At Michigan State University, entrepreneurship is more than ideas. It is about taking action, solving real problems, and building ventures that make a difference.
Each year, the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation recognizes Spartans who embody creativity, resilience, and the drive to turn bold ideas into real-world impact. Supported by generous alumni donors and endowed scholarships, the 2025-26 recipients represent the next generation of innovators, students building ventures, communities, and futures with purpose.
Bradbury Endowed Scholarship for Student Entrepreneurship
Jade McLellan, Eli Broad College of Business
For Jade McLellan, baking has never just been about desserts—it’s about moments that bring people together. Surrounded by entrepreneurs growing up, Jade always believed that doing what you love could become something greater. Today, every treat she creates turns everyday moments into celebrations, one bite at a time.
Through the Burgess Institute, Jade has found the resources and community to grow her business and her confidence as an entrepreneur. Receiving the Bradbury Endowed Scholarship for Student Entrepreneurship will help her continue expanding Baking By Jade and inspire others to pursue their passions with purpose.
James Ian Gray Scholarship for Entrepreneurial Studies
Prijam Khanal, College of Engineering
Originally from Nepal, Prijam Khanal came to MSU three years ago on a full-ride scholarship through the Second Chance program, now a senior, studying computer science, she is a web app developer intern for the Burgess Institute, where she continues to grow as a both a technologist and an entrepreneur.
Motivated by her own health journey, Khanal founded SheVinci, an Ai-powered women’s health app that helps users better understand their bodies and track hormonal changes. She’s passionate about building technology that solves real problems and improves lives. With the support from the James Ian Gray Scholarship for Entrepreneurial Studies, Khanal plans to pursue entrepreneurship and SheVinci full after graduation and continue advancing innovation in women’s health.
John K. Sears Memorial Scholarship
Issa Yattassaye, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Born in New York raised in West Africa, Issa Yattassaye came to MSU—one of the nation’s leading agriculture institutions—with a desire to combat global hunger. Initially, believing the issue stemmed from inefficient food production, his studies revealed a deeper challenge: food waste. That realization inspired him to develop a solution focused on transforming food waste into high-protein, nutrient-dense fertilizer, empowering communities to create sustainable solutions.
Having lived on three continents, he’s seen firsthand that food waste is a universal problem. The Burgess Institute has helped him refine and grow his ideas by connecting him to mentorship and resources. With the support of the John K. Sears Memorial Scholarship, he plans to focus more deeply on scaling his impact and advancing his mission to fight food waste worldwide.
Kaufman Family Endowment Scholarship for Entrepreneurial Studies
Angela Leach, Eli Broad College of Business
Angela Leach, co-founder of Memory Sketch, began her MSU journey studying biomedical and molecular engineering with plans to attend medical school. After adding the Entrepreneurship & Innovation minor in her junior year, she discovered a new passion within business. Now, pursuing her MBA at MSU, Leach serves as the president of Entrepreneurship Association and a graduate assistant for the Burgess Institute, helping shape the next generation of Spartan founders. The Kaufman Family Endowment Scholarship supports her continued leadership and innovation within MSU’s entrepreneurial community.
Kelly A. Ford Technology Fund
Benjamin Kim, Honors College
Originally set on becoming a hotel manager, Benjamin Kim discovered a new passion for technology and innovation during his sophomore year at MSU. After teaching himself to code, he launched Dilemma, a social app designed to help users overcome decision fatigue. His entrepreneurial journey has been fueled by the Burgess Institute's community and support. With the Kelly A. Ford. Technology Fund, Kim plans to continue developing his technical skills and bringing creative business ideas to life.
Mark and Marcia Hooper Endowed Entrepreneurial Scholarship
Lorin Cumberbatch, College of Social Science
Lorin Cumberbatch is the founder of Skin Studio 211, an esthetics business launched in 2020 that has since grown to four locations. After moving from New York and struggling to find work as a licensed esthetician, she turned challenges into opportunities—building a business by listening to her clients' needs.
For her, entrepreneurship means doing something you love and not just for profit, but for purpose. The Mark and Marcia Hooper Endowed Entrepreneurial Scholarship will help her continue to expand Skin Studio 211 with hopes of one growing it into a national brand.
Mark F. Rieth Scholarship Endowment for Entrepreneurship Studies
Caiden Carlson, Eli Broad College of Business
Caiden Carlson is an active member of the Burgess Institute’s Venture Creation Program, where he is developing F.E.A.S.T. (Food Eating Assistance Solving Tool), an app that helps individuals eat smart, waste less, and save more. Beyond, his venture, Caiden is a member of Delta Sigma Pi, MSU’s business fraternity, and collaborates with the Imagine Software Club, which has supported the development of F.E.A.S.T.
