Sagor Bhuiyan and Adham Aljahmi aren’t your typical college seniors. In addition to being pre-med students, they’ve launched SIB Medical Technologies, a startup that aims to commercialize at-home stool sample collection kits that they say are simpler and less likely to expose patients to toxic materials. Bhuiyan learned of the device, which was invented by … Continue reading “WSU Student-Led SIB Medical Technologies Prepares Prototype for Market”
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."
FarmLogs Raises $4M Series A, Founder Named to Forbes List
The Ann Arbor, MI-based ag tech startup FarmLogs announced today that it has raised a $4 million Series A round of funding. The round was led by Ohio-based Drive Capital, with participation from Huron River Ventures, also of Ann Arbor, and Hyde Park Venture Partners and Hyde Park Angels, both based in Chicago. The announcement caps … Continue reading “FarmLogs Raises $4M Series A, Founder Named to Forbes List”
ProNAI Therapeutics Raises $12M Series C Round
Plymouth, MI-based biotech company ProNAI Therapeutics announced yesterday that it has secured a $12 million Series C round. The round was led by the Wisconsin-based Capital Midwest Fund and includes new and existing investors. ProNAi, which was formed around technology developed at Wayne State University and the Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, aims to “quiet” … Continue reading “ProNAI Therapeutics Raises $12M Series C Round”
TechTown Starts 2014 With $2.5M Renovation, New Co-Working Space
More changes are afoot at TechTown as the startup accelerator streamlines its mission and prepares to anchor neighborhood construction that could make North Midtown a serious hub of innovation. Most striking to visitors is the $2.5 million renovation that TechTown completed in late November. The space has been transformed from a drab, nondescript office to … Continue reading “TechTown Starts 2014 With $2.5M Renovation, New Co-Working Space”
Menlo’s Rich Sheridan on Building an Intentionally Joyful Workplace
In his new book, “Joy, Inc.: How We Built a Workplace People Love,” Rich Sheridan, founder and CEO of the Ann Arbor-based software company Menlo Innovations, writes about the first time he fell in love. “I was only a freshman in high school, but a singular moment changed the course of my life,” he writes. … Continue reading “Menlo’s Rich Sheridan on Building an Intentionally Joyful Workplace”
Dump Your Relationship Detritus at BreakUpGoods.com
Many of us have been there: A romantic relationship goes sour and what’s left is a pile of stuff accumulated over the life of the partnership. Sure, you could throw it all out on the curb, but what if you have items that are worth some money? Or, for the more vindictive among us, what … Continue reading “Dump Your Relationship Detritus at BreakUpGoods.com”
ProNAi Announces Progress on Its Novel Cancer-Fighting Drug
Mina Sooch, Detroit Xconomist and president and CEO of ProNAi Therapeutics, says 2013 was a landmark year for the biotech startup based in Plymouth, MI. ProNAi, which was spun out of technology discovered at Wayne State University and the Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, aims to “quiet” disease using novel drugs that target cancer and … Continue reading “ProNAi Announces Progress on Its Novel Cancer-Fighting Drug”
Motor City Mapping Tackles Urban Blight Using Loveland Tech
A new day seemed to be dawning in Detroit when Quicken Loans founder Dan Gilbert paraphrased 50 Cent and told an audience at Marygrove College that Detroit’s recently announced urban blight task force is “going to get this done or we are going to die trying.” The bold statement made last month was a welcome … Continue reading “Motor City Mapping Tackles Urban Blight Using Loveland Tech”
Styleshack.com Offers Personalized Way to Shop Detroit-Area Boutiques
Given the amount of time I spend in my work-from-home uniform of leggings, a t-shirt, and a hoody, I sometimes forget how much I love fashion. My idea of fun is a quiet Friday night, a glass of wine, a copy of Lucky or Vogue or InStyle, and at least an hour to stare and … Continue reading “Styleshack.com Offers Personalized Way to Shop Detroit-Area Boutiques”
How do Michigan and Wisconsin Compare in the Eyes of VCs?
It’s no surprise that Detroit’s civic problems would resonate most clearly with people around the Great Lakes region. And in Milwaukee, the discussion has been pretty pointed at times—questions about the city’s urban poverty, how Detroit’s bankruptcy might affect Milwaukee, and whether state policies could drive public employees into the suburbs. One thing they definitely … Continue reading “How do Michigan and Wisconsin Compare in the Eyes of VCs?”
