The Michigan Mobility Institute, an organization working to create a new crop of mobility professionals with skills in artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, and other related fields, has chosen its inaugural educational partner. Jessica Robinson, the institute’s executive director, says Wayne State University’s College of Engineering will lead development of a graduate-level advanced mobility education curriculum. … Continue reading “Wayne State Is MI Mobility Institute’s First Educational Partner”
Tag: Wayne State University
Roundup: Strata Oncology, Genomenon, Gilbert Family Foundation, More
Spring is always a busy time for Michigan’s innovation community, so let’s catch up on recent tech and entrepreneurial news below: —Last year, we reported on the Gilbert Family Foundation, a charitable organization founded by Quicken Loans chairman Dan Gilbert and his wife Jennifer, and its initiative to develop gene therapy treatments for neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1). … Continue reading “Roundup: Strata Oncology, Genomenon, Gilbert Family Foundation, More”
Midwest Growth Capital Symposium to Feature VC University Seminar
Later next month, the Midwest Growth Capital Symposium (MGCS) will kick off its 38th annual two-day event dedicated to showcasingthe region’s high-growth companies to a cadre of local and out-of-town investors. During the symposium, 32 companies actively seeking funding will pitch to an audience of more than 500 attendees. There will also be a tech … Continue reading “Midwest Growth Capital Symposium to Feature VC University Seminar”
Roundup: MiSpringboard, Free QL Demo Day Help, DetroitEd411 & More
Let’s catch up on the latest startup and innovation news from around Michigan: —Birmingham-based Pairaphrase, a startup selling translation software that it says provides users more security and privacy than competing products, such as Google Translate, has won a grant from the state of Michigan. The company did not disclose the amount of the grant … Continue reading “Roundup: MiSpringboard, Free QL Demo Day Help, DetroitEd411 & More”
State Allocates Funds for Advanced Computing Hub, Incubator Programs
It’s been a busy couple of weeks for state-supported entrepreneurial programs. On Wednesday, the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) approved $250,000 to support a new advanced computing hub at Wayne State University as part of the statewide Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization (MTRAC) program. MTRAC seeks to accelerate the transfer of technology developed at Michigan universities … Continue reading “State Allocates Funds for Advanced Computing Hub, Incubator Programs”
Detroit Urban Solutions Seeks to Amplify the Regional Tech Ecosystem
TechTown Detroit, Wayne State University, and NextEnergy have formed a new consortium to advance the Motor City’s tech ecosystem and apply new innovations to tough civic challenges. Called Detroit Urban Solutions, the consortium will focus primarily on mobility, digital health, civic, and smart city technologies. We called Paul Riser Jr., who is stepping down from … Continue reading “Detroit Urban Solutions Seeks to Amplify the Regional Tech Ecosystem”
Roundup: Riser’s New Role, STEM Summit, U-M AV News, and More
Let’s catch up on Michigan’s latest innovation news: —[Clarification, 2/11/19, 9:31 p.m.; see below.] Earlier this month, U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI 12) announced that the University of Michigan will receive a $2.5 million grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s University Transportation Centers program to continue funding for the Center for Connected and Automated Transportation. … Continue reading “Roundup: Riser’s New Role, STEM Summit, U-M AV News, and More”
Wayne State, Microsoft Partner to Prepare Students for Tech Careers
Detroit’s Wayne State University has a new pilot underway with Microsoft to provide job-ready, employable talent for high-demand technical positions, including cloud computing, data science, cybersecurity, and A.I. Keith Whitfield, WSU’s provost, says the university has been in talks with Microsoft about various initiatives for the past 18 months. “What emerged was the idea that … Continue reading “Wayne State, Microsoft Partner to Prepare Students for Tech Careers”
Roundup: Accelerate Michigan, Waymark, ACM, Detroit FinTech Bay, More
The holiday season will soon be upon us, but that doesn’t mean work is slowing down in Michigan’s innovation hubs. Here’s a look at recent technology and entrepreneurship news from across the state. —The Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition, hosted by Invest Detroit’s ID Ventures on Nov. 13, announced the 2018 winners selected from a field … Continue reading “Roundup: Accelerate Michigan, Waymark, ACM, Detroit FinTech Bay, More”
Roundup: OptimizeRx, Parabricks, URC, Startup Detroit, ACM and More
