MSU Research Foundation Podcast
The MSU Research Foundation Podcast takes you behind the scenes of research and entrepreneurship within Michigan State University's ecosystem. Discover how ideas create impact, with stories from dedicated researchers, ambitious entrepreneurs, and the innovators shaping Michigan's future. From breakthrough discoveries to startup journeys, explore how the MSU Research Foundation helps fuel innovation and economic growth across the state.
Episodes
17 episodes
The Front Door to Innovation with 20Fathoms
In this episode, David Washburn talks with Craig Wesley, Executive Director of 20Fathoms in Traverse City, about how northern Michigan is cultivating a vibrant entrepreneurial community and expanding opportunities for early-stage ...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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24:34
Accelerating Healthcare Innovation with Henry Ford Health
In this episode, David Washburn talks with Lisa Prasad, Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer at Henry Ford Health, and Jeff Wesley, Executive Director of Ventures at the MSU Research Foundation, about how Mich...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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30:13
Launching PitchMI 2025 with Pete Martin
In this episode, David Washburn interviews Pete Martin, Director of Portfolio Management at the MSU Research Foundation, about the launch of PitchMI—a new statewide startup pitch competition awarding up to $1....
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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17:36
Inside 20 New Deals and Two New Funds with Jeff Wesley
In this episode, David Washburn interviews Jeff Wesley, Executive Director of Ventures at the MSU Research Foundation, to recap a high-impact fourth quarter of venture activity. Jeff shares highlights from 20 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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25:06
Reimagining Cancer Care and Clinical Trials with BAMF Health
In this episode, David Washburn interviews Chad Bassett, Chief Operating Officer of BAMF Health, a precision medicine company transforming how cancer is diagnosed and treated. Based in MSU’s Grand Rapids Innovation P...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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35:51
Building a University Startup Ecosystem with IU Ventures
In this episode, we talk with Jon Barada, vice president of IU Ventures, about how Indiana University is building a thriving startup ecosystem powered by alumni engagement and early-stage venture funding. Like the MS...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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33:39
Transforming Clinical Trials with Ripple Science
In this episode, we talk with Peter Falzon, president and CEO of Ripple Science, a clinical trials software company that spun out of the University of Michigan and now serves researchers around the world. Ripple’s platform helps a...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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33:36
Advancing Grid-Scale Storage with Dr. Tom Guarr
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Tom Guarr, founder and CTO of Jolt Energy Storage Technologies, a Michigan-based startup developing organic compounds for redox flow batteries. Tom shares his journey from academia to industry—fir...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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31:03
Engineering the Future of Quantum Computing with EeroQ
In this episode, we talk with Nick Farina and Dr. Johannes Pollanen of EeroQ, a quantum computing startup with roots at Michigan State University. Johannes is a physics professor at MSU and co-founder o...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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38:44
Advancing Killer Cell Immunotherapy with Mark Frohlich
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Mark Frohlich, CEO of Indapta Therapeutics, a biotech company working to make cancer treatment safer, more effective, and more accessible. Indapta is developing natural killer (NK) c...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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20:33
Modeling Smarter Farming with Bruno Basso (Part 2)
In part two of our conversation with Bruno Basso, professor at Michigan State University and co-founder of CIBO Technologies, we explore what it takes to scale scientific innovation into a venture-backed company. Bru...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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19:32
Modeling Smarter Farming with Bruno Basso (Part 1)
In part one of this two-part episode, we talk with Bruno Basso, professor at Michigan State University and co-founder of CIBO Technologies, a company using advanced modeling to help farmers make smarter decisions that improve both...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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25:03
Advancing Precision Medicine with Mike Klein
In this episode, we talk with Mike Klein, CEO of Genomenon, a genomics intelligence company helping researchers and clinicians make sense of vast amounts of genetic data. Mike shares his journey from electrical engineering to lead...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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19:32
Commercializing Clean Energy Storage with James Klausner
In this episode we talk with James Klausner, professor of mechanical engineering at Michigan State University and co-founder of Redoxblox, a startup developing thermochemical energy storage solutions. James shares his journey from academic rese...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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27:56
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Inside BitLyft's Culture and Growth Story with Jason Miller
In this episode we talk with Jason Miller, founder and CEO of BitLyft, a cybersecurity company based in St. John’s, Michigan. Jason shares his entrepreneurial journey, from starting a company in Tampa, Florida, to returning to Michigan to build...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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17:51
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Empowering Michigan's Entrepreneurs with Jeff Wesley
In this episode, David Washburn introduces Jeff Wesley, Executive Director of Ventures at the MSU Research Foundation. Jeff shares his journey from growing up in Chesney, Michigan, to leading transformative ventures at the Foundation. With a ri...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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19:25
How University Research Parks Drive Innovation with Jeff Smith (Pilot Episode)
PILOT 1: In this episode of "Started @ State," Dave interviews Jeff Smith, Director of Research Parks at the MSU Research Foundation and board member of the Association of University Research Parks (AURP). Jeff provides a deep dive...
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21:09
