PitchMI Startup Competition (AI & Software)

PitchMI Startup Competition (AI & Software) is sponsored by Michigan State University Research Foundation, in partnership with Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

PitchMI (2026-2027) – MSU Research Foundation Meet the leaders providing oversight and strategic direction for our mission. Meet the people executing our strategy, investment, and operations to turn ideas into impact. Discover the real-world impact of our grants, investments, and partnerships.

Funding for interdisciplinary research with potential for significant scientific and societal impact. Funding for research in the humanities and arts, including scholarship, creative work, and performances. Recognizes research excellence and provides funding support to advance impactful scholarly work.

Helps transform discoveries into real-world solutions through mentorship and entrepreneurial training. Resources and opportunities that help founders launch and build high-tech, high-growth ventures. Expert guidance, specialized talent, and comprehensive support for founders at every stage.

Capital solutions that help startups launch, grow, and scale, from early-stage investment to working capital. Wet labs, flex offices, and warehouse space near MSU for startups advancing university-driven research and innovation. Private offices and startup services on the Medical Mile for MedTech and health innovation ventures.

Flexible space and strategic support for MedTech and mobility startups rooted in Detroit’s industrial legacy. Your MSU Affiliate ID card is your key to accessing campus facilities, discounts, and other benefits. Partnerships Partnerships A health innovation hub advancing care delivery through clinical validation, translational research, and startup collaboration.

A regional initiative working to reduce packaging waste and improve recycling through collaboration with businesses and startups. A technology hub helping researchers and startups turn advanced materials and manufacturing into real-world solutions.

PitchMI Applications Open for 2026-27 Startup Competition Five Startups Named to Summer 2026 Conquer Accelerator Cohort PitchMI 2027 Kickoff Announcement The latest updates and insights on research, startups, and investments shaping the MSU innovation ecosystem. Upcoming workshops, conferences, and events designed to support and connect the MSU innovation ecosystem.

PitchMI (2026-2027) marketing 2026-07-23T13:08:47-04:00 PitchMI is one of the nation’s largest founder-focused startup competitions, designed to identify, support, and invest in Michigan’s most promising startups through a competitive statewide selection process. Highlights from PitchMI 2025-2026 Four Cities, Four Days, Four $250,000 Winners.

Startups from anywhere in Michigan can apply to compete at the semifinal event that best matches their industry focus. Semifinal winners receive a $250,000 prize and advance to the championship event for an additional $1 million.

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Advanced Manufacturing, Materials, & Outdoors Northern Center (Marquette) Healthcare & Life Sciences The Department at Hudson’s (Detroit) PitchMI is built for early-stage founders who are growing in Michigan. To apply, startups must meet the following requirements: Headquartered in Michigan Less Than Five Years Old: Companies must have been founded in 2021 or later. Less Than $2.

5M in Dilutive Funding: Companies must have raised less than $2. 5 million in dilutive funding. Less Than $1.

5M in Revenue: Companies must have generated less than $1. 5 million in revenue over the past 12 months. Five companies will be selected to compete at each semifinal event.

Each founder will have 7 minutes to deliver their pitch. Judges will have 5 minutes for Q&A following each pitch. The winning company at each regional event will receive a $250,000 prize and be eligible to advance to the statewide championship.

Applications will be reviewed based on the following criteria: Founding Team: The founders have the skills, experience, and drive to execute and scale. Market Potential: The market opportunity is large, the pain is real, and the time to solve it is now. Product or Technology: There is technical differentiation (IP, a moat of some kind) and strong ability to deliver on the technology.

Traction: It’s clear that people want this, as evidenced by pilots, paying customers, or signal of some kind (LOIs, quotes, data). For companies with revenue, growth trends are great! Business Model: There’s a clear plan for reaching and acquiring customers effectively.

Presented by Michigan State University Research Foundation and its Affiliates (“ Sponsor ”) These terms and conditions (“ Terms ”) govern the PitchMI Pitch Competition (the “ Competition ”).

These Terms are entered into by and among (i) the startup company (the “ Startup Company ”) submitting an application to the Competition and the individual submitting the application for the Startup Company (the “ Authorized Officer ”), as participants in the Competition, and (ii) Sponsor.

By submitting an application for Startup Company that references these terms, the Authorized Officer, individually, and the Startup Company agree to be bound by the terms set forth herein.

These Terms apply to the initial application submission but shall also apply to and include participation in all events related to the Competition, including the initial pitches and the finals (if the Startup Company is selected for participation in the finals.) 1. Eligibility.

The Authorized Officer represents that each of the Startup Company’s team members are a legal resident of, and physically domiciled in the United States, including the District of Columbia.

The Startup Company’s business is headquartered in the state of Michigan and will remain headquartered in the state of Michigan during the entirety of the Competition in order to remain eligible for the benefits, prizes, recognition and/or investment that may result from the Startup Company’s participation in the Competition.

