2026 RECAP

517 E&I Week 2026 was an amazing week of celebration, learning, and inspiration. Relive the magic!

517 E&I Week 2026 was powered by

Pitch Lab: Mastering Your Business Pitch

Before the workshops, pitches, and panels, the Launch Party brought founders, creators, students, business leaders, and community builders into one room to kick off 517 Entrepreneurship & Innovation Week. With music, live screen printing, and conversation zones designed to make connecting easy, it was an energizing way to meet the people shaping Greater Lansing’s innovation community.

PitchMI Championship

Great ideas don’t win funding. Great pitches do. ​Pitch Lab: Mastering Your Business Pitch was designed to help founders, entrepreneurs, and aspiring business owners strengthen how they communicate their ideas in competitive settings.

A candid look into what investors look for when evaluating a company’s potential and long-term viability.

Four regional winning teams advanced to the statewide championship where they went head-to-head for an additional $1 million investment and the title of PitchMI State Champion.

517 E&I Launch Party

Healthy Founders. Healthy Exits.

Hot Bytes

​Inspired by the popular YouTube interview series Hot Ones, Hot Bytes brought that same fast paced, unscripted energy to the world of entrepreneurship and innovation.

Burgess New Venture Challenge

Burgess New Venture Challenge is the premier pitch competition for student entrepreneurs at Michigan State University.

Business Made Simple: The Stunio Story with Adam Green


In this session, Adam Green, President & CEO of Stunio, will share the story behind building a platform that connects employers with students for one-day shifts, internships, and part-time work. He’ll reflect how unexpected pivots, stepping outside his comfort zone, and support from the Lansing ecosystem helped shape his path.

Influencer Lab: Content as Innovation

Explore how creators, entrepreneurs, and professionals are using content creation to build influence, shape culture, and create opportunities.

Future of Work (Workshop): Level Up Your Communication with AI-Powered Visuals

DESCRIPTION
A practical, insightful, hands-on workshop exploring how AI-driven visual tools are transforming the way teams connect, sell, and share ideas.

FAQS

  • 517 Entrepreneurship and Innovation Week is open to innovators, entrepreneurs, students, professionals, and community members from the Lansing Region and beyond. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting out, there's something for everyone!

  • Most events are either free or budget-friendly, making it accessible for attendees from all walks of life. Check event details for specific pricing.

  • Registration details for individual events will be available on our website closer to the event. Be sure to sign up early for the events that align with your interests and goals.

  • Expect a mix of workshops, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and hands-on experiences. Events are designed to help you learn, grow, and connect with other innovators and entrepreneurs.

  • Interested in sponsoring? Contact us to connect and explore sponsorship opportunities