The weather is finally starting to cool—I’m a fan of fall —but Michigan’s tech startups and entrepreneurs are still red-hot: they’re raising money, buying competitors and complementary companies, launching new products, and more. Read on for recent news about the state’s innovation community. —Rochester’s OptimizeRx, a digital health company focused on facilitating digital communication between … Continue reading “Roundup: OptimizeRx, Parabricks, URC, Startup Detroit, ACM and More”
Belinsky Gifts $500K to WSU to Create Lab for Student Entrepreneurs
In August, Wayne State University held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Mike Ilitch School of Business, a $40 million, state-of-the-art facility in Detroit’s Midtown neighborhood. The business school announced another piece of good news this summer when alumnus Russ Belinsky donated $500,000 to establish the Belinsky Entrepreneurial Learning Library, which aims to kick-start student … Continue reading “Belinsky Gifts $500K to WSU to Create Lab for Student Entrepreneurs”
Wayne State Celebrates the Opening of $40M Ilitch School of Business
A gaggle of local officials were on hand Tuesday for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Wayne State University’s Mike Ilitch School of Business building, located next to Little Caesars Arena on Woodward Avenue in Detroit’s Midtown neighborhood. The new facility was made possible by a $40 million donation in 2015 from Mike and Marian Ilitch, the co-founders … Continue reading “Wayne State Celebrates the Opening of $40M Ilitch School of Business”
Roundup: Startup Week Detroit, Grand Circus, MWCT, Duo Security, More
Summer is here, and with it, plenty of tech news from across Michigan. Startup Week Detroit kicks off on Monday, while other programs have fast-approaching application deadlines; grants have been awarded; milestones have been achieved; and new hires have been announced. Read on for details. —Techstars Startup Week Detroit, described by organizers as a weeklong … Continue reading “Roundup: Startup Week Detroit, Grand Circus, MWCT, Duo Security, More”
Want to Hire a Kid Down the Street to do Yard Work? ToDoolie Can Help
It used to be fairly simple to hire neighborhood kids to help move heavy objects or perform other household chores for a small fee. I’m not sure if the Internet and video games are to blame, or a general degradation of American civil discourse is the reason, but it seems a lot harder to connect … Continue reading “Want to Hire a Kid Down the Street to do Yard Work? ToDoolie Can Help”
Roundup, Part Two: Venture Fellows, IoT Pitch Contest, Clinc, More
On Tuesday, we published a roundup of innovation briefs from across the state. The year has gotten off to such a busy start that we’re back with part two. Without further ado, here’s a look at Michigan’s recent technology news: —Last month, the Michigan Venture Capital Association kicked off its annual Venture Fellows program, which matches … Continue reading “Roundup, Part Two: Venture Fellows, IoT Pitch Contest, Clinc, More”
WSU’s New Innovation Hub Aims to Boost Entrepreneurship, Engagement
David Tarver is many things: a former telecom engineer with Bell Labs who left to start his own born-in-the-basement company that later sold for $30 million, author of the book “Proving Ground,” founder of the Urban Entrepreneurship Initiative, a University of Michigan professor, and all-around booster and mentor for Southeast Michigan’s startup ecosystem. In July, he took … Continue reading “WSU’s New Innovation Hub Aims to Boost Entrepreneurship, Engagement”
ACM Partners with Academic Consortium to Train Mobility Workforce
As autonomous vehicles get closer to reality, several pressing issues loom on the workforce front. The development of self-driving cars requires specialized skills that are currently in shortage across the country. It’s also expected that certain professions will be disrupted by autonomous vehicles, and, as a result, those workers will soon need a new career … Continue reading “ACM Partners with Academic Consortium to Train Mobility Workforce”
MTRAC Program Helps Early-Stage Automotive Technology Get to Market
With the era of the autonomous vehicle dawning, the technologies required to develop driverless cars have never been hotter. But before they hit the marketplace, cutting-edge innovations often necessitate a lot of research, and much of that early research is conducted in an academic setting. The Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization (MTRAC) program for advanced … Continue reading “MTRAC Program Helps Early-Stage Automotive Technology Get to Market”
VentureWell Brings Med Tech Acceleration Program to TechTown Detroit
When TechTown Detroit co-hosted a med health summit earlier this year, it was intended to foster collaboration, highlight companies in the sector, and break down silos to advance the regional ecosystem. That work is starting to pay off. VentureWell , the Hadley, MA-based nonprofit med tech accelerator, was in Detroit earlier this summer to run … Continue reading “VentureWell Brings Med Tech Acceleration Program to TechTown Detroit”
Hacking Health: What Does It Take to Build a Med Tech Ecosystem?