Detroit Native Returns to the City to Launch Pedicab Startup
Gabby Bryant, 23, is exactly the kind of person Detroit needs to help execute its comeback. She was born and raised in Detroit, but eventually left to study economics and African American studies at Harvard. She thought she’d go on to Washington, DC, after she graduated, but instead she found herself thinking more and more … Continue reading “Detroit Native Returns to the City to Launch Pedicab Startup”
With U-M Tech, Ford Research Car Maps Its Surroundings in 3D
A press preview event put on last week ahead of January’s North American International Auto Show had, as one might expect, the relentlessly positive feel of a pep rally. Joe Hinrichs, Ford’s president of North American operations, told the crowd that 2014 “represents a massive year for Ford.” Less than a week after the Dec. 12, of … Continue reading “With U-M Tech, Ford Research Car Maps Its Surroundings in 3D”
HealthNetConnect on the Future of Telemedicine, Remote House Calls
Judging by last month’s Medical Main Street conference held in Troy, MI, health IT has never been hotter in Michigan. Among the many companies looking to compete on this crowded field is a Michigan medical supply company that has developed a remote diagnostic system that is already being used by major local hospitals. J&B Medical … Continue reading “HealthNetConnect on the Future of Telemedicine, Remote House Calls”
Wisely Analyzes Customer Spending Patterns in New Mobile App
A year ago, Glyph was a Detroit-based startup with an iPhone app that helped users maximize their credit card rewards. Over the summer, the company relocated to Ann Arbor and, on Dec. 5, pivoted and relaunched as Wisely with a new app in the iPhone store. “We changed the name and the focus,” says co-founder … Continue reading “Wisely Analyzes Customer Spending Patterns in New Mobile App”
3D Design Software Helps Dearborn Mid-West Stay on Track
The Dearborn Mid-West Company (DMW) started as a small fabrication shop outside of Detroit in 1947. The company has rolled with the punches of the automotive industry ever since, incorporating new technology along the way to remain competitive. Today, DMW designs and manufactures major material handling systems, such as the kind of conveyors that pull … Continue reading “3D Design Software Helps Dearborn Mid-West Stay on Track”
Roundup: AutoHarvest, Wayne State, TechSmith & Google
Here’s a look at some of the news from the Southeast Michigan innovation community that you may have missed: —AutoHarvest, a nonprofit website that aims to connect the auto industry with entrepreneurs and inventors, announced late last month that it will collaborate with Omnia Group to translate its English-language website into Chinese, German, French, and … Continue reading “Roundup: AutoHarvest, Wayne State, TechSmith & Google”
Everything You’ve Wanted to Know About Americans But Were Afraid to Ask
Last month, we told you about the Global Talent Retention Initiative’s report that Michigan is poised to become a hot spot for global talent because of its popularity with international students, particularly those studying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). With that in mind, a group of Michigan State University journalism students published a book … Continue reading “Everything You’ve Wanted to Know About Americans But Were Afraid to Ask”
Assure360: Expanding Its Business Around a Private Cloud
In September, the Farmington Hills, MI-based IT support firm NDeX rebranded and relaunched as Assure360 with a new mission: to provide private, cloud-based data management to companies in highly regulated industries like banking, legal, and insurance. It’s an interesting company to watch as it settles into a broader and more ambitious sales strategy. “We were … Continue reading “Assure360: Expanding Its Business Around a Private Cloud”
Calling All Detroit Kids: Learn How to Be an Entrepreneur
Thanh Tran, a serial entrepreneur and champion of Detroit’s startup community, has just launched a new venture called Kidpreneur, which is also the latest winner of D:Hive’s Pilot program. Kidpreneur will offer classes to tweens, where they’ll learn about Web design, coding, robotics, and the “lean startup” philosophy of entrepreneurship from expert instructors like Tran. Kidpreneur … Continue reading “Calling All Detroit Kids: Learn How to Be an Entrepreneur”
Detroit’s H2bid Earns Silicon Valley Accolades, Prepares to Expand
The Detroit-based startup H2bid.com—an e-bidding site that maintains, according to the company, the world’s largest online clearinghouse of water utility contract opportunities—recently made some waves in Silicon Valley. Company founder and CEO Glenn Oliver says H2bid was invited to be part of a startup expo in Menlo Park, CA, hosted by SV Forum. Fifty companies participated … Continue reading “Detroit’s H2bid Earns Silicon Valley Accolades, Prepares to Expand”
