MSU Research Foundation Podcast

In this episode, David Washburn talks with Jeff Wesley, Executive Director of Ventures at the MSU Research Foundation, about the growth of the Foundation's venture creation and investment platform and the expanding network of programs supporting entrepreneurs across Michigan. Jeff reflects on the success of the inaugural PitchMI competition, the statewide partnerships that made it possible, and what's ahead as PitchMI returns for a second year with new programming and opportunities for founders.

The conversation also explores several major milestones from the past year, including the growth of the MSU-Henry Ford Innovation Hub, the launch of the new $10 million Henry Ford + MSU Innovation Fund, and recent investments in emerging healthcare technologies. David and Jeff discuss the continued evolution of the Conquer Accelerator program as it marks its 10th anniversary, the Lab to Launch initiative connecting researchers with commercialization resources, and the Foundation's ongoing investment activity through Red Cedar Ventures and Michigan Rise.

Finally, they examine the broader innovation landscape, including collaboration among Big Ten universities and the formation of the Michigan Innovation Alliance. Jeff shares why partnerships, founder support, and a long-term commitment to innovation are critical to Michigan's future and how organizations across the state are working together toward the shared goal of becoming a top 10 innovation state.

Host: David Washburn
Guest: Jeff Wesley, Executive Director of Ventures, MSU Research Foundation
Producer: Jenna McNamara
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.

In this episode, Pete Martin talks with Troy Morris, co-founder and CEO of KMI, about building “tow trucks for space” and the company’s mission to keep space clear for future generations.

Troy discusses the growing challenge of orbital debris, why satellites need servicing and repositioning, and how KMI is developing spacecraft capable of moving objects in orbit. The conversation explores KMI’s REACCH technology, testing aboard the International Space Station, the growing commercial and national security opportunities around space infrastructure, and what sets the company’s approach apart in an increasingly active space economy.

Pete and Troy also discuss KMI’s roots in Michigan, the journey from Northern Michigan University to building the company in Marquette, and the importance of investors who bring more than capital to the table. Troy looks ahead to a future where in-space servicing becomes routine and KMI helps build the infrastructure needed to support a growing economy in orbit.

Host: Pete Martin
Guest: Troy Morris, Co-Founder, KMI
Producer: Jenna McNamara
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.

In this episode, David Washburn talks with Jeff Smith, Executive Director of Research Parks at the MSU Research Foundation, about the Rosenberg Center, a new headquarters and innovation hub designed to support researchers, startups, and industry partners at Michigan State University.

Jeff discusses the vision behind the project, the growing demand for flexible startup space, and why the Foundation chose to transform an existing building into a collaborative environment for innovation. The conversation explores how the Rosenberg Center will bring together university programs, startup companies, corporate partners, and entrepreneurial support organizations while creating new opportunities for connection, events, and company growth.

David and Jeff also discuss the broader role of research parks and innovation infrastructure in supporting commercialization, the potential for a larger innovation district to emerge around the site, and the legacy of Dr. Barnett Rosenberg, whose groundbreaking research helped establish the foundation for the organization's work today.

Host: David Washburn
Guest: Jeff Smith, Executive Director of Research Parks, MSU Research Foundation
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.

In this episode, David Washburn talks with Lesley Millar-Nicholson, Executive Director of the Technology Licensing Office at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, about university commercialization, startup creation, and the differences between innovation ecosystems in the Midwest and Boston.

Lesley reflects on her career in technology transfer, including her time at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and discusses how universities support researchers and entrepreneurs through licensing, startup development, and long-term ecosystem building. The conversation explores the challenges of commercialization, the complexity of university intellectual property, and why relationships and education remain central to successful tech transfer.

David and Lesley also discuss startup licensing models, incubator networks, venture activity around research universities, and the importance of storytelling in demonstrating the real-world impact of university innovation—with a brief detour into 3D-printed ice cream.

Host: David Washburn
Guest: Lesley Millar-Nicholson, Executive Director, MIT Technology Licensing Office
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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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