How do we elevate the health of our community and transform the patient experience? The Henry Ford + MSU Innovation Hub serves as the premier destination for inventors and partners who also seek answers to that question.
The Innovation Hub brings together the strengths of Henry Ford Innovations and the Michigan State University Research Foundation to drive technology solutions for health care’s most persistent problems by:
- Harnessing our clinical expertise to guide innovators as they translate ideas to impact
- Launching and scaling high-potential startups through venture creation, investment and entrepreneurial support
- Developing public-private partnerships to accelerate market adoption
- Cultivating talent and infrastructure to grow Michigan’s life science and innovation economy
From clinical breakthroughs to high-touch discoveries that positively impact the communities we serve, we support solutions that disrupt conventional approaches. We invest in and partner with companies that allow us to deliver superior clinical outcomes, place patients at the center of care, and promote health care access.
The vision behind the hub
Watch leaders from Henry Ford Health and Michigan State University share their vision for Henry Ford + MSU Innovation Hub.
Why partner with us
Our combined expertise narrows the traditional gap between academic innovation and clinical implementation that has historically slowed health care advancement. We provide clinical validation pathways in real health care settings, market access opportunities through our established provider and payer networks, and accelerate processes to rapidly implement novel technologies.
- Clinical subject matter experts - clinicians who understand daily operational challenges
- Validation, real-world evidence, data
- Pilot and clinical trial sites
- Access to expert assessment
- Researchers pushing scientific boundaries
- IP guidance and support
- Prototyping and testing
- Access to MSU expertise and infrastructure, and experienced health care entrepreneurs who have navigated similar journeys
- Commercialization strategy including customer discovery and validation
- Incubation and suite of start-up programming including entrepreneurs in residence
- Seven accelerators, including one specific to medical technology
- Non-dilutive grant support
- Access to a vast startup network of services
- Dedicated Henry Ford + MSU venture fund to invest in early-stage companies
- Most active Great Lakes Region early-stage investment team with more than $50 million in assets under management for early-stage technology investment
- Venture network partnerships
- Vast service provider network and resources
- Health care portfolio and expertise
- Team of investment professionals across all industries
Healthcare Conquer Accelerator Applications Now Open
Conquer provides $20K via an uncapped SAFE note, and the program runs 10 weeks, starting January 11, with weekly onsite visits to Henry Ford Innovations on the Henry Ford Hospital campus in Detroit. Through a targeted curriculum, hands-on coaching, and direct access to investors and advisors, founders get the structure, feedback, and network they need to turn early traction into real growth. As part of the Henry Ford + MSU partnership, founders receive facilitated introductions to clinicians and caregiving teams, giving them direct access to the people who can validate and champion products. Application deadline: November 22, 2026
Connect with our team
We’re committed to strategic partnerships that revolutionize care delivery, widen health care access, and enhance experiences for both patients and health care professionals. We welcome visionary partners who share our dedication to building a resilient, efficient health care environment that serves our patients and strengthens communities.
Innovation Hub Intake Form
Complete this form to explore collaboration with the shared excellence of our partnership, including but not limited to entrepreneurial support, customer discovery, venture investment, co-development of intellectual property, and clinical pilot studies. This form is not intended for product sales, service promotions, or vendor solicitations. Submissions of a commercial or sales-oriented nature may not receive a response.
Innovate With Us