Statewide Expansion of PitchMI from MSU

I’m excited to announce that the MSU Research Foundation is leading a statewide expansion of PitchMI, the state’s premier startup pitch competition! With support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and our new Michigan Rise Evergreen Fund, this two-year series will provide $4 million in direct investment to Michigan-based founders.

PitchMI begins this fall with four regional pitch events, each spotlighting one of the States’s competitive strengths:

• Sept. 29: Grand Rapids – Healthcare & Life Sciences
• Sept. 30: Traverse City – CleanTech & Outdoor Innovation
• Oct. 1: Detroit – Mobility, Defense & Advanced Manufacturing
• Oct. 2: Ann Arbor – AI & Software

Each regional event will award a $250,000 investment to one startup. Winners advance to the statewide championship in April 2026 for a chance at an additional $1 million investment. Then, the series will return with new host cities for 2026.

While hosted in specific regions, each event is open to startups across Michigan. Founders may apply to any regional event!

WAYS TO ENGAGE:

• Founders: Apply to pitch at one of the regional events. Applications are now open at msufoundation.org/PitchMI
• Investors & Partners: Share this opportunity with your network, and contact us if you’re interested in co-investing, sponsoring, or supporting PitchMI.

Together, we’re showcasing the strength of our entrepreneurial ecosystem and helping the next generation of high-impact startups grow here in Michigan.

Ann Arbor SPARK

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