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Featured Article

Technology

Most University Innovations Aren’t Meant to Be Startups

The majority of university breakthroughs represent foundational research tools and methodologies, rather than viable startup ventures; a revised definition of impact is warranted.

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The 2026 ‘State of Midwest Innovation Ecosystem’ report with Dealroom

VC firm lets AI decide $50,000 investment at ClawCon Michigan

Minnesota workers at risk with highest generative AI ‘exposure’ in Midwest

Chicago’s Madison Air files for IPO in potentially largest US industrial debut since 1999

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It's Detroit vs. Everybody. Including Itself.

Minnesota knows how to build: can it keep its best?

Nothing ventured, nothing gained: the community-led bet on Chicago's next generation of investors.

The Secret VC: Midwest Investors, stop celebrating mediocrity

Funding

Chicago’s Madison Air files for IPO in potentially largest US industrial debut since 1999

Madison Air Solutions, Chicago-based air systems firm, files for a $2.23B IPO with ticker MAIR: potentially largest U.S. industrial debut since 1999.

U of M spinoff Censys Raises $70 Million to Expand Internet Intelligence Platform

Funding will allow expansion its Internet intelligence platform, accelerating AI-driven security products for attack surface management & threat hunting.

People

From Campus to Acquisition in Under Two Years: Glenn Platt, Co-Founder & CEO of Lyceum AI

Lyceum AI's Glenn Platt on building an AI learning agent from campus to acquisition by Perceptyx in under two years.

Founder Stories: Justin Turk of ConStrat AI

Repeat entrepreneur Justin Turk addresses financial instability in construction businesses with Constrat AI, transforming his industry expertise into fintech solutions tailored for blue-collar enterprises.

Ecosystem

The 2026 ‘State of Midwest Innovation Ecosystem’ report with Dealroom

Headline figure highlights fact that Midwest generates 16% of U.S. GDP but captures just 3-5% of venture capital

Are We Evaluating Our Ecosystems? Or Just Counting Money?

To properly evaluate our ecosystems beyond capital, mentorship, deep knowledge, and connectivity are vital for founder success in the Midwest and beyond.

Technology

VC firm lets AI decide $50,000 investment at ClawCon Michigan

Michigan VC eLab Ventures will let AI determine $50k startup investment at Michigan ClawCon; event has largest OpenClaw community registration in the world.

Minnesota workers at risk with highest generative AI ‘exposure’ in Midwest

Minnesota leads the Midwest in GenAI exposure in report that finds 31.3% of workers in roles AI could reshape. Will regulation happen before job disruption?

Opinion

Is Minnesota Primed for Moneyball Investing?

Should Minnesota favor a Moneyball investing strategy? Why smaller, more frequent startup exits may beat unicorn chasing.

Do Midwest Ecosystems have an Identity Problem?

Midwest startup ecosystems need a clear identity to attract and keep top talent. What can other states learn from Nashville & Detroit's success in music and mobility?

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Lay of the Land - 241 Chad Delligatti of InnoSource

Midwest Moxie: Using sound waves to evaporate tumors - Histosonics

The Lay of the Land Podcast #237: Sundays for Dogs

Future in the Making: How AI is changing Manufacturing

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