October 18-20 | Tucson, AZ

The Research Institution GAP Fund and Accelerator Program Summit

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MSU Research Foundation launches $4M startup competition, shot at $1m grand prize

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October 16-17, 2025 / Seattle, WA

The annual summit for research institution gap fund and accelerator programs, including proof of concept programs, startup accelerators, and university venture funds

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The Story

The Michigan State University Research Foundation has secured $4 million to transform PitchMI as a founder-focused startup competition aimed at fueling Michigan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The reimagined PitchMI will award eight $250,000 investments to regional winners, who will then advance to a statewide final for a shot at an additional $1 million grand prize.

By the end of 2026, a total of eight Michigan-based startups will receive $4 million in direct investment.

Two statewide winners will each walk away with a combined total of $1.25 million in funding.

Full story: MSU Research Foundation launches $4M startup competition

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The Consortium provides a dedicated, institutional coordinating forum for collective insight, program refinement, and structured engagement with aligned commercial, investment, and philanthropic partners.

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