MSU Research Foundation

The MSU Research Foundation is a non-profit organization that serves as the primary technology transfer and venture investment arm for Michigan State University. It manages a significant endowment to support research, commercialization, and economic development in the East Lansing region and beyond. The foundation operates several key subsidiaries, including Spartan Innovations, Red Cedar Ventures, and Michigan Rise, which provide seed funding and mentorship to early-stage startups. By offering laboratory space and business development resources, it bridges the gap between academic discovery and commercial success. Historically, the foundation has been instrumental in the commercialization of major breakthroughs, including the blockbuster cancer drugs cisplatin and carboplatin.