With the support of the Mark F. Rieth Scholarship, Carlson plans to continue expanding his entrepreneurial skill set and bringing F.E.A.S.T to the market. He encourages Spartans to get involved early with the Burgess Institute, noting that the experiences have been pivotal in shaping his entrepreneurial journey.
Owen/Willard Student Entrepreneurship Scholarship
Gryson Gardner, College of Engineering
As the co-founder of AG3 Labs, Gryson Gardner is combining his passion for technology and innovation to develop solutions that bridge engineering and entrepreneurship. Through the Burgess Institute, Gryson and his team have been able to refine their venture and connect with mentors who have shaped their journey—most notably Ray Owen, whose guidance has been instrumental in their growth.
Gryson credits the Burgess Institute for connecting him to MSU’s entrepreneurial community, a network that continues to challenge and inspire him. With support from the Owen/Willard Student Entrepreneurship Scholarship, he plans to keep advancing AG3 Labs’ work and expanding its real-world impact.
Simpson-Birkestrand Endowed Scholarship for Entrepreneurs
Abram Gingrass, Eli Broad College of Business
Driven by a lifelong passion for business, Abram Gingrass has been building ventures since he was little—starting with a sports card business and even a lemonade stand raising over $11,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Now, as a sophomore, he is developing an innovative line of athlete electrolyte patches designed to improve hydration and performance.
Receiving the Simpson-Birkestrand Endowed Scholarship for Entrepreneurs will allow him to focus more freely on school and his venture development, alleviating financial stress.
Schaberg Entrepreneurship Scholars
Elizabeth Gisholt, Undeclared
Elizabeth Gisholt discovered her passion for entrepreneurship after attending the Entrepreneur Leadership High School Camp, hosted by the Multicultural Business Programs (MBP) and the Burgess Institute, where she first learned what it means to build a business. Growing up, she helped her dad run a family t-shirt which was an experience that showed her how creativity, perseverance, and problem-solving come together to create an impact.
At MSU, Elizabeth is a member of Zeta Tau Alpha and Collegiate DECA while continuing to explore the many ways entrepreneurship can make a difference. She is driven by the desire to make the world a better place in whatever path she chooses. Being a Schaberg Scholar has opened new opportunities and deepened her connection to MSU's entrepreneurial community, for which she is profoundly grateful.
Fabrizzio Flores-Gonzalez, Undeclared
Fabrizzio Flores-Gonzalez has played soccer his entire life and that passion his shaping his entrepreneurial dreams. A first-year student planning to study management, he hopes to one day open a sports complex that brings people together through teamwork, fitness and community.
As a first-generation college student, he’s determined to build opportunities not just for himself, but for others. Being a Schaberg Scholar affirms his hard work and gives him the momentum to keep pushing towards his goals. He is grateful for the Burgess Institute being a true launchpad for his growth, helping him gain confidence, community, and resources to bring his ideas to life.
Luca Ajlouney-Pilles, College of Education
For Luca Ajlouney-Pilles, entrepreneurship and athletics go hand in hand. As a first-year kinesiology student, he’s passionate about finding innovative ways to support athlete performance and recovery. His current venture focuses on developing electrolyte and creatine patches designed for athletes to stay hydrated and energized.
Luca credits the Burgess Institute for giving him the tools, connections, and confidence to bring his ideas to life. As a Schaberg Scholar, he’s eager to continue exploring how entrepreneurship can drive meaningful innovation in sports science and make an impact on athletes everywhere.
Jude Badreddine, Eli Broad College of Business
Jude Badreddine is a freshman from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, intending to major in supply chain management. To Jude, entrepreneurship is about independence, discipline, and continuous learning—challenging yourself to take risks and create opportunities where others see problems.
His long-term goal is to become a full-time entrepreneur, starting by scaling and selling his service-based business before launching a venture startup. As a recipient of the Schaberg Scholarship, Jude looks forward to developing his skills and connecting with mentors who are helping shape the future of entrepreneurship.
Aalaya Davis, Eli Broad College of Business
A freshman studying, Marketing, Aalaya Davis is passionate about entrepreneurship and the purpose it gives her. Aalaya views entrepreneurship to create opportunities for herself and others through patience, humility, and discipline.
Aalaya’s long-term goal is to establish a sports and entertainment marketing agency that helps athletes and creatives grow their brands with authenticity and purpose. Receiving this scholarship will allow her to have the freedom to focus on building her skills and network without financial stress.
The Burgess Institute and MSU’s entrepreneurial community will celebrate these scholars for at Venture Summit: Rivalry & Resilience on Friday October 24, 2025, and recognize them as Spartan entrepreneurs and innovators equipped with the entrepreneurial mindset, real-world experience, and a collaborative community that empowers them to create lasting impact.
These scholarships honor donors who believe in Spartan innovation and ensure that the next generation of entrepreneurs has the tools, resources and educational experiences to build something bigger with purpose and passion.