, and how the company is using AI to improve care and make it more affordable. Chad also discusses BAMF’s partnerships with Michigan State University, GE Healthcare, and the state of Michigan—and why expanding access and modernizing outdated regulations are key to their mission.Host: David WashburnGuests: Chad Bassett (Chief Operating Officer, BAMF Health)Producers: Jenna McNamara and Doug SnitgenMusic: "Devil on Your Shoulder" by Will Harrison, licensed via Epidemic SoundStay connected with the MSU Research Foundation by following us on LinkedIn or subscribing to our email newsletters.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we talk with Jon Barada, vice president of IU Ventures, about how Indiana University is building a thriving startup ecosystem powered by alumni engagement and early-stage venture funding. Like the MSU Research Foundation, IU Ventures supports faculty, student, and alumni-led startups through a mix of philanthropic venture funds, an angel network, and community-building programs.Jon shares how IU Ventures launched its Founders and Funders Network to connect IU-affiliated entrepreneurs with capital, expertise, and one another. We discuss the growing role universities play in early-stage investing—especially in regions underserved by traditional venture capital—and how cross-campus and Big Ten collaboration can help amplify impact. Jon also talks about building trust with advancement teams, cultivating a strong alumni pipeline, and the vision behind the Big Ten Venture Network.Host: David WashburnGuests: Jon Barada (Vice President, IU Ventures)Producers: Jenna McNamara and Doug SnitgenMusic: "Devil on Your Shoulder" by Will Harrison, licensed via Epidemic SoundStay connected with the MSU Research Foundation by following us on LinkedIn or subscribing to our email newsletters.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we talk with Peter Falzon, president and CEO of Ripple Science, a clinical trials software company that spun out of the University of Michigan and now serves researchers around the world. Ripple’s platform helps academic institutions, healthcare providers, and industry sponsors recruit and retain participants in clinical studies, tackling one of the top reasons clinical trials fail.Peter shares how he went from launching startups in Silicon Valley and Japan to becoming a mentor-in-residence back in Michigan, where he helped Ripple transition from a homegrown academic tool into a flexible, scalable platform. We discuss the challenges of participant engagement, why trials often struggle to meet recruitment goals, and how Ripple’s AI-powered tools help researchers do more with less. Peter also talks about building the company with support from Michigan’s university and venture capital ecosystems—and why now is a critical moment for clinical research innovation.Host: David WashburnGuests: Peter Falzon (President and CEO, Ripple Science)Producers: Jenna McNamara and Doug SnitgenMusic: "Devil on Your Shoulder" by Will Harrison, licensed via Epidemic SoundStay connected with the MSU Research Foundation by following us on LinkedIn or subscribing to our email newsletters.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we talk with Dr. Tom Guarr, founder and CTO of Jolt Energy Storage Technologies, a Michigan-based startup developing organic compounds for redox flow batteries. Tom shares his journey from academia to industry—first leaving a tenured faculty role to join Gentex, where he helped develop dimmable windows for the Boeing 787, then returning to research at the MSU Bioeconomy Institute to pursue electrochemical innovation.We explore how Jolt pivoted from lithium-ion battery safety to large-scale, sustainable energy storage. Tom explains why flow batteries are well suited for the grid, how organic chemistry can reduce reliance on rare earth elements, and how Michigan’s startup ecosystem has supported the company’s growth. He also discusses partnerships with national labs like Argonne and NREL, and what it will take to bring Jolt’s prototype system online by the end of the year.Host: David WashburnGuests: Dr. Tom Guarr (CTO, Jolt Energy Storage Technologies)Producers: Jenna McNamara and Doug SnitgenMusic: "Devil on Your Shoulder" by Will Harrison, licensed via Epidemic SoundStay connected with the MSU Research Foundation by following us on LinkedIn or subscribing to our email newsletters.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we talk with Nick Farina and Dr. Johannes Pollanen of EeroQ, a quantum computing startup with roots at Michigan State University. Johannes is a physics professor at MSU and co-founder of the company, while Nick serves as EeroQ’s CEO. Together, they’re working on a unique approach to quantum computing that uses electrons floating on helium and connects with today’s chip-making technology.We dive into how their system works, why they focused on making it scalable from the beginning, and what makes it different from other methods being explored. Nick and Johannes also share how the company got started, why they waited to raise venture capital, and the role MSU played in launching the effort.Host: David WashburnGuests: Nick Farina (CEO, EeroQ) and Dr. Johannes Pollanen (Cowan Professor of Physics at MSU and Co-founder, EeroQ)Producers: Jenna McNamara and Doug SnitgenMusic: "Devil on Your Shoulder" by Will Harrison, licensed via Epidemic SoundStay connected with the MSU Research Foundation by following us on LinkedIn or subscribing to our email newsletters.