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In this episode, David Washburn talks with Pete Martin, Director of Portfolio Management at the MSU Research Foundation, about the PitchMI competition—from the quarterfinal events held across Michigan to the championship in Lansing, where Adrenaline Interactive received a $1 million investment.

Pete reflects on the scale of the competition, which drew 375 startup applications from more than 100 communities across Michigan, and discusses the four finalist companies, the role of venture and ecosystem partners, and how the competition helped connect founders with investors, customers, and new opportunities for growth.

The conversation also looks ahead to the next PitchMI, including new quarterfinal events planned for fall 2026 and the MSU Research Foundation’s broader efforts to support startup growth across Michigan.

Host: David Washburn and Jeff Wesley
Guests: Pete Martin, Director of Portfolio Management, MSU Research Foundation
Producers: Jenna McNamara and Doug Snitgen
Music: "Devil on Your Shoulder" by Will Harrison, licensed via Epidemic Sound

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In 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 Wesley
Guests: Dr. Mairi Gibbs, CEO, Oxford University Innovation
Producers: Jenna McNamara and Doug Snitgen
Music: "Devil on Your Shoulder" by Will Harrison, licensed via Epidemic Sound

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In 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 Martin
Guests: Parker Boundy, Co-Founder and CEO, General Orbit
Producers: Jenna McNamara and Doug Snitgen
Music: "Devil on Your Shoulder" by Will Harrison, licensed via Epidemic Sound

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In 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 Martin
Guests: Lindsay A. Joseph, Co-Founder and CEO, BedConnect
Producers: Jenna McNamara and Doug Snitgen
Music: "Devil on Your Shoulder" by Will Harrison, licensed via Epidemic Sound

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In 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 Martin
Guests: Max Albert, Founder and CEO, Adrenaline Interactive
Producers: Jenna McNamara and Doug Snitgen
Music: "Devil on Your Shoulder" by Will Harrison, licensed via Epidemic Sound

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In 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 Martin
Guests: Josef Hjelmaker, Founder and CEO, Electric Outdoors
Producers: Jenna McNamara and Doug Snitgen
Music: "Devil on Your Shoulder" by Will Harrison, licensed via Epidemic Sound

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In 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 Washburn
Guests: Jeff Wesley (Executive Director of Ventures, MSU Research Foundation)
Producers: Jenna McNamara and Doug Snitgen
Music: "Devil on Your Shoulder" by Will Harrison, licensed via Epidemic Sound

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In 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 Washburn
Guests: Dr. Laura Lee McIntyre (Provost, Michigan State University; MSU Research Foundation Distinguished Professor)
Producers: Jenna McNamara and Doug Snitgen
Music: "Devil on Your Shoulder" by Will Harrison, licensed via Epidemic Sound

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In 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 Wesley
Guests: Kevin Guskiewicz Wesley (President, Michigan State University)
Producers: Jenna McNamara and Doug Snitgen
Music: "Devil on Your Shoulder" by Will Harrison, licensed via Epidemic Sound

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In 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 Washburn
Guests: Craig Wesley (Executive Director, 20Fathoms)
Producers: Jenna McNamara and Doug Snitgen
Music: "Devil on Your Shoulder" by Will Harrison, licensed via Epidemic Sound

Stay connected with the MSU Research Foundation by following us on LinkedIn or subscribing to our email newsletters.