AES News

Two College of Engineering ventures were among 15 student startups that took the stage April 9 at Michigan State University’s Burgess New Venture Challenge, the university’s premier pitch competition for student entrepreneurs. Competing before an audience of more than 400 students, alumni, investors and community leaders, Spartan founders vied for $50,000 in non-dilutive grant funding, with two engineering-led ventures earning honors for ideas rooted in efficiency, automation and real-world problem-solving.

Michigan State University College of Engineering student entrepreneurs Madhav Aggarwal and Tanvi Gadamsetti, co-founders of BRCĒ, secured a $300,000 investment during their appearance on ABC’s “Shark Tank,” which aired on March 4, 2026, bringing their student-built venture from campus to one of the largest stages for entrepreneurship.

Michigan State University alumnus David F. Spalding, a 1967 mechanical engineering graduate, has made a transformative $10 million leadership gift to accelerate the Leinweber Center for Engineering and Digital Innovation, a facility designed to prepare Spartans to lead at the intersection of technology, creativity and impact.

Michigan State University announced a transformative $50 million commitment from the Leinweber Foundation to establish the Leinweber Center for Engineering and Digital Innovation, a landmark investment that will accelerate MSU’s leadership in education, research and workforce development across Michigan and beyond.

The Michigan State University College of Engineering has recognized 18 faculty and staff members for excellence in service and distinguished contributions.

The William A. Demmer Engineering Center at Michigan State University reflects a commitment to providing students hands-on opportunities to turn ideas into real-world solutions.

Om Nair is a senior in the Honors College majoring in applied engineering sciences with a concentration in business analytics and minors in entrepreneurship and innovation and data science. He is a recipient of the Al Kranz Endowed Award for Engineering and serves as editor-in-chief of MSU’s undergraduate research journal SPARC.

Om Y. Nair is an applied engineering sciences student whose leadership in research, innovation and international student advocacy reflects MSU’s values.

University Distinguished Professor Leo Kempel knows the ins and outs of getting a college education, whether it is from the viewpoint of a student, faculty member, or administrator.

As another academic year begins, there’s a new leadership team in the Society of Applied Engineering Sciences (SAES) at Michigan State University.