Lansing Region Entrepreneurs Take Center Stage as LEAP and Lansing Regional SmartZone Lead Delegation to SXSW
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LANSING, Mich. — (March 10, 2025) — In a testament to the Lansing Region’s growing leadership role in entrepreneurship and innovation, the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) and the Lansing Regional SmartZone (LRSZ) are sponsoring a delegation of local startups to attend and speak at the world-renowned South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference in Austin this week.
“When startups attend SXSW, they return as catalysts for regional growth,” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP. “They absorb global perspectives and bring them home, sparking innovations that power job creation and community prosperity. We’re excited for the opportunity to flex our innovation muscles on the national stage and learn from the best in the world.”
In partnership with the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship, StartupGrind Lansing, MSU Research Foundation, and Flying with Founders, this initiative will spotlight some of the most promising student and community startups from the Tri-County region at Midwest House, a premier destination for innovators and thought leaders at SXSW.
SXSW, one of the largest and most influential tech, music, and film conferences in the world, provides an unparalleled opportunity to showcase Lansing’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. By connecting emerging startups with investors, industry experts, and potential collaborators, this delegation aims to elevate the Tri-County region’s presence on the global stage.
“This collaboration represents the strength of our region’s startup ecosystem and our commitment to fostering innovation,” said Harrison Leffel-Jones, VP of Small Business and Innovation of LEAP. “By bringing our talented entrepreneurs and students to SXSW, we’re not only highlighting Lansing’s growing influence in the tech and creative sectors but also providing invaluable opportunities for networking and growth.”
The participating startups and student entrepreneurs have been carefully selected for their innovative solutions, growth potential, and commitment to driving economic impact in the region. Midwest House serves as a hub for Midwestern ingenuity, offering a space for startups to pitch their ideas, engage with investors, and forge new partnerships.
“This experience will be transformative for our students and early-stage founders,” said Lori Fischer, director of operations at the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship. “SXSW is a global platform, and we are thrilled to help our entrepreneurs gain the exposure and insights necessary to take their ventures to the next level. By investing in these amazing entrepreneurs, we can go from local to global with their home here in the Lansing region.”
The delegation’s presence at SXSW is a testament to Lansing’s dedication to entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic development. As the region continues to cultivate a vibrant startup culture, this initiative reinforces Mid-Michigan as a competitive player in the national and global startup landscape.
“I’m incredibly proud to see our community’s innovative spirit showcased at SXSW,” said Abbie Tykocki, chair of the Local Development Finance Authority, the board of the LRSZ. “This delegation represents the extraordinary talent and entrepreneurial energy that thrives here in Lansing. By connecting our startups with industry leaders and investors, we are not only highlighting the strength of our regional ecosystem but also accelerating the growth of our local businesses to make a lasting impact on the global stage.”
Learn more about the innovative companies representing the Lansing delegation:
About LEAP
The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) is a coalition of area leaders partnering to build a stronger community for all—working every day to grow, retain and attract business to the Lansing, Michigan, region.
About the Lansing Regional SmartZone
The Lansing Regional SmartZone (LRSZ) drives growth in the Greater Lansing region’s high-tech sector by funding local partners to deliver exceptional entrepreneurial support services. The LRSZ is a partnership between City of East Lansing, City of Lansing, East Lansing Public Schools, Ingham County, Lansing Community College, Lansing School District, Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Michigan State University Innovation Center, and Michigan State University Research Foundation. A dynamic organization of leaders from all backgrounds and business sectors, the LRSZ has locations in downtown East Lansing at the Technology Innovation Center (TIC) and in Lansing at the MSU Health Park.
LRSZ is funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).
Category: Press Releases, Economic Development News, News & Announcements, SmartZone, Small Business