Building the “Passion Graph” With Pavo
It happens to me all the time. I’m scrolling through Facebook feeds or Pinterest boards only to see an item of clothing or a plate of food (ok, usually food) that makes me think, “Must. Have. Now!” Pavo, a new Detroit-based Internet startup, feels my pain. Its motto is “Share your passion because a ‘like’ … Continue reading “Building the “Passion Graph” With Pavo”
Stik’s Review Platform Adds Referral Product for Service Providers
Stik.com was the toast of Detroit a little over a year ago, after it announced it was shuttering its Bay Area operations and moving the company to Detroit, to an office in Dan Gilbert’s Madison Building. Since that time, Stik has continued to grow and raise money—a Series A round of $2.3 million was announced … Continue reading “Stik’s Review Platform Adds Referral Product for Service Providers”
Think Digitally, Give Locally: Benevolent Opens Detroit Office
Darnell lives in Southwest Detroit. He recently transitioned out of homelessness and into a new apartment, thanks to support from the Coalition on Temporary Shelter. He hasn’t had the ability to put his home together, however—an absence made worse because of his medical condition, which makes getting from a seated to standing position difficult. But … Continue reading “Think Digitally, Give Locally: Benevolent Opens Detroit Office”
Roundup: Rapt.fm’s Rapping Royals, LevelEleven’s New Partnership
Here’s a look at news you may have missed from the Southeast Michigan innovation community: —Hallelujah, it’s finally happened: There will soon be an affordable way to get from Detroit to Metro Airport in Romulus! For those of you in other cities wondering what the big deal is, there is currently no convenient way to … Continue reading “Roundup: Rapt.fm’s Rapping Royals, LevelEleven’s New Partnership”
Tweddle: Managing Auto Industry Info Since the Days of Movable Type
When I first met the guys from Tweddle, it was at a global telematics conference in June. Perhaps I had been spending too much time with tech startups, because I assumed Tweddle was one of those cutesy software startup names. Andrew Tweddle, president and CEO of Tweddle Group, quickly pointed out that it was actually … Continue reading “Tweddle: Managing Auto Industry Info Since the Days of Movable Type”
Bogobrush: A Biodegradable Toothbrush for the Socially Minded
Heather and John McDougall, two kids from North Dakota, grew up watching their dentist father throw himself wholeheartedly into his profession, serving on the boards of state and national dental associations. So perhaps it’s no surprise that when the McDougall kids decided to launch a company, it ended up being a toothbrush startup. But Bogobrush … Continue reading “Bogobrush: A Biodegradable Toothbrush for the Socially Minded”
Varsity News Network Aims to be “ESPN.com for High School Sports”
After Varsity News Network (VNN) was announced last week as the grand prize winner of the Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition, it may have been a surprise to those of us who aren’t familiar with the entrepreneurial scene on the West side of the state. But it turns out VNN, the Web-based platform promoting high school sports, … Continue reading “Varsity News Network Aims to be “ESPN.com for High School Sports””
My Adventures with Aereo and Cutting the Cable Cord
A few weeks ago, Xconomy’s Wade Roush wrote a blistering piece suggesting that all of us old-school suckers still paying $80-plus per month for cable were making it possible for him to live the dream. “After all, your money goes straight to the studios and networks that produce and distribute all the expensive first-run programming … Continue reading “My Adventures with Aereo and Cutting the Cable Cord”
U-M Opens MCubed Portal to the Public to Fund Fast Innovation
The University of Michigan said on Friday it will open its online MCubed seed-funding portal to the public. Any person or organization can nominate a problem or research project for $75,000 in funding. If at least three faculty members agree that it’s a good potential study topic and “cube” around the project, the $75,000 funds … Continue reading “U-M Opens MCubed Portal to the Public to Fund Fast Innovation”
Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition Winners Announced
Yesterday, the winners of the annual Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition were announced after a two-day competition at the Book Cadillac Hotel in downtown Detroit. At stake was more than $1 million in cash prizes, plus awards of services, staffing, and software. More than that, Accelerate Michigan winners are usually considered among Michigan’s most promising startups and … Continue reading “Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition Winners Announced”
A Year After TechStars, Fetchnotes Focuses on Stickier Sharing
