The Knight Foundation announced the winners of its annual Knight Cities Challenge competition today, and Detroit-centered projects cleaned up. Out of the approximately 4,500 applications submitted nationwide, 767 came from Detroiters—more than any other city “by a pretty wide margin,” organizers said. Perhaps it’s not surprising, then, that of the 37 winners, six were from … Continue reading “Detroit Big Winner in Knight Contest for Innovative Civic Projects”
Author: Sarah Schmid Stevenson
Sarah is a former Xconomy editor. Prior to joining Xconomy in 2011, she did communications work for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Michigan House of Representatives. She has also worked as a reporter and copy editor at the Missoula Independent and the Lansing State Journal. She holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism and Native American Studies from the University of Montana and proudly calls Detroit "the most fascinating city I've ever lived in."
Roundup: Hacker Fellows, WSU, Rebrand Detroit, Sapa Technology
[Corrected, 10:20am. See below] Here’s a look at startup and innovation news from around Michigan: —Hacker Fellows, the Detroit-based training program that places computer science graduates in developer roles at high-growth tech startups across the state, will hold an interview day on April 8 to introduce its fellows to potential employers. Now in its second … Continue reading “Roundup: Hacker Fellows, WSU, Rebrand Detroit, Sapa Technology”
NIH Awards $3.6M to Expand WSU Program for Minority Science Students
A Wayne State University program to help nurture budding scientists has been so successful, the National Institutes of Health has given it an additional $3.6 million in funding, which will enable it to grow and run at least another five years. The Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD) is designed to support underrepresented students and … Continue reading “NIH Awards $3.6M to Expand WSU Program for Minority Science Students”
Genomenon, SPLT, Entrocim Compete to Pitch at Google Demo Day in CA
Three Detroit-area startups are vying for a spot in a national pitch contest at Google’s California headquarters, after winning the third annual Google Demo Day held in downtown Detroit on Tuesday. The winners were SPLT, Entrocim, and Genomenon. Over the next few weeks, Google will choose one of those finalists to head to Mountain View, … Continue reading “Genomenon, SPLT, Entrocim Compete to Pitch at Google Demo Day in CA”
WaitTime Screens Are Now Live at the Palace and in Pistons App
Basketball fans in Michigan haven’t had much to cheer about lately. The Detroit Pistons are battling for an NBA playoff spot despite being ranked eighth in the Eastern Conference, and we won’t even mention what happened at the NCAA tournament a few weeks ago. However, Motor City startup WaitTime is trying to add a little … Continue reading “WaitTime Screens Are Now Live at the Palace and in Pistons App”
U-M Spinout Virta Labs Awarded $750K for Healthcare Security Tech
Virta Laboratories, the healthcare security startup spun out of the University of Michigan, today announced it has received a $750,000 small business innovation research [SBIR] grant from the federal government to expand its commercialization efforts. This is Virta Labs’ second SBIR grant; it snagged a smaller, phase one award in 2015. Established in 2014, Virta … Continue reading “U-M Spinout Virta Labs Awarded $750K for Healthcare Security Tech”
Roundup: U-M “Me-Search,” Zoetis, Rockwell Medical in China & More
Here’s a look at startup and innovation news from around Michigan: —Multiple departments across the University of Michigan and its medical school are participating in the Michigan Microbiome Project, with a mission to study the structure, functions, and dynamics of the human microbiome, as well as how the microbiome can be managed to improve a … Continue reading “Roundup: U-M “Me-Search,” Zoetis, Rockwell Medical in China & More”
Duo Security and GTRI Partner on International STEM Talent Event
Dozens of international students finishing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields were on hand at Duo Security’s Ann Arbor, MI, office last week for a tech talent matchmaking event sponsored by the Michigan Global Talent Retention Initiative (GTRI) and Global Detroit. The event was the first in a series designed to connect … Continue reading “Duo Security and GTRI Partner on International STEM Talent Event”
Holland-Based MDC Scores $1M Round for Absorbable Orthopedic Device
Holland, MI-based medical device startup Magnesium Development Company (MDC) announced earlier this month that it has raised a $1 million seed round. Start Garden’s venture fund and Genesis Innovation Group led the round. MDC plans to use the money to embark on the next phase of pre-clinical testing for its lead product, BioMg 250. The … Continue reading “Holland-Based MDC Scores $1M Round for Absorbable Orthopedic Device”
