The Midwest Research University Network (MRUN) is focused on high tech and research-based startups in the Midwest. Specifically, its about building a network of those who create, fund and grow startups in the Midwest.

MRUN was established as an alliance of university business development professionals dedicated to facilitating growth of technology spinout companies through start–up formation. MRUN is built around the idea that regional cooperation in new business formation can foster commercialization of university research. To that end, representatives involved with startup business formation at several Midwest reseach institutions chose to leverage their relative geographic proximity and began meeting quarterly to explore cooperative options. The early MRUN members were from eight Midwest states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin. Today MRUN members include universities, research institutions, investors, entrepreneurs and those who help them.