When we last caught up with the University of Michigan student startup Fetchnotes, the team was preparing for a stint in the elite TechStars Boston accelerator, the first U-M student startup to do so. Now, a year later, the digital note-capturing/life organizing service is relaunching today with a majorly overhauled iPhone app that includes a … Continue reading “A Year After TechStars, Fetchnotes Focuses on Stickier Sharing”
Reconsider and Revalue: Fostering Community Impact Through “Locavesting”
The biggest news in the investment world right now is perhaps Twitter’s stunningly successful initial public stock offering last Thursday, which left the company valued at approximately $24 billion. Some pundits, however, see Twitter’s IPO as another indication that we’re poised at the edge of a tech bubble similar to the one that decimated Silicon … Continue reading “Reconsider and Revalue: Fostering Community Impact Through “Locavesting””
MVCA Celebrates Year’s Top Deals, Names New Board Chair
The Michigan Venture Capital Association (MVCA) held its annual awards dinner this week to honor the year’s most important deals and VCs. During the dinner, the MVCA also named Jim Adox of Venture Investors as its new board chair. Carrie Jones, executive director of the MVCA, says that 2013 was a good year for Michigan’s … Continue reading “MVCA Celebrates Year’s Top Deals, Names New Board Chair”
MyGoToNumber: Exceptional CEO Makes App For Everyday People
MyGoToNumber co-founder and CEO Paul A. Turner III was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, to American parents, but he grew up in Detroit—and, as he recalls, most of its suburbs. “I’ve lived just about everywhere in Oakland County,” he says. “I never went to the same school district for more than two years.” He was … Continue reading “MyGoToNumber: Exceptional CEO Makes App For Everyday People”
Uber Launches Lower-Priced UberX Service in Detroit
Uber, the on-demand, app-based car service that established operations in Detroit last March, has now launched its lower-priced offering, UberX, in the Motor City. UberX is based on more of a ride-share model than Uber’s black car service, which aims to make drivers feel as if they have their own personal chauffeur. Riders summon UberX … Continue reading “Uber Launches Lower-Priced UberX Service in Detroit”
Atterocor Begins Phase 1 Trial for Adrenal Cancer Drug
The Ann Arbor, MI-based biotech startup Atterocor announced last week that it has initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial of ATR-101, a novel drug candidate to treat adrenal cancer. In pre-clinical studies, ATR-101 has shown selective effects on adrenal cortex cells, says Atterocor co-founder and CEO Julia Owens. ATR-101 has also received orphan drug designation … Continue reading “Atterocor Begins Phase 1 Trial for Adrenal Cancer Drug”
Accelerate Michigan Competition Unveils 2013 Finalists
More than 50 semi-finalists competing in the Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition, the annual business-plan competition targeting mid-to-late-stage startups located across the state, have been announced. At stake is more than $1 million in cash prizes, plus in-kind awards of services, staffing, and software. More than that, Accelerate Michigan winners are usually considered among Michigan’s most … Continue reading “Accelerate Michigan Competition Unveils 2013 Finalists”
U-M Logs Record Number of Inventions, Names Med School Innovation Chief
About a year ago, the University of Michigan made a decision to focus on “encouraging and motivating” faculty to submit high-value ideas about new technology or inventions that could one day lead to commercialization, according Ken Nisbet, who directs the university’s Office of Tech Transfer (OTT). The university felt it had a lot of untapped … Continue reading “U-M Logs Record Number of Inventions, Names Med School Innovation Chief”
Report: Michigan Could Be Hot Spot for Global Tech Talent
In Michigan, we hear a lot of discussion about the challenge of keeping talented, young workers in the state after they graduate from college. According to a new report out last week from the Global Talent Retention Initiative of Michigan (GTRI), one area where Michigan might have a leg up on other places is international … Continue reading “Report: Michigan Could Be Hot Spot for Global Tech Talent”
Roundup: Swift Biosciences Raises $7M Round, Free Wi-fi Now in Downtown Detroit
Here’s a look at news from around Southeast Michigan’s innovation community: —Ann Arbor-based Swift Biosciences announced this week that it has raised a $7 million Series B round. Fletcher Spaght Ventures led the round, and the Renaissance Venture Capital Fund, the Mercury Fund, the Michigan Accelerator Fund, and individual investors participated in the round. Swift … Continue reading “Roundup: Swift Biosciences Raises $7M Round, Free Wi-fi Now in Downtown Detroit”
U-M Unveils Automated Vehicle Test Site, Collaborative Battery Lab
