Winn brings rare blend of entrepreneurial vision, strategic program management, and collaborative leadership
EAST LANSING, Mich.—(October 2, 2025)—Jillian Winn, a mission-driven leader with deep ties to the Greater Lansing technology and entrepreneurial ecosystem, has been named the new director of the Lansing Regional SmartZone (LRSZ). Winn will lead the organization’s continued efforts to build the region into a home for innovation while supporting startups and driving inclusive economic growth.
“What could be better than helping entrepreneurs and small businesses start, grow, and thrive right here in the Greater Lansing region?” said Winn. “Having walked the entrepreneurial journey myself, I resonate with the challenges, risks, and rewards, and I’m passionate about supporting others as they navigate their own path. Not only that, but I was once a tenant at the Technology Innovation Center—so this truly feels like a full circle moment.”
Bringing a rare blend of entrepreneurial vision, strategic program management, and collaborative leadership, Winn is the co-founder of Signing Savvy, a Deaf-owned and SBA-certified Women-Owned SaaS platform for learning American Sign Language that has served more than 35 million learners. She has also served as an investor and advisor in new ventures, giving her insight into the resources and infrastructure startups need to thrive.
Previously, Winn served as faculty at Michigan State University, where she taught project management and web design, developed pre-college programs that brought in students across the state, and helped expand access to technology education in rural schools.
“Jillian’s unique combination of entrepreneurial success, deep community connections, and proven leadership in both the private and public sectors makes her the ideal person to lead the LRSZ into its next chapter,” said Abigail Tykocki, Chair of the Local Development Finance Authority, which oversees the LRSZ. “Her firsthand experience as both an entrepreneur and a former tenant of our facilities gives her an invaluable perspective on what our startup community needs to succeed.”
Established to promote high-technology activity and economic development, the LRSZ supports entrepreneurs and technology companies through business incubation services, access to capital, and strategic partnerships throughout the Greater Lansing region. The LRSZ operates and is housed in the Technology Innovation Center (TIC), the premier business incubator for technology startups in the region.
LRSZ’s innovative programs include the 517 Innovation & Entrepreneurship Week, which last year brought out more than 1,300 attendees to celebrate the innovation driving our region forward; the Fund Your Acceleration program, which simplifies startup access to funding, services and resources; and the Capital Area Startup Studio, which provides hands-on support to help founders go from idea to product to sales.
In 2024 the LRSZ assisted in raising over $18 million in public and private funds, launching 16 new technology companies in the region, creating 52 jobs, supporting 300 businesses through its programs and services, and strengthening opportunities for inclusive entrepreneurial upskilling.
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About the Lansing Regional SmartZone
The Lansing Regional SmartZone (LRSZ) drives growth in the Greater Lansing region’s high-tech sector by funding local partners to deliver exceptional entrepreneurial support services. The LRSZ is a partnership between Ingham County, City of Lansing, City of East Lansing, Lansing Community College, East Lansing Public Schools, Lansing School District, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the Michigan State University Research Foundation, Michigan State University Innovation Center, and the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP). A dynamic organization of leaders from all backgrounds and business sectors, the LRSZ has locations in downtown East Lansing at the Technology Innovation Center (TIC) and in Lansing at the MSU Health Park. To learn more, visit LansingRegionalSmartZone.com
About the Lansing Economic Area Partnership
The Lansing Regional SmartZone serves as the connecting tissue for all things tech entrepreneurship and tech enabled innovation for the Greater Lansing Region. The Lansing Regional SmartZone is overseen by an independent, publicly appointed Joint LDFA board. LEAP holds the services and staffing contract for the Lansing Regional SmartZone from the LDFA. As part of this contract LEAP oversees the governance of the Lansing Regional SmartZone including being the fiduciary for the funds that the SmartZone collects via tax capture districts in Lansing and East Lansing.
The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) is a coalition of area leaders partnering to build a stronger community for all — working every day to grow, retain and attract business to the Lansing, Michigan, region.