Innovation Partnerships

University Partner

Innovation Partnerships
Contact

Innovation Partnerships

Innovation Partnerships

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MVCA Member

Innovation Partnerships at the University of Michigan is the nexus of research commercialization. Our office plays a critical role in translating discoveries from U-M faculty and researchers into real-world solutions by supporting patent protection, commercialization, startup company formation and growth. Through strategic connections with industry, entrepreneurs and investors, Innovation Partnerships ensures that U-M innovations reach society, address critical needs, spur technology-driven economic growth and create lasting, positive societal impact. To support the growing portfolio of U-M startup companies, Innovation Partnerships created the Accelerate Blue Fund—an evergreen venture fund designed to bridge the gap between initial startup launch and securing angel or venture capital funding. Innovation Partnerships, in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, also supports the development of a strong university research commercialization ecosystem across the state of Michigan. This includes collaborating with university technology transfer offices on the MTRAC programs and the Technology Transfer Talent Network (T3N). In 2024, Innovation Partnerships launched the Michigan University Innovation Capital Fund in collaboration with universities across the state to provide early-stage capital to startups licensing technology from any public research university in the state of Michigan. Committed to being the most startup-friendly technology commercialization office in the country, Innovation Partnerships was #2 in the nation for inventions received and startup companies launched according to the 2023 AUTM annual licensing survey.

Contact

Team

  • Kelly Sexton
    Associate Vice President for Research | Innovation Partnerships and Economic Impact
  • Mike Psarouthakis
    Executive Director of Impact Investments and Strategic Alliances
  • Dave Repp
    Director of Ventures and Managing Director of the Accelerate Blue Fund
  • Don Manfredi
    Associate Director of Ventures and Fund Manager
  • Sarah Jameson-Valencia
    Associate Director of Ventures | Life Sciences

Company Stages Served

  • Idea/Pre-Seed
  • Seed
  • Startup/Early

Industry Sectors Served

  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Advanced Materials/Manufacturing
  • Alternative Energy
  • Consumer Products
  • Engineering Design + Development
  • Information Technology
  • Life Sciences
  • Medical Device Technology
  • Mobility
  • Mobility/Auto Manufacturing
  • Other

Types of Programs Offered

  • Business Acceleration
  • Business Retention/Expansion/Attraction
  • Capital
  • Incubation
  • Networking/Events
  • Other
  • Talent Attraction/Retention
  • Talent Development

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