MSU Research Foundation announced the development of the Rosenberg Center, a new headquarters facility planned for the campus of Michigan State University.
The approximately $20 million project will expand the foundation’s ability to support startup growth, research collaboration, entrepreneurship, and connections between industry, academia, and investors across Michigan’s innovation ecosystem.
The Rosenberg Center will be located at 195 Crescent Road on MSU’s campus and will serve as the MSU Research Foundation’s headquarters. The 68,000-square-foot multi-tenant facility will include startup incubation spaces, offices, collaboration areas, and a planned two-story, 8,000-square-foot mass timber addition.
The project is intended to bring entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, corporate partners, and university-affiliated groups under one roof. By relocating its headquarters directly onto campus, the MSU Research Foundation said it is creating closer proximity between researchers and entrepreneurs working to move discoveries toward real-world impact.
The building is named in honor of Barnett Rosenberg, whose discovery of cisplatin at Michigan State University 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 has also received a $25,000 Michigan Mass Timber Catalyst Grant, as developers plan to use mass timber as the primary structural material.
The building expansion and renovation is expected to be completed by summer 2027.
The MSU Research Foundation said the project reflects a long-term investment in the infrastructure, relationships, and collaboration needed to support researchers, entrepreneurs, startups, and partners across Michigan.
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“Innovation ecosystems do not happen by accident. They’re built through long-term investment, collaboration and proximity. 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.”
Jeff Smith, Director of Research Parks at the MSU Research Foundation
“Michigan State University’s greatest strength is the breadth of expertise across our research enterprise and the opportunities that creates for interdisciplinary collaboration. 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.”
Shashank Priya, Vice President for Research and Innovation at Michigan State University
“The Rosenberg Center represents both legacy and future possibility. 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.”
David Washburn, CEO of the MSU Research Foundation
“As a public research university, Michigan State creates impact through the strength of its people, partnerships and shared sense of purpose. 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.”
Laura Lee McIntyre, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at Michigan State University
