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Michigan State University Foundation
Founded in 1973 as an independent nonprofit, the MSU Research Foundation focuses exclusively on advancing the Michigan State University research and innovation...
Michigan State University Foundation
Founded in 1973 as an independent nonprofit, the MSU Research Foundation focuses exclusively on advancing the Michigan State University research and innovation ecosystem. Led by CEO David Washburn and chaired by Rodger L. Johnson, the foundation operates separately from the university's endowment and allocates capital toward funding mechanisms, entrepreneurial programming, and physical infrastructure that connects academic breakthroughs to market opportunities across Michigan. The foundation deploys capital through direct venture investments, pre-seed funds such as the Michigan Rise partnership with the MEDC, accelerators like the Conquer Accelerator program, and strategic grants targeting technology transfer and endowed professorships. Its investment team, including Directors of Venture Investments Tommy Skinner and Matthew Okoneski, backs early-stage companies generated from MSU intellectual property. Confirmed portfolio companies include Adrenaline Interactive, which received a $1 million investment through the foundation's PitchMI competition in May 2026, along with BridgeCare Technologies and Clicki. The foundation maintains a geographic focus on Michigan, with a concentration in the Lansing and Grand Rapids regions. The organization manages a 35-person team spanning venture creation, finance, and facilities. Its portfolio includes five dedicated real estate assets: the University Corporate Research Park, VanCamp Incubator + Research Labs, Crescent Road Innovation Center, the Technology Innovation Center in East Lansing, and the Grand Rapids Innovation Park. Jeff Wesley serves as Executive Director of Ventures. In May 2026, the foundation ran the PitchMI championship, awarding a $1 million investment to a portfolio company, underscoring its commitment to active venture deployment. Its structural differentiator is the integration of venture capital with physical lab and office infrastructure. The foundation does not merely write checks; it builds and manages the innovation parks where its portfolio companies often operate. This combines a real-asset landlord role with an early-stage investment mandate, creating a vertically integrated model for university technology commercialization rare among research foundations.
General information
Firm type
Endowment / Foundation
Year founded
1973
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
East Lansing
Corporate office
325 E Grand River Ave, Suite 275, East Lansing, MI 48823, United States
Additional offices
Grand Rapids, MI, United States
Principals
David Washburn
Chief Executive Officer
Jeff Wesley
Executive Director, Ventures
Altss tracks 1 additional named team member for this firm — including direct investment leads, IR, and operating principals not listed on the public website.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the MSU Research Foundation part of Michigan State University's endowment?
No. The MSU Research Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1973. It is structurally separate from the Michigan State University endowment and focuses exclusively on commercializing MSU research, rather than managing the university's general invested assets.
How does the foundation source its investment opportunities?
The foundation identifies investable companies primarily through MSU's technology transfer pipeline, faculty research disclosures, and entrepreneurial programs like the Conquer Accelerator. It also runs the PitchMI competition to source and fund early-stage Michigan-based startups, awarding a $1 million investment to the winner in May 2026.
Does the foundation invest in funds, or does it only make direct investments?
The foundation makes direct venture investments and runs co-investment vehicles such as the Michigan Rise Pre-Seed Fund in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. It also provides strategic partnership grants, but direct startup equity and accelerator programming represent its primary deployment model rather than fund commitments.
What role does the real estate portfolio play in the foundation's strategy?
The foundation owns and operates five innovation-focused properties in East Lansing and Grand Rapids, including the University Corporate Research Park and the VanCamp Incubator. These facilities house portfolio companies, university spinouts, and industry partners, creating a physical ecosystem that integrates directly with the foundation's venture investments.
Who runs investment decisions at the MSU Research Foundation?
Jeff Wesley serves as Executive Director of Ventures, leading the investment team. Day-to-day venture investing is handled by Directors of Venture Investments Tommy Skinner and Matthew Okoneski, while the broader organization reports to CEO David Washburn and a board chaired by Rodger L. Johnson.
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
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