Ignite Talks MSU
ABOUT Ignite Talks
16 YEARS
Ignite began in 2006 as a grassroots event in Seattle, Washington, envisioned by co-founders Brady Forrest and Bre Pettis. What started as a single gathering quickly grew into a global phenomenon, empowering local communities to embrace creativity, innovation, and storytelling through their own Ignite events.
350 CITIES
Ignite events have brought communities together in more than 350 cities worldwide—spanning bustling metropolises, small towns, schools, and conferences. With new locations joining every day, the movement continues to grow.
6 CONTINENTS
Ignite’s reach has extended across six continents, driven by passionate local leaders who have embraced the mission of creating spaces for ideas.
Each Ignite Talk features a 5-minute presentation using 20 slides that auto-advance every 15 seconds, challenging speakers to convey their ideas succinctly and engagingly. This unique structure fosters creativity and innovation, encouraging presenters to distill their messages to the essence.
ENGAGEMENT | INNOVATION | COMMUNITY
The MSU Museum CoLab Studio’s Ignite Talks provides a dynamic platform for MSU students to share their research with a wider audience. Rooted in the Museum’s mission to serve the Michigan State University community by facilitating and creating experiences at the nexus of the arts, sciences, cultures, and technologies, Ignite Talks MSU empower students to connect their academic work to broader societal contexts. Each presenter is challenged to distill their message into a fast-paced, 5-minute presentation accompanied by 20 automatically advancing slides, ensuring a captivating and impactful delivery.
The value of Ignite Talks extends far beyond the stage. For students, the experience enhances communication skills, cultivates confidence, and encourages reflection on the societal impact of their work. Through workshops and mentorship, participants learn the art of storytelling, improvisation, and audience engagement—skills that are critical in any field. For the audience, Ignite Talks MSU highlights the diversity of ideas and research thriving at MSU.
Ignite Talks MSU exemplifies the MSU Museum’s commitment to collaboration, creativity, and equity in addressing challenges and striving for a better world. By engaging communities and promoting innovation, the program fosters connection, curiosity, and creativity. Celebrating the voices and visions of MSU students, Ignite Talks are a bridge between academia and the public, inspiring change and shaping the future.
GET INVOLVED!
ATTEND | SPONSOR | PRESENT
The MSU Museum hosts two Ignite Talks each academic year—one during the fall semester and another in the spring. These events are open to all enrolled MSU students, spanning every level, college, and department. To date, we have welcomed undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree students from 11 colleges and 24 departments and programs across campus. Together, we are advancing student success and amplifying the impact of research at MSU.
Your support makes Ignite Talks MSU possible. Whether you attend, sponsor, or present your research, you are helping to create a vibrant platform for creativity, connection, and collaboration. Let’s keep the spark alive!