The Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

05/04/2026

Burgess Built. Your next chapter starts now!

Congratulations, Grads! 💚

04/30/2026

BioMex, founded by Michigan State University College of Engineering students Madhav Aggarwal and Tanvi Gadamsetti, was selected as one of the top 25 undergraduate ventures from across North America to compete at e-Fest, hosted by the Schulze School of Entrepreneurship at the University of St. Thomas.

Over three days of pitching and evaluation in front of experienced entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders, BioMex earned first place, taking home $50,000 in non-dilutive funding to further their material-tech healthcare company.

As their final pitch competition as students at Michigan State University, this win marks a defining moment as they transition to building their ventures, BioMex and BRCĒ, full-time.

Explore what’s next for Madhav & Tanvi ⬇️
https://entrepreneurship.msu.edu/news/2026/04/30/msu-startup-biomex-wins-e-fest-2026-championship

04/30/2026

Spartans don’t just think big—they build big, system by system and MSU Broad College of Business MBA Nthanda Manduwi is doing exactly that.

Recently named a Big Bets Fellow by The Rockefeller Foundation, Nthanda joins a global cohort of leaders working on bold, long-term solutions to the world’s most complex challenges.

Her work spans from expanding opportunity for young people to building next-generation cyber-physical infrastructure through Q2 Systems, a company integrating real-world systems, digital twins, and simulation engines into a single adaptive ecosystem. It’s a reimagining of how physical and digital worlds connect, and how we design for scale, resilience, and access.

From Michigan State University to global impact, Nthanda represents what it means to turn ambition into systems that actually work. This is what it looks like to bet on ideas, and build them. 💚

Read more: https://f.mtr.cool/hmkyijawzt

04/30/2026

As one of their final competitions before graduation, Michigan State University College of Engineering students Madhav Aggarwal and Tanvi Gadamsetti, founders of BRCĒ, took first place and the $10,000 grand prize at the UGA Next Top Entrepreneur Competition hosted by UGA Entrepreneurship Program.

BRCĒ was selected from 80 student-run businesses nationwide, advancing through multiple rounds of judging to become one of 11 finalist teams invited to pitch in the final round to a panel of experienced founders and investors.

Learn more about BRCE’s win ⬇️
https://f.mtr.cool/lxqekxjymt

04/29/2026

James Madison College at Michigan State University alum Aaron Lezeiser and Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources alum Ryan Letzeiser were named EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year 2026 Midwest Award winners for their work across insurtech and real estate investing.

We’re proud to have Aaron and Ryan supporting the Burgess Institute and our students. Congratulations on a well-earned recognition!

‍EY US celebrates ambitious entrepreneurs shaping the future of business

04/28/2026

When Shreshta Sinha arrived at Michigan State University, he had ideas but no clear path to bring them to life. Through the Burgess Institute, that changed. From getting his start in the Discovery Program to building late nights in The Hatch, Shreshta developed the mindset, skills and confidence to turn ideas into action.

Along the way, he immersed himself in the MSU Entrepreneurship Association, taking on leadership and mentorship roles while gaining exposure to biotech, venture capital and emerging technologies through experiences in San Francisco and Boston.

Those moments didn’t just expand his perspective, they helped define what’s next.

This fall, Shreshta will attend Brown University to pursue a master’s degree in biotechnology, continuing to build at the intersection of neuroscience, entrepreneurship and innovation.

More about Shreshta here: https://f.mtr.cool/toaujrhoqi

04/28/2026

What started as a food truck is becoming something more. 🍟

Michigan State University College of Communication Arts & Sciences student Ismael Jaber, founder of Get Loaded, is turning his concept into a full restaurant after building a following through his food truck known for loaded fries and scratch-made dishes. While minoring in entrepreneurship & innovation at Michigan State University, he launched Get Loaded in 2024 and has grown it into a thriving business.

Jaber’s path started early, helping his family with their food truck, From Scratch, before building his own venture. Through that experience, he’s developed both the creative vision and operational skills to take the next step.

Now, following his graduation this weekend, he’s preparing to expand beyond the truck, bringing Get Loaded and From Scratch to a permanent location in Okemos and continuing to build on what he started.

Learn more about Ismael and Get Loaded ⬇️

A local family that's operated two Lansing-area food trucks will open their own brick-and-mortar restaurant this summer. See link below ⬇️

📸 Photo courtesy of Ismael Jaber

04/24/2026

Meet the Maker 🧸🧶

Ashley McDonald, founder of , turns simple balls of yarn into joyful, fluffy creations. After a trip to the fabric store with her grandma, she picked up crocheting at just 17 and hasn’t stopped spreading the joy with her handmade plushies since.
.. ready, set, elevator pitch! ⭐️

04/10/2026

This is what it looks like when Spartans build what’s next. 🏆
 
Yesterday, fifteen student startups took the stage to compete for $50,000 at premier pitch competition, Burgess New Venture Challenge. 
 
From smart vending machines to AI-powered salon tech to redefining how we track Alzheimer’s to protein-packed banana bread bites, this year’s winners didn’t wait for the future to solve real problems. They built it.
 
Thank you to our alums, community, sponsors and partners who made this year’s Challenge possible and believe in what Spartans are building.

04/02/2026

Here's what to expect 1 week from
today 🌟🏆
Register to attend BNVC using this 🔗: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-burgess-new-venture-challenge-registration-1597760256939?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

03/19/2026

In case your friend didn’t text you 💬 BNVC is just 4 weeks away!

Register to attend using the 🔗 in bio!