The Michigan State University Foundation is a non-profit research organization focused on economic development through the commercialization of intellectual property created by Michigan State University's faculty, staff, and students. While specific investment stages or amounts are not provided, the foundation manages an endowment built from licensing revenue and provides research funding to MSU.

The MSU Foundation supports the university's economic development objectives and operates three wholly owned subsidiaries. It provides over $10 million in annual research funding to MSU and has invested in Michigan State University itself. The foundation's work centers on leveraging university-generated intellectual property to drive innovation and economic growth in the region.