Yesterday, the University of Michigan announced it will construct an automated vehicle test environment on 30 acres at its North Campus Research Complex. The $6.5 million test environment, which is expected to be completed by fall of 2014, will include approximately three miles of roads with intersections, traffic signs and signals; sidewalks; benches; simulated buildings; … Continue reading “U-M Unveils Automated Vehicle Test Site, Collaborative Battery Lab”
Motozuma Snags $1 Million Investment, Relaunches as BoostUp
In August, we reported that Motozuma—an Illinois-based startup that allows users to set up free online savings accounts where they can put money towards a new car and invite friends and family to help contribute—had quietly established a Detroit office. It turns out Detroit is the company’s new headquarters as it relaunches today as BoostUp … Continue reading “Motozuma Snags $1 Million Investment, Relaunches as BoostUp”
IROA Forms Florida Partnership, Pushes Metabolomics Forward
Metabolomics, which is the study of the unique chemical imprints that specific cellular processes leave behind, in is an up-and-coming field in biotech, says Felice de Jong, co-founder and CEO of IROA Technologies. Sure, she argues, genomics can tell patients what may happen—what they’re predisposed to—but an accurate measurement of the body’s metabolites can tell … Continue reading “IROA Forms Florida Partnership, Pushes Metabolomics Forward”
SideDraft: A New Fantasy Sports Betting App for iOS, From U-M Grads
Count me among those who are officially obsessed with fantasy football. I play in at least two leagues every year. I watch “The League.” I pay attention to what the talking heads are saying every Sunday morning on “Fantasy Football Now.” I field text messages on the weekends from friends asking for sit or start … Continue reading “SideDraft: A New Fantasy Sports Betting App for iOS, From U-M Grads”
“60 Minutes” Missed Big Opportunity to Highlight Detroit’s Entrepreneurs
The venerable television news magazine 60 Minutes began Sunday’s broadcast with a piece called “Detroit On the Edge.” I’ve been a fan of 60 Minutes for decades, and I was looking forward to the segment even as its title made me wary. If there was one journalistic outlet I expected to present a fresh, balanced … Continue reading ““60 Minutes” Missed Big Opportunity to Highlight Detroit’s Entrepreneurs”
Roundup: Ann Arbor SPARK Expands, U-M Reports Record Number of Inventions
It’s been a busy few weeks in Southeast Michigan’s innovation community. Here is a roundup of news from around the area: —Ann Arbor SPARK, which assists tech startups with incubation and capital, is expanding its spaces in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti to accommodate the growing number of entrepreneurs seeking its services. SPARK Central, in downtown … Continue reading “Roundup: Ann Arbor SPARK Expands, U-M Reports Record Number of Inventions”
Michigan Cyber Range Offers Hands-On Cyber Security Training
According to the office of Governor Rick Snyder, Michigan is a national leader in cyber security. State officials say they have long emphasized protecting the state’s computer systems and networks, and they’ve established something called the Michigan Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MI-ISAC) to address the state’s digital infrastructure coordination and cyber security readiness. Thanks … Continue reading “Michigan Cyber Range Offers Hands-On Cyber Security Training”
Detroit Bus Company Pivots to Serve Youth, Relocates to Historic Factory
The Detroit Bus Company, a transit startup founded by Andy Didorosi in 2012 to try and solve some of Detroit’s myriad public transportation issues, announced last week that it has consolidated its operations. It has moved from a depot in Ferndale, MI, and office in downtown Detroit to a historic factory in Hamtramck. (Though Hamtramck … Continue reading “Detroit Bus Company Pivots to Serve Youth, Relocates to Historic Factory”
Ford Acquires Ferndale-based Software Developer Livio
This week, Ford announced it has acquired Livio, a Ferndale, MI-based company that creates tools and software to enable in-vehicle connectivity. What Ford was no doubt interested in is the Livio Connect API, which allows smartphone apps to connect with vehicle hardware systems. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. Livio’s acquisition also signals … Continue reading “Ford Acquires Ferndale-based Software Developer Livio”
Who Knew? Fun Facts About Southeast Michigan’s Innovators
When people ask me for a “fun fact” about my life, I usually tell them some version of the story of how a friend and I stalked Canadian film director Guy Maddin all the way to Winnipeg, an incident that wound up as a chapter in Maddin’s book. I’m not the only one with amusing … Continue reading “Who Knew? Fun Facts About Southeast Michigan’s Innovators”