Regional healthcare organizations, IT experts, clinicians, and entrepreneurs will spend the weekend at TechTown Detroit for the third annual Hacking Health event, which is designed to break open silos and inspire new collaborations between med tech innovators on both sides of the Detroit River. Attendees of the weekend hackathon, hosted by TechTown and Ontario’s WEtech … Continue reading “Hacking Health: What Does It Take to Build a Med Tech Ecosystem?”
Roundup: Fuyao, WSU Translational Research, Deadlines Galore & More
Here’s a look at innovation news from around Michigan: —Wayne State University has appointed Phillip Levy, a doctor and professor of emergency medicine, to head up its new Translational Science and Clinical Research Innovation program. Housed in WSU’s Integrative Biosciences Center, the Center for Translational Science and Clinical Research Innovation will become the hub of campus-wide … Continue reading “Roundup: Fuyao, WSU Translational Research, Deadlines Galore & More”
U-M Gets $2M to Study Xenex Robots’ Ability to Sanitize Hospitals
San Antonio—With $2 million in funding from the NIH, researchers at the University of Michigan are going to study the effectiveness of a San Antonio company’s robot that disinfects hospital rooms. Xenex Disinfection Services sells robots that use pulses of xenon-based ultraviolet light to kill so-called drug-resistant “superbugs”—organisms like Clostridium difficile (C. diff) or methicillin-resistant … Continue reading “U-M Gets $2M to Study Xenex Robots’ Ability to Sanitize Hospitals”
Roundup: WSU’s ITT Outreach, LIFT Prize, VNN & More
Here’s a look at tech and innovation news from around Michigan this month: —Wayne State University is offering free academic counseling to displaced ITT students. According to a press release, affected ITT students can schedule appointments with WSU counselors to discuss financial aid and credit transfers. The counselors will help the students determine if WSU … Continue reading “Roundup: WSU’s ITT Outreach, LIFT Prize, VNN & More”
Allergan Dips Toes into Gene Therapy With $60M Retrosense Buy
The attempt to commercialize gene therapy has been a multi-decade roller coaster, but its current upswing continues. Today Allergan, a company best known for skin and eye care products, has acquired a startup developing gene therapies for a range of eye diseases. The deal is pocket change for a company that brought in over $4 … Continue reading “Allergan Dips Toes into Gene Therapy With $60M Retrosense Buy”
Roundup: Zoetis, Agtech Incubator, Knight Cities Challenge & More
Here’s a look at innovation news from around Michigan: —On Tuesday, Ann Arbor’s Plymouth Venture Partners announced it had sold its stake in 365 Retail Markets to Boston-based McCarthy Capital Fund VI; the terms of the deal were not disclosed. As we reported in 2013, 365 Retail Markets is a Troy-based startup that designs and … Continue reading “Roundup: Zoetis, Agtech Incubator, Knight Cities Challenge & More”
Report Shows International Students Filling State’s STEM Talent Gap
Those of us who have always imagined America to be a place that welcomes immigrants and refugees as a matter of principle have mostly watched in horror as this election season has unfolded. Amid talk of “a big, beautiful wall” between Mexico and the United States, a ban on Muslims entering the country, and dog-whistling … Continue reading “Report Shows International Students Filling State’s STEM Talent Gap”
Roundup: RetroSense, America’s Greatest Makers, Naturalicious & More
Here’s a look at innovation news from around Michigan: —Wayne State University and Massachusetts General Hospital spinout company RetroSense Therapeutics has been named one of the nation’s 50 smartest companies by the MIT Technology Review. The biopharmaceutical company based in Ann Arbor closed a $6 million Series B funding round last year to support clinical trials … Continue reading “Roundup: RetroSense, America’s Greatest Makers, Naturalicious & More”
