The Fraunhofer Society is a German research organization with 76institutes spread throughout Germany, each focusing on different fields of applied science (as opposed to the Max Planck Society, which works primarily on basic science). With some 29,000 employees, mainly scientists and engineers, and with an annual research budget of about €2.8billion, it is the biggest organization for applied research and development services in Europe. Some basic funding for the Fraunhofer Society is provided by the state (the German public, through the federal government together with the states or Länder, "owns" the Fraunhofer Society), but more than 70% of the funding is earned through contract work, either for government-sponsored projects or from industry. It is named after Joseph von Fraunhofer who, as a scientist, an engineer, and an entrepreneur, is said to have superbly exemplified the goals of the society. The organization has seven centers in the United States, under the name "Fraunhofer USA", and three in Asia. In October 2010, Fraunhofer announced that it would open its first research center in South America. Fraunhofer UK Research Ltd was established as a legally independent affiliate along with its Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics, in Glasgow, Scotland, in March 2012.

President Chris rang the bell to begin the meeting promptly at 12:30 and led us in the 4 Way Test. Nicole Szymczak offered a touching reflection that focused on the power of innovation to change situations for the better. Hari Kern accompanied us on the piano as we sang the “Star Spangled Banner”.

 

Ben Rathbun had microphone duties and began by introducin his guest Rachel from LEPFA. Rebecca Bahar-Cook brought Joanne, her guest from last week who thought our meeting was entertaining and inclusive, and Melissa. Camron Gnass introduced Jack Ebling as his guest, who has many claims to fame including attendance at every MSU vs UM football and basketball game since 1969.

 

President Chris noted that the health of the club is good and welcomed Heidi McNaughton back.

Bob Hoffman enthusiastically introduced our special music, vocalist Sylvia Bunn who recently graduated from St Johns High School. Sylvia is taking a gap year before she heads to college for a degree in Fine Arts. In the meantime, she has been involved in various programs and performances from Meet John Doe.

 

President Chris announced that the PR Committee will meet before our meeting on August 15th. If you are part of this committee, please make a note that it will meet every third Friday of the month. He also let us know that Camron Gnass is celebrating 30 years in business, in addition to being our Chair of the Month.

 

Camron introduced Jeffrey Smith, Director of Research Parks for the MSU Research Foundation by letting us all know that Jeff’s job has nothing to do with soliciting funds from Alumni. Jeff started by telling us that he had over 60 slides that he was going to move through quickly so that there would be time for questions following his presentation. I sure hope that everyone held on to their seats, because he was true to his word!

 

The MSU Research Foundation was started by Clifton Wharton in 1973 and saw it’s first success in 1979 with the discovery of an important cancer drug. The royalties from this drug seeded the organization, allowing it to support the Michigan State University research and innovation ecosystem with funding, programs, and spaces that turn ideas into real-world impact.

 

The first start-up to come out of the Foundation’s efforts was Neogen. Other notable accomplishments include University Health Park, the new headquarters of TechSmith and The Bridge Incubator.

 

The Foundation is a 501(c)3 and is one of the largest donors to the University through grants and endowments for Professorships. They also fund vetting of inventions to evaluate marketability and can provide very early capital – at the pre-seed stage.

 

Jeff noted that when startups move to the next stage, they frequently move to other states. If we want to keep more of these companies in Michigan, we need to have more investors at the $1 million and up level.

 

The Foundation has a presence all over the state – sometimes as an owner/manager of a facility and other times as a tenant. A big upcoming project is the build out of the land on Crescent Rd in the southwest part of campus. The development will be conducive to innovation and developed over the next 20 years. It is expected to be a public/private undertaking.

 

Much more was conveyed, but my notes are wholly inadequate for passing it along to you!

 

President Chris thanked Jeff for his presentation and filled us in on the August 15th meeting. The meeting was adjourned as promptly as it began.

 

Email for Linda Lynch:  linda.j.lynch@gmail.com