The Michigan Opportunity Podcast

Dr. Andrew Barnard, Vice President for Research, Michigan Technological University

Dr. Andrew Barnard, Vice President for Research at Michigan Technological University, shares how Michigan Tech is transforming university research into economic opportunity by building stronger connections between researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, government, and industry. Michigan Tech is helping grow research from the laboratory into the marketplace through customer discovery, commercialization, venture capital, industry partnerships and more.

Kelly Sexton, Associate Vice President for Research and Innovation Partnerships, University of Michigan

On this episode we're joined by Kelly Sexton, Associate Vice President for Research and Innovation Partnerships and Economic Impact at the University of Michigan (U of M). She shares her unique journey and breaks down programs such as the Technology Transfer Talent Network (T3N) and the new Michigan Innovation Alliance—a statewide collaboration among Michigan's leading research universities working together to increase commercialization, entrepreneurship, talent development, and investment across the state.

Mackinac Policy Conference 2026 Part 2

We continue broadcasting from Media Row at the legendary Mackinac Policy Conference. Part 2 guests include: Joe White, High Speed Rodeo Substack; Matt Elliott, Blue Lake Ideas; Carmen Wells Quigg, Economic Growth Institute; Kelly Wolgamott, Pure Michigan; Carolina Pluszczynski, Michigan Central; Dr. Robert McMahan, Kettering University; Rachel Kuntzsch, Public Sector Consultants

Mackinac Policy Conference 2026 Part 1

The Michigan Opportunity Podcast once again broadcasted from Media Row at the legendary Mackinac Policy Conference, hosted at the iconic Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Part 1 Guests include: Tricia Keith of Blue Cross Blue Shield, Hilary Doe of MoveDetroit, Colin Bird of Canadian Consul, Richard A. Bierschbach of Wayne State University, Laura Lee McIntyre of Michigan State University, Stephen Rapundalo of MichBio, Mary Lewis of Gary Burnstein Community Health Clinic.

Dr. Kevin Guskiewicz, President, Michigan State University

In this episode, Dr. Kevin Guskiewicz, the 22nd President of Michigan State University, explores his “One Team” vision and shares how a scientist’s mindset and servant leadership are shaping MSU’s 2030 strategy. He breaks down the Green and White Council initiative and explains how industry leaders are better preparing students. We also discuss the art and science of leadership, the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and how partnerships are positioning MSU as a next-generation powerhouse.

Maureen Donohue Krauss, CEO, Detroit Regional Partnership

We sit down with Maureen Donohue Krauss, Detroit Regional Partnership (DRP) CEO, to explore how Southeast Michigan is attracting investment, growing jobs, and competing on the world stage. Maureen shares insights on the region’s strategy to win major projects, including the initiatives – VIP by DRP and Global Epicenter of Mobility. From advanced manufacturing and mobility to emerging technologies, she highlights how Metro Detroit is leveraging its legacy strengths while building for the future.

Mike Duggan, Mayor, City of Detroit

As the second-longest serving Mayor in Detroit history, Mike Duggan’s economic and business development strategies have centered around attracting major investments, accelerating small business growth and creating a business-friendly climate. He discusses several projects from investing in talent, to bringing back manufacturing jobs, including bringing the Lions back to Downtown Detroit with Ford Field. 

Alison Todak, VP of Entrepreneurship & Innovation, MEDC and Pete Martin, Director of Portfolio Management, MSU Research Foundation

Join our two startup experts — Alison Todak of MEDC and Pete Martin of the MSU Research Foundation — as they share how their organizations are helping to drive Michigan’s startup momentum. They give us insight into their collaboration on the PitchMI startup competition, highlight the four winning innovations for 2025 including: smarter hospital beds, powered campsites, satellite tech, and in-game ads. We also explore the state’s thriving entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem.

Dr. Arthur Lupia, Vice President of Research and Innovation, University of Michigan

Dr. Arthur Lupia is the Vice President of Research and Innovation at the University of Michigan, where he is responsible for fostering the excellence and integrity of research across all three campuses (Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint). The Office of the Vice President for Research is driving the mission to catalyze, support and safeguard U-M research from private sector, to government, to non-profit and more. Lupia’s vast experience as a researcher, administrator and educator, also includes federal service which spans two U.S. presidential administrations.

Hilary Doe, Chief Growth Officer, State of Michigan

How do you grow a state’s population when faced with challenges like talent migration, employer needs, and quality of life? Michigan’s Chief Growth Officer, Hilary Doe, is tackling the issue head-on with a statewide road show. The Michigan Growth Office initiative highlights entrepreneurship, place making, economic diversification, housing, talent attraction, and higher education—laying out a comprehensive strategy to build Michigan’s future.