Roundup: MI’s Bio Sector Ranked, Wayne State, StockX, and More
Here’s a look at news from around Michigan’s innovation hubs: —According to a report released at the BIO International convention earlier this month, Michigan’s biosciences sector experienced significant growth from 2012-2014. The TEConomy/BIO report measured several indicators, including the number of employees and companies, average wages, academic research expenditures, venture capital investments, and number of … Continue reading “Roundup: MI’s Bio Sector Ranked, Wayne State, StockX, and More”
Roundup: LIFT, Walsh College, U-M, WSU, Free Prix & More
Here’s a look at recent innovation news from around Michigan: —Detroit-based Lightweight Innovations for Tomorrow (LIFT), a public-private partnership focused on the development and deployment of advanced lightweight metal manufacturing technologies, has formed a team of manufacturers and universities to develop a database and computer models that better predict the way aluminum alloys deteriorate after being … Continue reading “Roundup: LIFT, Walsh College, U-M, WSU, Free Prix & More”
Hacking Health, DMI Hope to Strengthen Detroit’s Health IT Ecosystem
Detroit-area clinicians, healthcare organizations, health IT startups, and others are gathering at the University of Windsor in Ontario Friday for the second annual Hacking Health event, which is designed to break down barriers and inspire innovative collaborations between the health-tech ecosystems on both sides of the Detroit River. WEtech Alliance, TechTown Detroit, and the EPICentre … Continue reading “Hacking Health, DMI Hope to Strengthen Detroit’s Health IT Ecosystem”
Front Door Program Helps Startups Access WSU’s Business Resources
Tucked inside the building that houses TechTown Detroit is the office of Wayne State University’s Front Door for Business Engagement program, which connects local companies to WSU’s various resources—research assistance, access to cutting-edge or highly specialized equipment, student interns, and more. Established in 2012, the Front Door program is supported by WSU, the New Economy … Continue reading “Front Door Program Helps Startups Access WSU’s Business Resources”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
MI Apps Make Splash in Mobileys, & Other Recent Tech News
Here’s a look at recent news from around Michigan’s innovation hubs: —Mobile Future recently announced the 12 finalists in its national Mobileys competition honoring innovative mobile apps, products, and services. This year, four Michigan-based companies were among the finalists: Companion, an app developed by University of Michigan students that allows users to keep an eye … Continue reading “MI Apps Make Splash in Mobileys, & Other Recent Tech News”
RetroSense Therapeutics Closes $6M Series B, Begins Clinical Trials
Ann Arbor, MI-based biopharmaceutical startup RetroSense Therapeutics announced Monday that it has raised $6 million in a Series B round. Participating investors include Blue Water Angels, RBV Capital, ExSight Capital, and Santen Pharmaceutical. RetroSense has raised a total of $13 million since it licensed its lead technology from Wayne State University in 2011. Sean Ainsworth, … Continue reading “RetroSense Therapeutics Closes $6M Series B, Begins Clinical Trials”
Big Changes Coming to Bizdom’s Detroit Accelerator
I was at a gathering last week when I first heard the rumors: Bizdom, Quicken Loans founder Dan Gilbert’s startup accelerator in downtown Detroit, was supposedly closing its doors. Details were scarce among partygoers, but more than one journalist I talked to said the incubator was going to wind down operations, a plan seemingly confirmed … Continue reading “Big Changes Coming to Bizdom’s Detroit Accelerator”
App Startup Golfler Scores Early Birdies With Funding, Awards