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we talk with Dr. Mark Frohlich, CEO of Indapta Therapeutics, a biotech company working to make cancer treatment safer, more effective, and more accessible. Indapta is developing natural killer (NK) cell therapies—an emerging form of immunotherapy that uses the body’s own immune system to fight disease.Mark shares his path from clinical oncology to biotech leadership and explains why NK cells are generating excitement as a next-generation alternative to existing treatments like CAR-T. We discuss how Indapta’s work could help more patients benefit from cell therapy, what it takes to move from lab research to human trials, and how strong partnerships—including early support from Michigan State University—are fueling the company’s progress.Host: David WashburnGuest: Dr. Mark Frohlich, CEO of Indapta TherapeuticsProducers: Jenna McNamara and Doug SnitgenMusic: "Devil on Your Shoulder" by Will Harrison, licensed via Epidemic SoundStay connected with the MSU Research Foundation by following us on LinkedIn or subscribing to our email newsletters.

Send us Fan MailIn part two of our conversation with Bruno Basso, professor at Michigan State University and co-founder of CIBO Technologies, we explore what it takes to scale scientific innovation into a venture-backed company. Bruno discusses his role as Chief Scientist, pitching to investors like Al Gore, and the importance of grounding technology in rigorous, transparent science.We also dive into the intersection of AI and agriculture, the challenges of sparse data, and how CIBO is combining process-based models with machine learning to improve decision-making in food systems. Bruno shares his thoughts on the Midwest’s innovation ecosystem, what makes East Lansing an underrated tech hub, and why he remains optimistic about the future of climate resilience in agriculture.Host: David WashburnGuest: Bruno Basso, Professor at MSU and co-founder of CIBO TechnologiesProducers: Jenna McNamara and Doug SnitgenMusic: "Devil on Your Shoulder" by Will Harrison, licensed via Epidemic SoundStay connected with the MSU Research Foundation by following us on LinkedIn or subscribing to our email newsletters.

Send us Fan MailIn part one of this two-part episode, we talk with Bruno Basso, professor at Michigan State University and co-founder of CIBO Technologies, a company using advanced modeling to help farmers make smarter decisions that improve both productivity and environmental outcomes. Bruno shares his journey from Naples, Italy to MSU, where he helped pioneer crop modeling techniques that have shaped modern agricultural research.We explore how Bruno's lab integrates remote sensing, drones, and simulation models to capture the complexity of farming across space and time—and how this research evolved into CIBO Technologies, a venture-backed platforming helping businesses quantify the environmental impact of food production. Bruno also discusses the entrepreneurial side of science, what it takes to build a 30-person research team, and how smart agriculture can benefit farmers, businesses, and the planet.Host: David WashburnGuest: Bruno Basso, Professor at MSU and co-founder of CIBO TechnologiesProducers: Jenna McNamara and Doug SnitgenMusic: "Devil on Your Shoulder" by Will Harrison, licensed via Epidemic SoundStay connected with the MSU Research Foundation by following us on LinkedIn or subscribing to our email newsletters.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we talk with Mike Klein, CEO of Genomenon, a genomics intelligence company helping researchers and clinicians make sense of vast amounts of genetic data. Mike shares his journey from electrical engineering to leading a genomics startup, discussing how Genomenon’s AI-driven platform, Mastermind, is accelerating precision medicine by making genomic information actionable.We explore how Genomenon’s technology is used by healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies worldwide, the company’s evolution amid the AI revolution, and how their work has directly impacted patient lives. Mike also reflects on Michigan’s growing startup ecosystem, the role of early-stage investment, and the collaborative support from both Michigan State University and the University of Michigan in scaling the company.Host: David WashburnGuest: Mike Klein, CEO of GenomenonProducers: Jenna McNamara and Doug SnitgenMusic: "Devil on Your Shoulder" by Will Harrison, licensed via Epidemic SoundStay connected with the MSU Research Foundation by following us on LinkedIn or subscribing to our email newsletters.