2026 EVENTS CALENDAR
Find your next great idea. Meet your next best friend. Start your next adventure.
Monday April 6
E&I Launch Party
WHEN
Monday April 6
7:00PM - 9:00PM
WHERE
E&I Hub, The Graduate, 133 Evergreen Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823
DESCRIPTION
Launch event for the entire week.
Organizer
LEAP
Tuesday April 7
PitchMI Championship
WHEN
Tuesday April 7
12:00PM - 3:30PM
WHERE
Grewal Hall at 224
224 S Washington Square, Lansing, MI 48933
DESCRIPTION
One Stage. One Champion. $1 Million Prize.
Four regional winning teams are advancing to the statewide championship, where they’ll go head-to-head for an additional $1 million investment and the title of PitchMI State Champion.
ORGANIZER
MSU Research Foundation
MSU Innovation Celebration
WHEN
Tuesday April 7
4:00PM - 6:30PM
WHERE
Henry Center for Executive Development
3535 Forest Rd, Lansing, MI 48910
DESCRIPTION
A hands-on financial workshop helping small business owners move from surviving to scaling. Learn practical tools for managing cash flow, building financial resilience, and turning creativity into profit — all while connecting with experts and local business resources.
ORGANIZER
MSU Innovation Center
Wednesday April 8
Healthy Founders = Healthy Exits
WHEN
Wednesday April 8
12:00PM - 2:00PM
WHERE
E&I Hub, The Graduate
133 Evergreen Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823
DESCRIPTION
This session offers founders a candid look into what investors look for when evaluating a company’s potential and long-term viability.
ORGANIZER
Washington Avenue Advisors & Ventures
Innovate State: From Supply Chain to Global Change
WHEN
Wednesday April 8
6:00PM - 7:00PM
WHERE
Marriott East Lansing at University Place
300 M. A. C. Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823
DESCRIPTION
The Innovate State Speaker Series brings emerging and accomplished Spartan entrepreneurs—innovators, builders, creators, and visionaries—to campus for a live, unscripted fireside chat.
ORGANIZER
Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Start Up Grind
WHEN
Wednesday April 8
4:00PM - 6:00PM
WHERE
The Rock Bar, The Graduate
133 Evergreen Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823
DESCRIPTION
An evening of networking, connection, and conversation with Lansing’s founders, investors, and business leaders.
ORGANIZER
Washington Avenue Advisors & Ventures
Thursday April 9
Business Made Simple
WHEN
Thursday April 9
5:30PM - 6:30PM
WHERE
E&I Hub, The Graduate
133 Evergreen Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823
DESCRIPTION
Business Made Simple is a LEAP workshop series designed to provide entrepreneurs with knowledge of tech tools to grow their business or increase efficiency.
ORGANIZER
Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP)
Burgess New Venture Challenge
WHEN
Thursday April 9
4:00PM - 8:00PM
WHERE
Marriott East Lansing at University Place 300 M. A. C. Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823
DESCRIPTION
Burgess New Venture Challenge is the premier pitch competition for student entrepreneurs at Michigan State University.
ORGANIZER
Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Friday April 10
Grand River Connection: E&I Week Edition
WHEN
Friday April 10
5:01PM - 7:00PM
WHERE
MP Social
313 N Cedar St, Lansing, MI 48912
DESCRIPTION
Grand River Connection is our monthly networking series geared toward young professionals.
ORGANIZER
Lansing 5:01
Future of Work Workshop: Level Up Your Communication with AI-Powered Visuals
WHEN
Friday April 10
9:00AM - 12:00PM
WHERE
TechSmith
14 Crescent Road, East Lansing MI 48823
DESCRIPTION
Join leaders, creators, and professionals for a practical, insightful, hands-on workshop exploring how AI-driven visual tools are transforming the way teams connect, sell, and share ideas. Discover what’s next in workplace communication and leave ready to put it into practice.
ORGANIZER
Tech Smith
Capital Connection: 517 E&I Week Last Call
WHEN
Friday April 10
7:00PM - 10:00PM
WHERE
Urban Beats
1213 Turner Rd, Lansing, MI 48906
DESCRIPTION
An elevated closeout experience for E&I Week featuring curated cocktails, live DJ sets, and visuals celebrating Lansing’s innovators.
ORGANIZER
OS x LEAP x Lansing 5:01
FAQS
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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!
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Most events are either free or budget-friendly, making it accessible for attendees from all walks of life. Check event details for specific pricing.
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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.
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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.
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Interested in sponsoring? Contact us to connect and explore sponsorship opportunities