Lansing, MI – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has been internationally acknowledged for its creative approach to nurturing startups in the state. The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) awarded the MEDC a Silver Award in the Innovative Economic Development category for its PitchMI competition, a collaboration with the Michigan State University Research Foundation. This recognition will be formally presented at the IEDC 2026 Annual Conference in New Orleans this October.
“The MEDC is leading the field of excellence in economic development with its PitchMI program. This award shines a spotlight on the MEDC’s commitment to its community and showcases the significant impact of economic development,” stated Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO.
The PitchMI competition is pivotal in supporting Michigan startups by offering substantial investment, thorough evaluation, and enhanced visibility. The 2026 PitchMI Championship marked the conclusion of a statewide search to bolster the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
During the 2025-26 competition, over $2.3 million in investment capital was awarded. The journey to the championship began in the fall of 2025 with four regional pitch events, attracting 375 applications from more than 100 different communities across Michigan.
Quentin L. Messer, Jr., MEDC CEO, expressed, “We couldn’t be prouder to celebrate the MEDC’s IEDC Excellence Award for PitchMI… This recognition is really a Team Michigan recognition of the engagement and efforts of Governor Whitmer, bipartisan members of the state legislature, partner organizations, and my tremendous teammates at the MEDC.”
“Michigan has incredible founders and ideas across the state, and PitchMI is about giving them the resources and runway to grow,” added David Washburn, CEO of the MSU Research Foundation. “This recognition reflects the strength of our partnership with MEDC…”
The application period for the 2026-2027 PitchMI cycle closed on August 10. Semifinalists will be announced on August 31, with pitch events scheduled between September 15 and October 1.
Michigan’s entrepreneurial environment is thriving, thanks to initiatives like a $60 million investment in early-stage startups via the Michigan Innovation Fund, an R&D tax credit for small businesses, and the statewide Innovation Alliance. These efforts have led to the creation of over 15,800 jobs and 1,400 high-tech companies in recent years.
IEDC’s annual awards celebrate the achievements of economic development initiatives worldwide. This year, coinciding with its 100th anniversary, IEDC highlights transformative projects that set the stage for future advancements in the field.
About the International Economic Development Council (IEDC)
Founded in Washington, D.C., IEDC is the world’s largest association for economic developers. As a non-profit, non-partisan organization, it represents economic development professionals globally, offering resources such as professional development, networking opportunities, and policy advocacy. More details can be found at www.IEDC.org.
Read More Here
