Innovation Partnerships

The Ventures team provides startup services and funding in support of your startup project and new company. This includes translational and commercialization funding as well as access to investment capital including deep ties to a national network of venture funds. The Michigan University Innovation Capital Fund (MUICF) is a pre-seed venture capital fund that invests in founders building fast-growing technology companies based on research from the state of Michigan’s public universities. The fund focuses on accelerating innovative university technology startups by providing risk-tolerant patient investment capital and a state-wide network of business support services to accelerate the completion of key business milestones that unlock long-term value to drive economic and job growth in Michigan. The MUICF was established by an award from the Michigan Strategic Fund and Michigan Economic Development Corporation through the Michigan Innovation Capital Fund in 2024.