LANSING, Michigan. — The 2025 edition of 517 Entrepreneurship & Innovation Week (517 E&I Week), East Lansing’s premier event celebrating entrepreneurship and innovation, will be held March 31–April 4 at Michigan State University and the surrounding areas.
This marks the first year that the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (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 event with key partners from across the region.
“517 Entrepreneurship & Innovation Week will put a spotlight on the next generation of innovators, founders and disruptors who will transform our region’s economy,” said Bob Trezise, CEO and president of LEAP. “LEAP is excited to join with our partners and offer a dynamic event that will empower individuals, spark creativity, and build lasting connections that drive innovation and business success.”
Attendees will be able to access local programs and service providers to help launch and grow their businesses; network with key innovators and business leaders shaping Michigan’s startup scene; and attend free workshops and panels to stay ahead on trends, tools, and strategies.
The Michigan State University Research Foundation, the MSU Innovation Center, and the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation will be joining LEAP to host the event.
“We encourage everyone to come out and join us for 517 E&I Week,” said Angel Miller, executive director of the LRSZ. “With a packed schedule of workshops, presentations, and networking opportunities, the week offers a platform for innovators, entrepreneurs, students, and community members to connect and learn from one another.”
Scheduled events include
- Women in Tech Summit, where participants will celebrate the impact of women in Michigan’s tech scene with a keynote, panel discussion, and networking over lunch at this empowering half-day event.
- Burgess New Venture Challenge, where student entrepreneurs compete for over $50,000 in funding and gain a transformational experience in venture development.
- Innovate State: Elevating Performance, where participants can hear inspiring stories of innovation, entrepreneurship, and resilience from Spartan leaders at this fireside chat series.
- And many more, with more events to be added in the coming weeks. You can see a current list here.
“Entrepreneurship & Innovation Week is at the heart of the Burgess Institute’s mission to inspire and empower student entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders at Michigan State University,” said Laurel Ofstein, faculty director at the Burgess Institute. “Expanding this year’s initiative to the Greater Lansing region provides a tremendous opportunity to foster collaboration, innovation, and economic growth on a larger scale. With LEAP and the LRSZ leading this next chapter, we’re excited to celebrate entrepreneurship and innovation with our partners and the community in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
“Entrepreneurship & Innovation Week showcases the incredible energy and collaboration within the Michigan State University and Greater Lansing entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Jeff Wesley, director of ventures at the MSU Research Foundation. “We’re excited to include the Student Venture Capital Fund, where entrepreneurial finance students from the MSU Eli Broad College of Business will present their pre-seed investment recommendations for five Michigan-based startups, and the Women in Tech Summit, which celebrates the significant contributions of women driving innovation and shaping the future of technology in Michigan.”
Learn more about 517 E&I Week and register at 517ei.com.
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About LEAP
The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) is a coalition of area leaders partnering to build a stronger community for all—working every day to grow, retain and attract business to the Lansing, Michigan, region.
