Chris Holman welcomes David Washburn, CEO, MSU Research Foundation, East Lansing, MI.
Watch David and Chris discuss the Rosenberg Center, accelerating startups, research, and Michigan’s innovation economy in the YouTube video shared below:
Chris had several questions for Dave in this discussion:
The Rosenberg Center represents a $20 million investment in innovation infrastructure. Why is now the right time to make this investment, and what economic impact do you expect it to have for Michigan?
The goal is to bring startups, researchers, investors, and corporate partners together under one roof. How does physical proximity help accelerate innovation and business growth?
Many entrepreneurs struggle to move ideas from the lab to the marketplace. How will the Rosenberg Center help startups access the resources, capital, and connections they need to scale?
The building is named after Dr. Barnett Rosenberg, whose discovery of cisplatin generated tremendous long-term value. What does his legacy teach us about the economic potential of university research?
Looking ahead to the facility’s opening in 2027, how do you see the Rosenberg Center strengthening Michigan’s competitiveness in attracting talent, investment, and high-growth companies?
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Statement from Tim Daman, President & CEO, Lansing Regional Chamber
of Commerce: MSU Research Foundation Rosenberg Center Announcement
June 2026
The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce applauds the MSU Research Foundation’s announcement of the Rosenberg Center, a $20 million investment in our region’s innovation economy. A new 68,000-square-foot
headquarters and multi-tenant facility returning to MSU’s campus is exactly the kind of bold, forward-thinking commitment that strengthens Greater Lansing’s position as a destination for entrepreneurs, startups, and talent.
This is the kind of news our region needs. The Rosenberg Center will create connections between world-class research and the next generation of
business builders, and we look forward to seeing the energy and opportunity it brings to our broader business community.
Named in honor of Dr. Barnett Rosenberg, whose discovery of cisplatin at MSU changed the lives of cancer patients around the world, this building carries both a powerful legacy and an exciting future for our region.
We congratulate the MSU Research Foundation on this milestone and are eager to support the momentum as we count down to a Summer 2027
opening.