Roundup: Weyn, Detroit R&B, Swift Biosciences, STEMinistas, & More
Here’s a look at startup and innovation news from around Michigan: —The Michigan Science Center has launched a new program designed to support and cultivate interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) among middle school girls. The STEMinista Project has several goals: to spark and maintain an interest in STEM among female students, broaden the … Continue reading “Roundup: Weyn, Detroit R&B, Swift Biosciences, STEMinistas, & More”
As Detroit Transforms, Foley’s Book Teaches Jackasses How to Behave
On Friday night, while delivering late-night fast food to my fiancé at work, I drove around the outer reaches of my Midtown Detroit neighborhood for the first time since I put my bike up for the winter. I felt a bit like a stranger in a strange land as I passed gaggles of young professional … Continue reading “As Detroit Transforms, Foley’s Book Teaches Jackasses How to Behave”
Equinox Gym Founder Funds Scholarships for U-M Student-Entrepreneurs
Earlier this month, the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business and Zell Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies announced that a fitness mogul made a “sizable” donation to establish the Spevak Fund for Entrepreneurial Studies. The fund will grant scholarships for students focused on entrepreneurship. Donor Harvey Spevak is the CEO of Equinox Holdings, a … Continue reading “Equinox Gym Founder Funds Scholarships for U-M Student-Entrepreneurs”
GM Bets Big Bucks on Cruise Automation and a Driverless Future
According to reports in Fortune and other media outlets, GM has forked over more than $1 billion in cash and stock to acquire Bay Area startup Cruise Automation, a producer of “after-market” kits that can turn existing cars into autonomous vehicles. If the figure is correct, that makes company co-founder Kyle Vogt a “two-time unicorn … Continue reading “GM Bets Big Bucks on Cruise Automation and a Driverless Future”
Will 10-Gig Internet Help Revitalize Detroit? Rocket Fiber Says Yes
There has been no shortage of news stories about the abysmal state of Internet connectivity in the city of Detroit. As the Motor City attempts to remake itself as a tech hub, the fact remains that only 40 percent of households here are online—the second-lowest number in the nation after Laredo, TX. The state of … Continue reading “Will 10-Gig Internet Help Revitalize Detroit? Rocket Fiber Says Yes”
Zendrive is First Participant in U-M’s New TechLab Program at MCity
The University of Michigan’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Mobility Transformation Center are partnering on a new collaboration at MCity called TechLab, designed to help get connected and driverless car technologies to market faster. Meant to unite the efforts of university researchers, student innovators, and advanced transportation startups, TechLab is part startup incubator and part interactive … Continue reading “Zendrive is First Participant in U-M’s New TechLab Program at MCity”
MI Roundup: Automation Alley, Baker College, Google DevFest, & More
Here’s a look at startup and innovation news from around Michigan: —Automation Alley, a Southeast Michigan technology business association, has released its annual economic report, and it contains a bold prediction: The region will outperform Silicon Valley in several key areas, including revenue, R&D investment, and hiring. To compile the report, Automation Alley surveyed senior … Continue reading “MI Roundup: Automation Alley, Baker College, Google DevFest, & More”
PawnGuru Takes Process of Buying, Selling, and Negotiating Online
Anyone who has watched “Hardcore Pawn”—the reality show set in Detroit that follows the Gold family, owners of American Jewelry and Loan—knows that getting a fair price for the stuff they want to sell can be a challenge. One has to first bring an item to pawn that is considered attractive to pawnshop owners, and … Continue reading “PawnGuru Takes Process of Buying, Selling, and Negotiating Online”
It Takes Guts: Blue Turtle Bio on Treating Gaucher with Microbes
In 2012, Nilesh Joshi walked into the offices of Wayne State University’s Blackstone LaunchPad program with a startup idea in need of validation. At the time, he was working to develop bio-manufacturing processes for chemicals derived from cellulose-based feedstock. Joshi signed on to work with Blackstone’s startup coaches and soon developed a rapport with Adham … Continue reading “It Takes Guts: Blue Turtle Bio on Treating Gaucher with Microbes”
Neurable Uses Thoughts to Control 3D Objects. Are Video Games Next?
When Ramses Eduardo Alcaide-Aguirre was eight years old, his uncle was involved in a devastating car accident and lost the use of his legs. Seeing his uncle struggle with what were once mundane tasks had a big impact on young Alcaide. “It made me want to help people with disabilities,” he recalled. That desire to … Continue reading “Neurable Uses Thoughts to Control 3D Objects. Are Video Games Next?”
