WSU MTRAC for Advanced Computing Innovation Hub Promotes High-Tech, Early-Stage Projects in Michigan
The Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization (MTRAC) Innovation Hub for Advanced Computing Technologies at Wayne State University is bringing digital and computing technologies closer to commercialization. Funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and run by the Wayne State University Technology Commercialization Office, the hub will review applications for projects addressing future or poorly met market needs in […]
MSU’s student-led VC fund offers new hands-on learning
With a new investment fund at Michigan State University, students can gain experience on either side of the venture capital industry. The Student Venture Capital Fund offers students with an idea for a business or an innovation “priceless” experience in seeking capital and pitching to prospective investors, said Jeff Wesley, the executive director of Red Cedar Ventures at […]
U Michigan chip design startup raises $6 million in venture funding
Movellus Inc., a University of Michigan startup, has secured $6 million in Series A venture funding for a total of $10 million so far. The company provides technology that helps accelerate and optimize semiconductor chip design. Its applications include cloud computing, the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence. The $6 million in funding was led […]
MSU launches Student Venture Capital Fund within Broad College of Business
A new partnership between Red Cedar Ventures — the wholly owned venture investment subsidiary of the Michigan State University Foundation — and the Center for Venture Capital, Private Equity and Entrepreneurial Finance, or CVCPEEF, is now delivering venture funding experiences directly into the classroom. Launched in Spring 2019, students taking Entrepreneurial Finance will get a taste of the […]
University of Michigan to invest up to $20 million in four of its startups
ANN ARBOR—The University of Michigan will make a $2.75 million initial investment into four U-M startups with potential funding of up to $20 million through subsequent financing rounds. The U-M Board of Regents approved the investments Thursday through the Michigan Investment in New Technology Startups initiative. The MINTS fund, which is overseen by the U-M […]
Escape Room + Travel, Yes! Student business accelerator launches ‘real-world escape room’ for travelers
Western Michigan University launched the Starting Gate, a student business accelerator, in 2013, when the school began to seriously address how to support the transfer of technology from university labs to the marketplace and help commercialize the aspirations of other would-be entrepreneurs on campus. Since then, it has helped launch 80 companies, held more than […]
Michigan Strategic Fund Approves Extensions for Business Incubators, Grant Programs Supporting Early-Stage and Commercialization of Tech Companies
Aimed at supporting the continued economic growth and stimulation of Michigan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF)—administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)—has approved funding extensions totaling $1.8 million for six statewide programs. Each program strategically capitalizes on resources allocated through state funding to promote early-stage startups and the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies. […]
Michigan State U opens accelerator center for food development, commercial distribution
Michigan State University (MSU) opened this week its new Food Processing and Innovation Center (FPIC), an incubator designed to help food businesses and startups develop and release products. Clients can rent the facility, then use it to produce, process and package their products for about $3,000 per day. The goal of the center is to […]
Michigan alum raises $137 million for startups
Base10 Partners, a venture capital firm co-founded by Thomas James Nahigian, a University of Michigan Ross School of Business alum, and Adeyemi Ajao, has recently raised $137 million for investment in the name of “automation for the real economy.” This marks what is believed to be the largest debut for a venture capital firm led […]
SMPL Receives $100,000 Investment from University of Michigan’s Zell Founders Fund
The Zell Founders Fund, a student-led venture fund in the Zell Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies at the University of Michigan, announced today that it has made a $100,000investment in organic snack brand, SMPL. Today, SMPL also launches its new brand, introducing a line of organic superfood bites developed for the modern lifestyle consumer. The innovative snack brand utilizes a […]