Chris Holman welcomes Pete Martin, Director of Portfolio Management at the MSU Research Foundation, and Alison Todak, VP of Entrepreneurship & Innovation at MEDC, Lansing, MI.
Hear Pete and Alison discuss Michigan startups, investment, statewide competition and building a stronger innovation ecosystem with Chris in the YouTube video shared below:
Chris had several questions for Pete and Alison in this conversation:
PitchMI is organized by the MSU Research Foundation and Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Why are your organizations investing in this competition, and what impact do you hope it will have for the state’s startup ecosystem?
This year’s PitchMI features four industry-focused semifinals—defense and aerospace; AI and software; advanced manufacturing, materials, and outdoors; and healthcare and life sciences. Why were those industries selected, and what kinds of opportunities are you hoping Michigan founders will pursue?
The semifinals will take place in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Marquette, and Detroit. Why was it important to host these industry-focused competitions in communities across Michigan, and what do you hope that statewide reach will accomplish?
When reviewing applications, what separates an interesting idea from a company with the potential to grow, create jobs, and make a lasting impact in Michigan?
Applications are now open. Who should apply, and what should founders know before submitting?
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LANSING, Mich. – Applications are now open for the 2026–27 PitchMI competitions. Michigan-based startups will compete in four semifinal competitions across the state, with $250,000 in prize funding awarded to each winner, plus a chance to compete in the statewide PitchMI Championship for an additional $1 million. PitchMI (pronounced “Pitch-Me”) is one of the nation’s largest founder-focused startup competitions, designed to identify and invest in Michigan’s most promising startups.
This year’s semifinal competitions represent Michigan’s strengths in four industries:
● Defense & Aerospace: Grand Rapids on Sep. 15.
● AI & Software: Kalamazoo on Sept. 22.
● Advanced Manufacturing, Materials, & Outdoors: Marquette on Sept. 24.
● Healthcare & Life Sciences: Detroit on Oct. 1. If you’re building a high-growth startup in Michigan, learn more and apply at PitchMI.org. The application deadline is Monday, Aug. 10. The 2026 PitchMI Championship served as the culmination of a statewide search for Michigan’s most innovative startups, highlighting the state’s commitment to fostering a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem and supporting founders who want to make a career or business in Michigan.
In total, the 2025-26 PitchMI competition awarded more than $2.3 million in investment capital. The road to the championship began in the fall of 2025 with four regional pitch events across the state, which saw 375 applications from founders in more than 100 Michigan communities.
“PitchMI gives these entrepreneurs a stage that matches the quality of what they’re building,” said Ben Marchionna, MEDC’s Chief Innovation Ecosystem Officer following the championship. “Companies like these are how Michigan attracts and retains exceptional people, creates high-wage jobs, and builds a durable, innovation-driven economy.”
Organized by the MEDC and the MSU Research Foundation, PitchMI is designed to provide serious capital, rigorous evaluation and meaningful visibility to Michigan’s most promising startups.
“PitchMI reflects our collective commitment to strengthening the innovation ecosystem by connecting entrepreneurs with the capital, mentorship, and visibility they need to accelerate and scale right here in Michigan,” said David Washburn, CEO of the MSU Research Foundation.
Michigan’s entrepreneurial landscape continues to thrive with the addition of critical tools, including a $60 million investment in early-stage startups through the Michigan Innovation Fund, an R&D tax credit for small businesses, a statewide Innovation Alliance and increased access to resources to close the gap for underrepresented founders. Over the past five years, state investments in entrepreneurship and innovation helped catalyze more than 15,800 jobs and over 1,400 high-tech companies. Additionally, for every $1 the state invested, founders leveraged roughly $85 from other sources, which is an exceptional leverage ratio for public capital.
