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Since officially opening in April 2023, Michigan Central has been working with a diverse group of partners to build an innovation ecosystem in the mobility, energy, and manufacturing sectors.
Last year, Michigan Central expanded its partnership with Newlab to attract, grow, and retain startups and founders in Detroit. Through industry partnerships, a technology-testing platform, and access to funding for these new businesses, Michigan Central is building an environment in which entrepreneurs can thrive.
“We’re committed to growing a diverse tech community through partnerships with programs like Black Tech Saturdays and Femology, while attracting cross-industry corporate partners onto our open platform,” said Clare Braun, Michigan Central’s Director of Strategy and Integration. “The work being done here is a magnet for activity, convening political leaders, CEOs, and university presidents to engage with the community and get involved.”
Already, many of the nearly 125 startups
Michigan Central Innovation: Creating a Sustainable Future
at Newlab at Michigan Central have grown and are hiring employees. New workforce opportunities have been realized, including training for Detroiters to become Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Technicians and our city’s youth to learn how to fly drones. All of this has helped to boost local businesses and brought new vibrancy to our community.
“Our vision is that this ecosystem will continue to grow and benefit everyone,” said Mark de la Vergne, Director of Economic Innovation and Policy for Michigan Central. “This has already become a thriving community, and we will continue to invite more Detroiters to be a part of it through more job training, programming for our city’s youth, cultural programming and more.”
This newsletter features the stories of four start-ups at Michigan Central and the founders who are affecting change in the communities they serve.
For more on innovation at Michigan Central, please visit Michigan Central – Innovation .