Three Spartan-led startups—Skin Studio 211, Re-Route Wellness, and E-Z Lift Dishwasher—are in the running to be among the top five teams selected to pitch at Start Garden’s 5x5 Night this October.
Hosted monthly in Grand Rapids, 5x5 Night invites entrepreneurs from across Michigan to share their ideas in five minutes using just five slides, with one winning venture receiving $5,000 to advance their concept. The competition serves as a launchpad for early-stage founders to refine their pitches, gain exposure, and connect with Michigan’s growing entrepreneurial community.
With the support of the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation and its Venture Creation program, these Spartans have been equipped with the space, structure and support to transform their ideas into viable ventures. From wellness and beauty to home innovation, these Spartan-led startups represent the breadth of creativity and innovation emerging from Michigan State University’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Voting to determine the five finalists is open through October 20, 2025, at 5x5night.com. The five startups receiving the highest number of votes will advance to the live competition later this month.
About the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation: The Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation is the destination where students launch high-impact, entrepreneurial journeys at Michigan State University. The Burgess Institute empowers students to learn through action by providing global mentors, courses, seed funding, entrepreneurship competitions, student organizations, resources, and campus-wide co-working spaces.