The Authorized Officer has the power and authority to enter the Startup Company into the Competition, and represents that the Startup Company meets the eligibility rules of the Competition located at: https://msufoundation. org/pitchmi/ 2. Acceptance of Terms.

The Authorized Officer understands and agrees to these Terms, with the understanding that it will be relied upon by Sponsor if the Startup Company is selected as a winner of the Competition or otherwise becomes eligible for any prize, investment or in-kind benefits made available as a result of the Startup Company’s participation in the Competition.

Additionally, the Authorized Officer and the Startup Company acknowledge and agree that the Competition may be subject to additional terms and conditions, rules and regulations and the Authorized Officer shall execute or agree to (on behalf of themselves and the Startup Company) any further instruments, documents or agreements reasonably requested by Sponsor, provided that the Authorized Officer shall be afforded a reasonable time to review any such additional terms and conditions, or, if they are unable or unwilling to execute or agree to such terms, that they will immediately inform Sponsor and withdraw from the Competition.

The Authorized Officer and Startup Company acknowledge and agree that if the Startup Company is selected as a winner of the Competition or otherwise receives any prize, investment or in-kind benefits made available as a result of the Startup Company’s participation in the Competition, the Authorized Officer and Startup Company will be subject to a due diligence period, and any award, prize, benefits or investment would be subject to completion of both legal due diligence satisfactory to Sponsor (or a third party that may invest alongside Sponsor), verification of information provided by the Authorized Officer and confirmation of the Startup Company’s eligibility for the Competition and compliance with the Competition’s rules.

The Startup Company expressly acknowledges and agrees that Sponsor shall be permitted to share any information provided by the Startup Company to Sponsor with any co-investors that may invest alongside Sponsor as part of the Competition. 3. Representations.

The Authorized Officer represents that they have: (i) not perpetrated and will not perpetrate any fraud or deception in connection with the Competition, and (ii) not sought to influence the outcome other than by participating as permitted by the Competition.

The Authorized Officer agrees to, and shall cause the Startup Company and its personnel to, only present or disseminate accurate and truthful information as part of the Competition and to Sponsor. 5. Publicity Release and License.

For valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Authorized Officer on behalf of himself or herself and on behalf of the Startup Company, irrevocably consents and hereby grants to Sponsor and its designees the right to use, at Sponsor’s sole discretion, the Startup Company’s and the Authorized Officers’ name, photograph, logo, video image or recording, likeness, voice, statements, opinions, biographical information and address (city and state) for advertising, promotions and publicity purposes in any and all media now known or hereafter devised, worldwide in perpetuity without limitation and without additional compensation, permission or notification (except to the extent prohibited by applicable law).

The grant of rights under this Section 6 is limited to Sponsor’s use of the Startup Company’s and the Authorized Officers’ logo, name, likeness and other intellectual property or personal rights in connection with the Competition.

Authorized Officer hereby grants Sponsor a license to use the Startup Company’s marks and other intellectual property rights, without compensation of any kind, to advertise the Startup Company’s participation in the Competition. Authorized Officer waives any inspection or approval of the finished advertisement(s).

Authorized Officer releases the Released Parties from any liability for any claim of alteration, optical illusion, or faulty mechanical reproduction, and likewise with respect to any distortion or illusion in sound reproduction. 6. General Release.

Authorized Officer understands that these Terms include a full, complete and general release that applies to all disputes, claims or other causes of action, including unknown claims, related to the Competition, the prize and Startup Company’s participation in the Competition. Authorized Officer waives any right to challenge the release on grounds that it is a general release or a release of unknown claims.

These Terms shall be binding upon the Startup Company’s heirs, executors and administrators. 7. Compliance with Laws.

Authorized Officer understands that the Startup Company must follow all applicable laws, including any securities laws, rules or regulations, related to the Startup Company’s participation in the Competition.

Authorized Officer understands that nothing in this shall be construed as legal guidance and the Startup Company should consult its own attorney for any legal guidance on any laws, rules or regulations that may be implicated by the Startup Company’s application for or participation in the Competition.

Authorized Officer represents that the Startup Company will not advertise the issuance or sale of its securities as part of the Competition. 8. Authority and Binding Effect.

Authorized Officer represents and warrants that he or she has the due authorization, power and authority to bind the Startup Company to these Terms, which Terms constitute the legal, valid, and binding obligation of the Company.

The Authorized Officer and the Startup Company represent and warrant that neither the agreement of the Startup Company to be bound by these Terms nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein will (a) conflict with or result in any breach or violation of any provision of the Startup Company’s governing documents, (b) constitute a breach or default (or an event that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a breach or default) under any material contract, lease, license, or other instrument to which the Startup Company is a party or by which it or its properties are bound, (c) violate any statute, rule, regulation, order, writ, injunction, or decree applicable to the Startup Company, or (d) result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge, or encumbrance upon any property or asset of the Startup Company.

One Stage. One Champion. $1 Million Prize.

Semifinal winners advance to the PitchMI Championship, where they’ll compete head-to-head for an additional $1 million prize. Event details coming soon…