Student-Led Startups Take Center Stage at U-M Business Competition
The Michigan Business Challenge, the University of Michigan’s annual business competition for innovative student-led startups, ended Monday after a four-month process that incorporated guidance from mentors and investors. Over the course of the competition, more than $100,000 was awarded to the winners. This year’s big winner was precision medicine startup PreDxion Diagnostics, which nabbed $30,000 … Continue reading “Student-Led Startups Take Center Stage at U-M Business Competition”
Grand Angels Report Highlights Record-Breaking Year
According to an annual report highlighting key milestones, Grand Angels, one of Michigan’s busiest angel-investing collectives, had a record-breaking year in 2015. Last year, Grand Angels invested $3.5 million in 12 deals, bringing the total amount of capital deployed since it launched in 2004 to $19.6 million. Compared to 2014, Grand Angels increased its total … Continue reading “Grand Angels Report Highlights Record-Breaking Year”
Roundup: Swift Biosciences, ONL, Application Deadlines, & More
Here’s a look at innovation news from around Michigan: —Challenge Detroit, a leadership and professional development program that takes fellows from around the country and places them at a local partner company for a year, is now accepting applications for its 2016-2017 cohort. For the first time since the program’s inception in 2012, Detroit-area companies … Continue reading “Roundup: Swift Biosciences, ONL, Application Deadlines, & More”
Detroit-Based Weyn Accepted into Silicon Valley Game Accelerator
It can be challenging for Detroit startups to attract the attention of Silicon Valley’s power players, especially when they’re competing in sectors that are firmly planted in the Bay Area. That’s why it’s big news that Weyn, a Motor City mobile gaming company, has been accepted into the Core Labs Game Accelerator, which is affiliated … Continue reading “Detroit-Based Weyn Accepted into Silicon Valley Game Accelerator”
Campless Morphs Into StockX, a “Stock Market” for Sneakers
In October, we brought you the news that Campless, a Philadelphia-based website calling itself the “Kelley Blue Book for sneakers,” had relocated to Detroit at the behest of investor Dan Gilbert. On Monday, Campless morphed into a new venture called StockX, which CEO Josh Luber described as the world’s first online “stock market of things,” … Continue reading “Campless Morphs Into StockX, a “Stock Market” for Sneakers”
TRImaran Licenses WSU Compounds to Develop Neuro Drugs
TRImaran Pharma aims to take on a group of neurological diseases, like depression, by developing drugs that impact three different types of neurotransmitters in the brain. Those drug prospects come from Wayne State University, which licensed a group of molecules to the company this week for an undisclosed sum. Aloke Dutta, a pharmaceutical sciences professor … Continue reading “TRImaran Licenses WSU Compounds to Develop Neuro Drugs”
Inventev Nabs $500K Grant to Test Mobile Power Generation Technology
Inventev, the Detroit-based cleantech startup working on mobile power generation via plug-in hybrid electric vehicle architecture, announced Monday that it has snagged a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Inventev’s CEO and founder, Dave Stenson, said the company will use the money to model, develop, and test key elements of its drive … Continue reading “Inventev Nabs $500K Grant to Test Mobile Power Generation Technology”
Coming Soon: Coding Lab, Co-Working Space, and More in Highland Park
Highland Park, for those who don’t know, is a separate city within Detroit’s borders—along with Hamtramck, it’s actually one of two sovereign cities inside Detroit—and for a long time, it’s been considered by many to be Detroit’s shabbier, financially ruined cousin. Once an upscale enclave that was home to Henry Ford’s first assembly line and, … Continue reading “Coming Soon: Coding Lab, Co-Working Space, and More in Highland Park”
Roundup: Swift Biosciences, Champion of Change, Innovation Research
Here’s a look at innovation news from around Michigan: —Ann Arbor’s Swift Biosciences announced last week it will partner with SeraCare Life Sciences to accelerate development of novel circulating tumor DNA reference material to be used in liquid biopsies and next-generation sequencing. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. In a press release, Swift Bioscience’s … Continue reading “Roundup: Swift Biosciences, Champion of Change, Innovation Research”
Social Impact Challenge Students Compete to Solve Complex Problems
Every winter semester, the University of Michigan’s Center for Social Impact partners with a Detroit-based nonprofit on a project that helps the partner organization tackle pressing strategic roadblocks. Now in its third year, the Social Impact Challenge focuses this time around on the Police Athletic League’s (PAL) Kids at the Corner redevelopment campaign to transform … Continue reading “Social Impact Challenge Students Compete to Solve Complex Problems”
One of the Country’s Largest Coding Schools Opens Detroit Campus
