Welcome to the MSU Innovation Center
The Michigan State University AgBio Innovation Hub is continuing to move AgBio innovation forward across the state and right here at MSU.
Sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization (MTRAC) Program is a statewide translational research and commercialization program whose purpose is to move technology out of the laboratory and early stages of development into commercial applications. Simply put, the MTRAC program is designed to ‘translate’ technology from the lab to the marketplace through licensing or the formation of a startup company.
See some of the remarkable AgBio technological innovations on display from the MTRAC AgBio Hub below.
LOCOMOS
A system for in-field measurement of moisture in the soil and on leaves to assist farmers with precision irrigation to reduce water usage.
Repurposing Agricultural Waste
Repurposing agricultural waste bi-products to create usable products, including cosmetics, sustainable packaging, and other value-added products.
Apple Picking Robot
A unique, multi-armed robot that can identify harvestable fruit on trees, and utilizing its revolutionary actuator arms, safely harvest the fruit to significantly reduce labor costs.
SAMTool
An easy to use computer application designed to help growers manage the application of pesticides, meet regulatory requirements, and reduce labor.
Solar-Powered Inverter
Solar-powered electrical assist for turning on agricultural irrigation pumps to discharge water in order to lower energy costs.
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Joseph Affholter
As the MTRAC Commercialization Program Director and Associate Director of Technology Transfer at Michigan State University, he provides leadership to the MTRAC program and directs its outreach, education, communication and commercialization efforts.