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode we talk with James Klausner, professor of mechanical engineering at Michigan State University and co-founder of Redoxblox, a startup developing thermochemical energy storage solutions. James shares his journey from academic research to entrepreneurship, discussing how his work in energy storage led to the founding of Redoxblox and its mission to decarbonize industrial heat. They explore the challenges of commercializing university research, the role of venture capital in deep-tech startups, and why Redoxblox’s technology is poised to compete with natural gas for industrial heating applications. James also reflects on building a business model that remains independent of government subsidies and how strategic investors play a critical role in scaling the company. This episode highlights the intersection of research, commercialization, and the drive to make a lasting impact on the energy sector.Host: David WashburnGuest: James Klausner, Co-founder of Redoxblox and Professor at Michigan State UniversityProducers: Jenna McNamara and Doug SnitgenMusic: "Devil on Your Shoulder" by Will Harrison, licensed via Epidemic SoundStay connected with the MSU Research Foundation by following us on LinkedIn or subscribing to our email newsletters.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode we talk with Jason Miller, founder and CEO of BitLyft, a cybersecurity company based in St. John’s, Michigan. Jason shares his entrepreneurial journey, from starting a company in Tampa, Florida, to returning to Michigan to build BitLyft, which specializes in cybersecurity solutions for mid-market organizations. They discuss BitLyft’s evolution from co-managed SIM services to its flagship TrueMDR platform, emphasizing the critical role of detection and automated incident response in today’s rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape. Jason also reflects on the challenges of building a sustainable business in rural Michigan while fostering a strong company culture across remote and local teams. This episode highlights Jason’s passion for innovation, customer-focused partnerships, and creating impact in his community.Host: David WashburnGuest: Jason Miller, Founder and CEO of BitLyftProducers: Jenna McNamara and Doug SnitgenMusic: "Devil on Your Shoulder" by Will Harrison, licensed via Epidemic SoundStay connected with the MSU Research Foundation by following us on LinkedIn or subscribing to our email newsletters.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, David Washburn introduces Jeff Wesley, Executive Director of Ventures at the MSU Research Foundation. Jeff shares his journey from growing up in Chesney, Michigan, to leading transformative ventures at the Foundation. With a rich background in accounting, leadership, and entrepreneurial innovation, Jeff discusses his roles at Deloitte, a dental distribution company, and Two Men and a Truck before joining the MSU Research Foundation. Together, they delve into the creation of the Foundation's venture ecosystem, including its venture creation and investments subsidiaries—Spartan Innovations, Red Cedar Ventures, and Michigan Rise. Jeff offers insights into fostering entrepreneurship, building high-impact teams, and driving innovation across Michigan. This is the first of many conversations with Jeff, setting the stage for exploring the exciting work happening within the MSU ecosystem.Host: David WashburnGuest: Jeff Wesley, Executive Director of Ventures, MSU Research FoundationProducers: Jenna McNamara and Doug SnitgenMusic: "Devil on Your Shoulder" by Will Harrison, licensed via Epidemic SoundStay connected with the MSU Research Foundation by following us on LinkedIn or subscribing to our email newsletters.

Send us Fan MailPILOT 1: In this episode of "Started @ State," Dave interviews Jeff Smith, Director of Research Parks at the MSU Research Foundation and board member of the Association of University Research Parks (AURP). Jeff provides a deep dive into the world of university research parks, their evolution, and their impact on innovation and economic development.Key Takeaways:Research parks are hubs for startups, innovative companies, and university-related activities, fostering collaboration and growth.These parks have evolved from isolated research spaces to vibrant communities with amenities like amphitheaters and retail spaces.The AURP focuses on advocacy, knowledge sharing, and best practices for its 250 members, promoting innovation.Research parks are typically developed through public-private partnerships and are often located near universities to leverage talent and resources.Post-COVID work trends include a shift towards mixed-use innovation buildings and integrated amenities, enhancing research environments.Jeff explains how research parks foster industry-university partnerships and drive economic development. He shares examples of innovative parks across the country and highlights the various amenities that make these spaces attractive to both startups and established companies.Join our email list at msufoundation.org/subscribe to make sure you never miss an episode or upcoming event, and follow us on LinkedIn to join the conversation.