The Iron Yard, one of the biggest coding schools in the nation, today announced that it’s opening a Detroit campus, probably in the vicinity of downtown. Starting next month, the Iron Yard will offer two 12-week programs—one devoted to teaching front-end coding skills, and one that covers back-end coding. Each course costs $12,000 per student, … Continue reading “One of the Country’s Largest Coding Schools Opens Detroit Campus”
Nothing Gross About It: Mopec Innovates Autopsy Stations
Back in the early aughts, I never missed an episode of the HBO series “Six Feet Under,” which followed the trials and travails of a funeral home-owning California family. I tuned in for the morbid storylines and superior acting, but there was also a fair amount of the show dedicated to the fascinating ins and … Continue reading “Nothing Gross About It: Mopec Innovates Autopsy Stations”
Dan Gilbert’s Courtside Ventures Bets $35M on eSports, VR, Wearables
Earlier this month, it was announced that Dan Gilbert, Quicken Loans founder and owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, has partnered with Bruin Sports Capital and WPP on a new $35 million investment fund. Based in New York City and Detroit, Courtside Ventures will invest in early-stage tech and media startups with a focus on sports. … Continue reading “Dan Gilbert’s Courtside Ventures Bets $35M on eSports, VR, Wearables”
Roundup: URC Report, Harman, Global Detroit, TechShop & More
Here’s a look at innovation news from around Michigan: —This week, Harman, maker of speakers popular with musicians and audiophiles—Harman Kardon is one of the brands associated with the company—celebrated the official opening of its North American headquarters in Novi. The 188,000-square-foot building will house 1,000 employees focused on engineering and developing advanced technology for … Continue reading “Roundup: URC Report, Harman, Global Detroit, TechShop & More”
The Hottest Trend at This Year’s Detroit Auto Show? Not Cars
There is never an official theme at the annual North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), held last week in Detroit, but one usually emerges as automakers showcase their latest innovations, hoping to one-up each other while garnering consumer and media interest. One year it was electrification; another year, it was infotainment. This year, the buzzword … Continue reading “The Hottest Trend at This Year’s Detroit Auto Show? Not Cars”
Techstars Expands Programs for Early-Stage Michigan Entrepreneurs
Techstars has been doing a bit of revamping in the last year—it acquired and merged networks with UP Global, the nonprofit organization behind Startup Weekend; it launched a retail startup accelerator in partnership with Target in Minneapolis and a mobility startup accelerator in Detroit; pulled the plug on a robotics accelerator in San Diego; and … Continue reading “Techstars Expands Programs for Early-Stage Michigan Entrepreneurs”
GM Acquires Sidecar’s “Essential” Ridesharing IP, Key Employees
Bay Area ridesharing pioneer Sidecar was back in the news this morning, when it was announced that General Motors has acquired the recently shuttered startup’s technology and assets. The value of the deal was not disclosed, but a source close to the situation told Bloomberg that “it was less than the roughly $39 million that … Continue reading “GM Acquires Sidecar’s “Essential” Ridesharing IP, Key Employees”
Knight Contest’s Detroit Finalists Propose Innovative Civic Projects
More than a dozen Detroit-based civic projects incorporating entrepreneurship, repurposed vacant spaces, co-working, and more have been nominated as part of the second-annual Knight Cities Challenge, a national competition that seeks ideas for improving the 26 communities where the Knight Foundation invests its philanthropic dollars. The winning pitches are awarded grants in various amounts. Applicants … Continue reading “Knight Contest’s Detroit Finalists Propose Innovative Civic Projects”
SpellBound Launches Indiegogo Campaign, Prepares Public App Release
An Ann Arbor, MI-based augmented reality startup born out of Startup Weekend Detroit, which made a splash at last year’s CES, spent most of 2015 settling in and preparing for the next phase of growth. Now SpellBound, formerly known as MagicBook, is getting ready for the public release of its mobile app—which turns children’s books … Continue reading “SpellBound Launches Indiegogo Campaign, Prepares Public App Release”
New NEI Director Wants Detroit to Lead Inclusive Economic Development
The New Economy Initiative for Southeast Michigan (NEI), one of the nation’s largest philanthropic partnerships focused on innovation and entrepreneurship, announced new executive director Pamela Lewis this week. Lewis replaces longtime director David Egner, who stepped down from NEI in December to take over as the president and CEO of the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. … Continue reading “New NEI Director Wants Detroit to Lead Inclusive Economic Development”
Roundup: Inforum, Techstars Mobility, LevelEleven, Occipital
