EAST LANSING, Mich.—(March 27, 2025)—There’s still time The event runs from March 31-April 4 and will be held at Michigan State University and the surrounding areas. Featured events include a Women in Tech Summit, an MSU Innovation Celebration showcasing innovative technologies and startups developed by MSU faculty and students, and a keynote speech from Jillian Lorenz, Venture Partner at Exit Quotient Ventures and co-founder of nationally acclaimed fitness franchise The Barre Code. “This convening marks a pivotal moment for the Lansing region as we establish ourselves as Michigan’s next major innovation hub,” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP). “By bringing together our entrepreneurial ecosystem, we’re showcasing that Lansing isn’t just the state’s political capital, but is rapidly emerging as a capital of innovation where visionaries can build, scale, and thrive.” This marks the first year that LEAP, the economic development organization representing the tri-county region of Clinton, Eaton and Ingham Counties, in partnership with the Lansing Regional SmartZone (LRSZ), which it operates, will be taking the lead in coordinating the week of events with key partners from across the region. “517 Entrepreneurship & Innovation Week represents exactly what the Lansing Regional SmartZone was designed to foster—the synergy of ideas, talent, and opportunity that drives economic growth,” said Angel Miller, executive director of LRSZ. “By bringing together entrepreneurs at all stages of their respective journeys—alongside mentors, resource providers and educational leaders—we will spark new innovations and partnerships.” Other key events include:
View a full list of the 21 events here. Planning partners supporting the event include the Michigan State University Research Foundation, the MSU Innovation Center, and the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. “The energy around 517 E&I Week is really building!” said Jeff Wesley, Director of Ventures at the MSU Research Foundation. “We’re excited to highlight the Women in Tech Summit, celebrating the impact of women driving innovation in Michigan; the Innovation Mixer, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders from across the ecosystem; the Packaging Symposium, exploring the future of sustainable materials; and the Student Venture Capital Fund Investment Celebration, where MSU students present pre-seed investment recommendations for Michigan startups. It’s going to be a great week to engage with the entrepreneurial community at MSU and the Greater Lansing area.” “517 Entrepreneurship and Innovation Week is an exciting opportunity to bring together individuals from all over the local entrepreneurial ecosystem to showcase ideas and foster collaboration,” said Laurel Ofstein, Faculty Director for the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. “At the Burgess Institute, we’re thrilled to be a part of it, as it allows us to support our students, connect them with industry leaders, and help turn their innovative ideas into real-world impact.” Learn more and register for each event separately at the 517 E&I Week website. |
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