MSU Research Foundation Podcast

Building the Rosenberg Center with Jeff Smith

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2379209/fan_mail/new] 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 [https://www.linkedin.com/company/msufoundation] or subscribing to our email newsletters [https://www.msufoundation.org/subscribe].

Tech Transfer, Startups, and the MIT Ecosystem

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2379209/fan_mail/new] 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 [https://www.linkedin.com/company/msufoundation] or subscribing to our email newsletters [https://www.msufoundation.org/subscribe].

PitchMI 2026: From Quarterfinals to Championship with Pete Martin

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2379209/fan_mail/new] 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 [https://www.linkedin.com/company/msufoundation] or subscribing to our email newsletters [https://www.msufoundation.org/subscribe].

Building an Innovation Ecosystem at Oxford University

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2379209/fan_mail/new] 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 [https://www.linkedin.com/company/msufoundation] or subscribing to our email newsletters [https://www.msufoundation.org/subscribe].

PitchMI Finalist Spotlight: General Orbit

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2379209/fan_mail/new] 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 [https://www.linkedin.com/company/msufoundation] or subscribing to our email newsletters [https://www.msufoundation.org/subscribe].