State of the Region Report Highlights MSU Research Foundation Role in Startup and Innovation Growth
A decade of ecosystem-building by MSU, the Foundation, and regional partners is helping position Greater Lansing as a competitive hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
The 2025 State of the Region Benchmarking Report highlights the MSU Research Foundation’s role in advancing Greater Lansing’s startup and innovation ecosystem through investment funds, accelerator programs, and startup-dedicated facilities.
EAST LANSING, Mich. (June 5, 2025) — The MSU Research Foundation is recognized in the newly released 2025 State of the Region Benchmarking Report for its contributions to Greater Lansing’s entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem. Published by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) and the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), and authored by Anderson Economic Group, the report tracks key economic indicators across the region and benchmarks progress against eleven peer cities.
The report points to significant growth in areas such as high-tech jobs, STEM degree attainment, and early-stage investment—areas in which the MSU Research Foundation’s programs and facilities are cited as part of the region’s infrastructure.
“This data reinforces that sustained, collaborative investment in entrepreneurship and innovation is making a difference in our region,” said David Washburn, Chief Executive Officer of the MSU Research Foundation. “Ten years ago, there was virtually no venture capital in Greater Lansing. Today, we’re helping fill that gap and build the pipeline for follow-on investment.”
Highlights from the report include:
Venture capital investment in the Lansing region increased 254% between 2019 and 2023, the highest growth among all peer cities. The report credits the MSU Research Foundation’s Red Cedar Ventures and Michigan Rise Pre-Seed Fund III as major contributors to this activity. According to Pitchbook, the Foundation is now the second most active early-stage investor in the Midwest, through its venture investment subsidiaries.
High-tech employment in the region grew 12.2% over a five-year span—faster than in most peer regions. The Foundation’s Conquer Accelerator programs and research parks are identified as part of the environment supporting this growth.
The Lansing area now offers over 100,000 square feet of startup-dedicated space, with the VanCamp Incubator, Alliance Incubator, and Technology Innovation Center facilities managed by the MSU Research Foundation contributing to that total.
STEM degrees now account for 24.2% of all degrees awarded in the region, the third-highest share among peer cities. The report credits Michigan State University’s research and academic programs as major contributions to this strength—underscoring the role of local institutions in preparing talent for emerging industries.
The report also references partnerships among Michigan State University, LEAP, and the MSU Research Foundation as important to building a more competitive and connected entrepreneurial landscape.
“The MSU Research foundation has been an essential partner in building a stronger startup ecosystem across Greater Lansing,” said Bob Trezise, President and CEO of LEAP. “Their investment funds, accelerator programs, expertise and facilities, along with LEAP’s comprehensive startup systems, funds, pipelines and staff, have created an ideal university and community partnership, helping us compete nationally for talent and high growth companies. LEAP could not be more grateful to the MSU Research Foundation for their critical leadership in this space, as we grow the Lansing and East Lansing region, together.”
While the report documents strong momentum, it also identifies persistent challenges such as population decline, limited housing supply, and a relatively small private sector. The MSU Research Foundation is working with regional partners to ensure innovation-driven growth contributes to broader economic resilience.
The full 2025 State of the Region Benchmarking Report is available at: lansingchamber.org