Building Michigan’s Next Generation of Innovators
Written by Bernard Bourgeois – Managing Director, Business Development
I recently had the opportunity to visit Michigan State University to speak with a 400-level entrepreneurship class, thanks to an invitation from longtime MIBA partner and friend, Harry Yuklea. Harry is a visiting professor at MSU from Israel and has developed MSU’s curriculum in this area.
The conversation focused on the entrepreneurial spirit that defines Israel—often referred to as the “Startup Nation”—and how those same principles connect directly to MIBA’s work here in Michigan.
What stood out most was the engagement and curiosity of the students. They weren’t just interested in Israel’s success stories; they wanted to understand the mindset behind them—how urgency, resilience, and a willingness to take risks translate into real innovation. These are exactly the qualities that have made Israel a global leader in entrepreneurship, and they are qualities Michigan is actively working to strengthen.
While MIBA’s primary mission is to connect Michigan companies with high-value Israeli partners, an equally important goal is knowledge transfer—helping Michigan learn from Israel’s approach to innovation. Engaging directly with students, who represent the state’s next generation of founders and business leaders, is one of the most effective ways to do that.
If Michigan is going to compete in an increasingly innovation-driven global economy, it won’t just be through partnerships—it will be through people. Conversations like this are a small but meaningful step toward building a more entrepreneurial, globally connected Michigan.
