Decades after a breakthrough cancer discovery at Michigan State University changed millions of lives around the world, a new building on campus is being developed to help spark the next generation of transformative ideas.
The MSU Research Foundation announced the development of the Rosenberg Center, its new headquarters facility on the campus of Michigan State University. The multi-tenant project represents a significant investment in Michigan’s innovation ecosystem, expanding capacity to support startup growth, research collaboration and connections across industry, academia and entrepreneurship.
The approximately $20 million investment from the foundation’s resources will expand the nonprofit organization’s ability to support researchers and entrepreneurs throughout Michigan with the resources, relationships and capital they need to drive real-world impact. By relocating its headquarters directly onto MSU’s campus, the foundation is creating new opportunities for researchers, entrepreneurs, investors and partners to connect and collaborate in closer proximity, according to Jeff Smith, director of Research Parks at the MSU Research Foundation.
“Innovation ecosystems do not happen by accident. They’re built through long-term investment, collaboration and proximity,” Smith said. “The Rosenberg Center will create a place where researchers, entrepreneurs, investors and partners can work alongside one another, access the resources they need, and build the relationships that help move ideas from discovery to impact.”
Located at 195 Crescent Road on MSU’s campus, the Rosenberg Center will bring together entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, corporate partners and university-affiliated groups under one roof. The 68,000-square-foot facility will include startup incubation spaces, offices, collaboration areas and a planned two-story, 8,000-square-foot mass timber addition.
“Michigan State University's greatest strength is the breadth of expertise across our research enterprise and the opportunities that creates for interdisciplinary collaboration,” said Shashank Priya, vice president for Research and Innovation at MSU. “Facilities like the Rosenberg Center play an important role in creating the environments where researchers and partners can come together to explore new ideas, build connections and advance discovery.”
The building is named in honor of Barnett Rosenberg, whose groundbreaking discovery of cisplatin at MSU led to one of the world’s most important cancer therapeutics. Revenue generated through the licensing of cisplatin has helped support the MSU Research Foundation’s long-standing investments in research, entrepreneurship and innovation.
“The Rosenberg Center represents both legacy and future possibility,” said David Washburn, CEO of the MSU Research Foundation. “Dr. Rosenberg’s discovery changed the lives of countless cancer patients. Naming the Rosenberg Center in his honor reflects how research breakthroughs can create lasting impact far beyond the laboratory.”
The project has received a $25,000 Michigan Mass Timber Catalyst Grant, as developers plan to use mass timber as the primary structural material.
“As a public research university, Michigan State creates impact through the strength of its people, partnerships and shared sense of purpose,” said Laura Lee McIntyre, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at MSU. “The Rosenberg Center reflects a long-term investment in the collaborative environment that helps students, faculty, researchers and partners come together to advance that mission.”
The building expansion and renovation is expected to be complete by summer 2027.
Learn more about the Rosenberg Center and the MSU Research Foundation.
