Michigan State University

Supports university-driven commercialization in Michigan and aligns external efforts with partner state and private organizations.

Michigan State University is a major public research university in East Lansing, Michigan. Through its Office of Research and Innovation, it runs a large internal funding portfolio for faculty, students, and staff, while the MTRAC AgBio Innovation Hub and Conquer Accelerator extend support into Michigan's research and startup community. The university's role is both academic and translational: it funds early research, shared infrastructure, and commercialization paths under one umbrella.

Its named routes include the GreenLight Network, Strategic Partnership Grants, Shared Research Infrastructure, MAPPR policy research grants, MTRAC AgBio, and the Conquer Accelerator. Award sizes run from $20,000 for Conquer to $4 million for infrastructure, with other recurring caps at $30,000 for MAPPR, $400,000 for SPG, and $500,000 for GreenLight. Most programs are built for MSU faculty or teams, while MTRAC AgBio reaches Michigan innovators and research institutions beyond campus.

That mix makes MSU useful for projects that need bridge support, interdisciplinary collaboration, or access to facilities before they are ready for external capital. It is strongest where a proposal fits university priorities, has college backing when required, and can move from research toward deployment or commercialization.