Programming & Network Overview

The MSU Blackstone LaunchPad, a campus entrepreneurship program and network, was made possible through a generous gift from the Blackstone Charitable Foundation, opening its doors in 2013.

The goals of the Blackstone LaunchPad are simple: to solve problems through innovation, creating tangible and effective solutions. Our services help spur economic activity, creating a stronger regional entrepreneurship ecosystem the benefits everyone, not just students. We foster an environment that encourages entrepreneurship through the use of campus resources, local business networks, and one-on-one mentoring. We proudly offer these services to all students, regardless of discipline or major.

With a physical presence in the Strand Union Building next to the Union Market, the Blackstone LaunchPad at MSU has helped generate more than 90 new ventures and assisted hundreds of individuals and teams from across campus and multiple disciplines since its grand opening in 2013.

History

As a part of The Blackstone Charitable Foundation’s five-year, $50 million Entrepreneurship Initiative, they launched their first Blackstone LaunchPad in Detroit in 2010. In partnership with the White House’s Startup America Initiative, the program has spread to five national regions since. Through a collaboration with Montana State University and the University of Montana, the Foundation has pledged a $2 million, three-year grant to establish a Blackstone LaunchPad in the state, with Headwaters RC&D serving as the regional partner.

For more information, go to Blackstone LaunchPad Charitable Foundation

Partners

placeholder image

Software Factory

 

The Software Factory focuses on developing software in modern development environments, with the capability to deliver concrete products in collaboration with public, non-profit, and private sector companies. 

placeholder image

TechStars

 
"Our mission is to foster inclusion and diversity throughout our entrepreneurial ecosystem. We break down barriers to entrepreneurship worldwide by collaborating with nonprofit organizations, corporations, and individuals in a variety of ways."
Bunker Labsplaceholder image

Bunker Labs

 

Bunker Labs is a national not-for-profit 501(C)(3) organization built by military veteran entrepreneurs to empower other military veterans as leaders in innovation. 

 

Back to Top