LANSING – Michigan entrepreneurs developing the next generation of artificial intelligence, defense, healthcare and advanced manufacturing technologies have a chance to compete for more than $2 million in prize funding through the 2026-2027 PitchMI startup competition.
Applications are now open for PitchMI, a statewide startup competition led by the Michigan State University Research Foundation in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Organizers say the program is one of the nation’s largest founder-focused startup competitions and is designed to identify and accelerate Michigan’s most promising early-stage companies.
The application deadline is midnight on Aug. 10.
Unlike traditional business plan competitions, PitchMI is organized around four industries Michigan has identified as key economic growth sectors.
This year’s semifinal competitions include:
- Sept. 15 – Defense & Aerospace in Grand Rapids
- Sept. 22 – AI & Software in Kalamazoo
- Sept. 24 – Advanced Manufacturing, Materials & Outdoors in Marquette
- Oct. 1 – Healthcare & Life Sciences in Detroit
Startups from anywhere in Michigan may apply to compete in the semifinal that best matches their technology or business focus.
Each regional winner will receive $250,000 in non-dilutive prize funding and advance to the statewide PitchMI Championship in April 2027, where finalists will compete for an additional $1 million grand prize.
Organizers said the competition is intended to help promising startups secure early capital while connecting founders with investors, mentors and strategic partners across Michigan’s innovation ecosystem.
Strengthening Michigan’s Startup Pipeline
The competition reflects Michigan’s broader effort to grow more homegrown technology companies in sectors where the state already has significant research, manufacturing and engineering expertise.
Artificial intelligence has become one of Michigan’s fastest-growing startup categories as automakers, manufacturers and healthcare systems increasingly adopt AI-powered technologies. Defense and aerospace also continue to expand as Michigan leverages its automotive supply chain and engineering talent to pursue military contracts and autonomous systems development.
Healthcare and life sciences remain anchored by Michigan’s universities, research hospitals and medical device companies, while advanced manufacturing continues evolving beyond traditional automotive production into robotics, advanced materials and Industry 4.0 technologies.
By targeting these industries, state leaders hope to keep more high-growth companies headquartered in Michigan while attracting additional private investment.
More Than Prize Money
Beyond the cash awards, PitchMI provides participating companies with exposure to venture capital firms, angel investors, corporate partners and economic development organizations that can help startups raise follow-on funding and accelerate commercialization.
The competition is jointly supported by the MSU Research Foundation and the MEDC, both of which have expanded efforts in recent years to strengthen Michigan’s startup ecosystem and improve access to early-stage capital.
The MSU Research Foundation is an independent nonprofit that supports commercialization of university research through grants, entrepreneurial programming, startup investments and innovation facilities. The foundation contributes more than $15 million annually to Michigan State University through research and innovation initiatives.
How To Apply
Michigan startup founders interested in competing can submit applications through Aug. 10. Investors, corporate partners and sponsors are also being invited to participate in the statewide initiative.
The statewide championship will be held in April 2027, with the four regional winners competing for the $1 million grand prize.