Here’s a look at innovation news from around Michigan: —Inforum, a professional women’s organization, is now accepting applications for an upcoming master class aimed at second-stage entrepreneurs. Led by Patti Glaza and Paula Sorrell, the class provides a confidential forum where emerging startup founders will meet monthly to evaluate their company’s operations and identify new … Continue reading “Roundup: Inforum, Techstars Mobility, LevelEleven, Occipital”
Siemens Showcases Future of Smart Cities with Ann Arbor Partnership
Siemens, a global tech company with more than 340,000 employees in 200 countries, has chosen Ann Arbor, MI, as its first Center of Excellence for Intelligent Traffic Technology, designating the city as a so-called “living lab” to test and demonstrate the latest smart city innovations. Although the company has had a technology partnership with Ann … Continue reading “Siemens Showcases Future of Smart Cities with Ann Arbor Partnership”
DishUp App Takes Visually Appealing Approach to Restaurant Discovery
If a startup could be assembled from a list of things Millennials like, Detroit-based food tech company DishUp might be the result. DishUp’s food discovery app incorporates the ubiquitous meal close-ups that people love to post on social media sites; users swipe left or right a la Tinder to make their choices; and the DishUp … Continue reading “DishUp App Takes Visually Appealing Approach to Restaurant Discovery”
Sidecar Puts It in Park Despite Hot Mobility Sector
Yesterday, news came across the transom that San Francisco ride-sharing service Sidecar would shutter its operation, effective tomorrow. The news wasn’t a complete shock—though Sidecar launched at roughly the same time as Uber and Lyft, it failed to inspire the billion-dollar valuations, user adoption rates, and investor backing that those two peer-to-peer ride-sharing startups did. … Continue reading “Sidecar Puts It in Park Despite Hot Mobility Sector”
Fixing Education in Michigan: What Skills Should We Be Teaching?
Michigan’s entrepreneurs and venture capitalists made big strides in 2015—homegrown startups attracted more investment from both local and out-of-state investors, at least one company that originated in the Great Lakes State had a big IPO, and the startup community across the state continues to grow and become more vibrant as we look for ways to … Continue reading “Fixing Education in Michigan: What Skills Should We Be Teaching?”
Roundup: Ann Arbor SPARK, Simple Continuity, NEIdeas, U-M & More
Here’s a look at innovation news from around Michigan: —Ann Arbor SPARK held its 27th annual entrepreneur boot camp earlier this month, and a panel of investors and industry insiders voted Simple Continuity the winner. Simple Continuity makes business analytics software, and the company is targeting industries with complicated regulations, such as banking. More than … Continue reading “Roundup: Ann Arbor SPARK, Simple Continuity, NEIdeas, U-M & More”
After Deal with Ciright One, What’s Next for Stratos?
According to a press release sent out Tuesday, Pennsylvania’s Ciright One signed an agreement with Ann Arbor-based mobile payment startup Stratos this week to take over the management of Stratos’ customer service and fulfillment operations, a deal that was reported by TechCrunch as a last-ditch effort to save Stratos from “collapse.” Ciright’s Julie Taylor was clearly … Continue reading “After Deal with Ciright One, What’s Next for Stratos?”
Showcasing Detroit’s Revitalization Through Storytelling
When I fell in love with a guy from the east side of Detroit, my world opened up in lots of ways—not least of them was my introduction to a couple of legendary Detroit eateries I had been previously unaware of. Whether it was gobs of meat and cheese in the form of a Big … Continue reading “Showcasing Detroit’s Revitalization Through Storytelling”
How West Michigan’s Collective Idea Lures Silicon Valley Talent
Collective Idea is a small but swiftly growing software development firm based in Holland, MI, that is earning a reputation for attracting big clients and top-notch talent, including one of the founders of the well-respected tech publication Ars Technica. In 2015, Collective Idea grew by 47 percent over the previous year, adding a new staffer … Continue reading “How West Michigan’s Collective Idea Lures Silicon Valley Talent”
Current Motor Makes Waves with its Mini-Fleet-in-a-Box
Michigan is home to a number of innovative mobility and transportation startups seeking to change the ways we move people and goods around the globe. Add Current Motor to the list. The Ann Arbor-based maker of electric vehicles and solar charging stations (with a manufacturing plant in Manchester, MI) is starting to get the world’s … Continue reading “Current Motor Makes Waves with its Mini-Fleet-in-a-Box”
Detroit Police Partners with Nextdoor on “Virtual Neighborhood Watch”
The San Francisco-based social media platform for neighbors, Nextdoor, held a press conference in Detroit yesterday to announce a new partnership with the Detroit Police Department. According to Chief James Craig, Nextdoor will serve as another tool to connect Detroit residents with the police department. “I like to think of it as a virtual neighborhood … Continue reading “Detroit Police Partners with Nextdoor on “Virtual Neighborhood Watch””