Founder Feature: Driving Innovation and Opportunity, Meet Kavita Bouknight

Kavita earned her bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in 1999 and has since remained deeply connected to the Spartan community. As a member of the Spartan Founders Club, she has served as a judge at the Burgess New Venture Challenge, a speaker for the Innovate State Speaker series, mentors student startups and fosters connections with alumni. Beyond her involvement with the Burgess Institute, Kavita has contributed to MSU as a board member for the Multicultural Business Programs and established a scholarship to support underrepresented students. Currently, Kavita serves as the CEO of Match Health Collective, a full-service marketing agency specializing in healthcare companies.

“I was surrounded by entrepreneurship growing up—my extended family was full of builders, risk-takers, and innovators. That environment sparked my interest in business early on and gave me a front-row seat to what it takes to bring ideas to life. My career began in the medical device industry, helping bring life-changing technologies to the market. A pivotal realization came when I noticed many incredible innovations were failing—not because of the science, but due to a lack of clear messaging and physician engagement. That led me to launch Match Health Collective, a marketing agency focused on helping life science companies craft powerful brand strategies and connect meaningfully with stakeholders.

My early experience in consulting was instrumental in shaping how I lead today. It gave me the ability to build toward timelines and goals, work cross-functionally, and manage clients with clarity and intention. That structure, combined with a passion for storytelling in healthcare, has been key to building programs that drive measurable impact.

I love thinking about better or new ways to do things. For me, entrepreneurship is a practical form of creativity—one that allows me to solve real-world problems and bring ideas to life. It’s about designing smarter systems, finding new angles, and constantly improving how we connect people to innovations that matter. That creative process is what fuels me every day.

I’ve been actively involved in MSU’s entrepreneurial community for years—mentoring students, serving as a judge for the annual pitch competition, and connecting with fellow alumni. I’ve also had the privilege of serving as a board member for the Multicultural Business Programs. In addition, I launched a separate scholarship to support underrepresented students at MSU, reflecting my commitment to expanding access and opportunity for future leaders.

I love the entrepreneurial energy MSU has cultivated through initiatives like The Hatch and the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. These programs create real opportunities for students to experiment, grow, and turn their ideas into impact. I’m passionate about being part of that journey and continuing to support the next generation of Spartan innovators.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that adaptability is key. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving—regulatory changes, emerging technologies, and shifting market demands all require businesses to stay agile. Being open to pivoting when necessary and listening to the needs of customers and stakeholders is essential for long-term success. Another critical lesson is that relationships matter. Whether it’s with clients, collaborators, or mentors, the connections you build shape your business. Investing in genuine, meaningful partnerships has been a cornerstone of my entrepreneurial journey.

My advice to young entrepreneurs and innovators at MSU is to start before you're ready—perfection can often be the enemy of progress, so take action, iterate, and learn along the way. Surround yourself with the right people—seek out mentors, peers, and advisors who challenge you. Most importantly, stay resilient; entrepreneurship isn’t a linear journey, and there will be setbacks, but persistence, creativity, and adaptability will help you overcome challenges and keep moving forward.

The Spartan Founders Club represents a network of driven, innovative entrepreneurs who share a common goal—building impactful businesses while supporting one another. I joined because I believe in the power of community and the importance of giving back. The opportunity to connect with fellow Spartan founders, exchange ideas, and mentor emerging entrepreneurs is something I deeply value.”