A Detroit-based startup’s golfing app, released in August, is already scoring major accolades: Google named it the second-best sports app for 2015, and the company beat out more than 200 exhibitors to win the top buyers’ choice award at a PGA conference two weeks after it launched. Golfler co-founder Jason Pearsall says his company’s app … Continue reading “App Startup Golfler Scores Early Birdies With Funding, Awards”
Why Passion and Preparedness Matter to Urban-Focused Investors
Detroit is considered by many to be the ultimate proving ground for social entrepreneurs, a place where they can test solutions to homelessness, lack of functioning public transit, and other major problems. Capitalizing on that reputation, the Urban Entrepreneurship Symposium—held Friday at Detroit’s College for Creative Studies and co-hosted by Michigan State University, Wayne State … Continue reading “Why Passion and Preparedness Matter to Urban-Focused Investors”
Roundup: Macomb Community College, Weyn, Wayne Med-Direct & More
Here’s a look at innovation news from around Michigan: —Macomb Community College announced it will use a $700,000 gift from a donor’s estate to fund programs meant to foster innovation and startups. The gift will support a $50,000 endowed scholarship for accounting students and a $100,000 endowed fund to be used to pay for the … Continue reading “Roundup: Macomb Community College, Weyn, Wayne Med-Direct & More”
WSU’s New IBio Center Plans Holistic Approach to Urban Health Issues
Wayne State University held a grand-opening ceremony Wednesday for its new $93 million Integrative Biosciences Center (IBio), situated on a formerly abandoned 2.7-acre block in Detroit’s Midtown neighborhood. Mike Brinich, WSU’s associate director of communications, says the facility will be the first of its size and kind, due to its holistic approach to studying and … Continue reading “WSU’s New IBio Center Plans Holistic Approach to Urban Health Issues”
MI Roundup: GM, WSU, MichiganX, Detroit Blight Removal Task Force
Here’s a look at news from around Michigan’s innovation communities: —The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded a $3 million grant to Wayne State University as part of a project to change how STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) classes are taught. The grant will be disbursed in competitive awards of up to $100,000 to … Continue reading “MI Roundup: GM, WSU, MichiganX, Detroit Blight Removal Task Force”
Michigan Roundup: Automation Alley, MSU, U-M, Xuriden & More
Here’s a look at innovation news from around Michigan: —Automation Alley, the Troy-based technology and business organization, has opened its 7Cs program—which helps early-stage companies connect to their first customers—to mid-stage companies. Any tech- or manufacturing-based company with between five and 100 employees in need of sales training or team building is eligible for the … Continue reading “Michigan Roundup: Automation Alley, MSU, U-M, Xuriden & More”
Roundup: U-M Impact Challenge, Digerati Girls, 365 Retail Markets & More
Here’s a look at news from around Michigan’s innovation communities: —The University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business today unveiled details of its annual Impact Challenge, an immersive leadership development program which brings together the entire incoming class of first-year, full-time MBA students to engage in a week-long business challenge that aims to make a positive difference … Continue reading “Roundup: U-M Impact Challenge, Digerati Girls, 365 Retail Markets & More”
Michipreneur Graduates from Blog to Online Startup Resource Hub
When Michipreneur began in 2012, it was a blog focused on telling stories from Michigan’s startup community. Since then, it has grown into a full-on digital publishing operation that offers a host of online services for local startups. This week, the company announced it has launched a new platform connecting Michigan entrepreneurs and creatives across … Continue reading “Michipreneur Graduates from Blog to Online Startup Resource Hub”