Celebrate Invention 2025 Highlighted Impact of University Research Commercialization across Michigan and Beyond

This year’s event was an exciting exploration of research and innovation across the University of Michigan, with a panel discussion on the impact of radiation technology across industry and healthcare, technology demonstrations with researchers highlighting their important work, a lively networking reception and the presentation of the Distinguished University Innovator of the Year Award to Dr. Zhong He.

Innovation Partnerships Launches Accelerate Blue Foundry 2025-2026

The Accelerate Blue Foundry is designed to bridge the gap between startup founders and some of the most promising innovations from University of Michigan research. Throughout the program, teams will receive support from the Innovation Partnerships’ team. The program will culminate in a pitch day where projects will present to a room of investors for an opportunity to license the technology and receive a minimum seed investment of $50,000 from the Accelerate Blue Fund. Applications are now open for interested entrepreneurs to apply and connect with a U-M inventor.

Innovation Partnerships at the University of Michigan and WAVE Ventures Collaborate to Launch a Deep Tech Venture Studio

A new collaboration between WAVE Ventures and Innovation Partnerships will provide another avenue for U-M faculty and researchers to explore when wanting to launch a startup.

Innovators will receive ongoing support from the Innovation Partnerships team while gaining access to WAVE’s company-building playbook, including hands-on operators, seasoned executives, and strategic venture capital.

U-M Innovators Break Multiple Research Commercialization Records in FY25

Research led by University of Michigan faculty and researchers generated a record-breaking 673 new inventions last year, topping the previous record of 615. Additionally, 31 startup companies were launched to support the commercialization of U-M research discoveries.

Innovation Partnerships, the university’s nexus of research commercialization, recently announced its numbers for Fiscal Year 2025, which ended on June 30. These numbers provide key insights into the breadth and depth of U-M’s innovation ecosystem.

MTRAC Life Sciences Provides Critical Support for Biomedical Research

U-M projects and startups, including ArtOva’s ovarian graft technology, Amplitude Vascular Systems’ innovative vascular treatment and AI-powered ventures like Decimal Code, each received transformative funding and mentorship support from the Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization (MTRAC) for Life Sciences Innovation Hub. MTRAC Life Sciences provides critical early- and mid-stage funding, mentorship and resources to projects with high commercial potential, encouraging broad and lasting impact on health outcomes and economic growth statewide.

Accelerate Blue Fund Brings Impactful Startups, Like Intero Biosystems, To Life

The Accelerate Blue Fund (AB Fund) is the University of Michigan’s evergreen, early-stage venture fund dedicated to supporting U-M licensed startups. By bridging the funding gap for emerging companies, the AB Fund enables groundbreaking innovations, like Intero Biosystems’ organoid-based GastroScreen technology, to reach the market.

Intero Biosystems’ co-founder, Charlie Childs, credits the AB Fund for providing crucial early-stage support, as well as the essential role of donors whose contributions strengthen Michigan’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.

U-M Professor, Startup Founder Zetian Mi Featured on NSF’s “The Discovery Files Podcast”

Dr. Zetian Mi, professor of electrical engineering and computer science at the University of Michigan and founder of U-M startup NX Fuels, was recently featured on “The Discovery Files,” a podcast by the National Science Foundation that explores the latest breakthroughs in science, technology and engineering with the country’s leading researchers.

In the episode titled “Next Generation Ferroelectric Semiconductors,” Dr. Mi discussed his group’s work developing the next generation of wurtzite ferroelectric nitride semiconductors.

Jim Adox to be Inducted into Michigan Venture Capital Association Hall of Fame

Jim Adox, executive managing director at Venture Investors Health Fund and member of the Innovation Partnerships National Advisory Board, was recently announced as an inductee for the Michigan Venture Capital Association Hall of Fame.

Adox is being honored for his extensive leadership and guidance across Michigan’s economic ecosystem, helping startups to flourish across the country.

Adox will be inducted at the MVCA’s 2025 Annual Awards Celebration on October 9th.