LANSING, Mich. — (Oct. 22, 2025) The East Lansing/Lansing Regional SmartZone has released its 2025 Impact Report, revealing record growth in mid-Michigan’s high-tech sector. Over the past year, SmartZone-supported ventures raised $18M in public and private funding, created 16 companies, and connected with program resources more than 1,200 times.

With a goal of increasing the East Lansing and Lansing region’s high-tech economy, the SmartZone focuses on attracting, creating, and expanding businesses in the fields of life sciences, advanced manufacturing and information technology, and other tech-adjacent sectors. In a region known for its manufacturing sector, high-tech is quickly becoming a new pillar of economic expansion. With this focus, more small ventures are being encouraged to start and scale using resources provided by the SmartZone. 

New ventures coming out of the SmartZone include MSU student-founded BRCĒ, designers of the industry-disrupting athletic shoelace, as well as CreatorPulse, whose Creator Impact Score™ is the first real-time metric built to assess a creator’s true effect on audience behavior.   

“We’re the first startup out of MSU to be selected for the main SXSW Pitch. This is a global stage, so it makes us extremely proud, but we back ourselves on the support we’ve received from the Lansing community.” 

Madhav Aggarwal, Co-Founder of BRCĒ 

“Behind every data point in this report are founders who are starting, growing, and thriving locally,” said Jillian Winn, Director of the SmartZone and a member of LEAP, which manages the SmartZone’s service contract.

“Each year, more startups are finding the support, talent, and community connections they need to succeed right here in mid-Michigan.” 

2025 Impact Highlights: 

• 16 new companies created 

• $18 million in funding raised 

• 1,200 client touchpoints 

• 300 businesses supported 

• 25 events hosted or attended 

• TIC occupancy at 90%, 

“LEAP is pleased to administer and partner with the SmartZone Board, bringing our tech and community expertise and programs to the table as we, together, build a Knowledge-based economy for our region and state. The leadership of East Lansing, MSU Foundation, Spartan Innovation, Lansing, Lansing Community College and many others to the SmartZone Board is outstanding. And we thank, as always, the profound support of the MEDC, Governor and state legislature.” Bob Trezise, President and CEO of LEAP. 

Year over year impact is apparent. With $18M in funds raised this past year by the 300 businesses supported, that total is more than double the amount raised in 2024. Included in those numbers is the formation of 16 new companies. Increased client touchpoints has been critical to the SmartZone providing the right resources for each company.

The SmartZone’s home, and one of its most popular resources offered to local ventures, the Technology Innovation Center (TIC) in downtown East Lansing, saw its highest occupancy rate since the COVID-19 pandemic. As the premier business incubator for technology startups in the Greater Lansing Region, the TIC offers workspaces, a podcast studio, and community gatherings. The TIC is now at 90% occupancy and is managed by MSU Foundation.  

“Over the past year, the SmartZone has experienced remarkable growth, from a surge in new company formations and increased fundraising activity to record-high occupancy rates at the Technology Innovation Center, said SmartZone board chair Abbie Tykocki. “These strong indicators not only affirm high-tech as one of the fastest-growing sectors in the  region but also highlight the SmartZone’s vital role as a hub for emerging businesses and innovation.”  

For more information and to see the full report please visit: 2025 Impact Report – Lansing Regional SmartZone