Innovation

"Detroit has always been a city driven by innovation,” says Mayor Mike Duggan.

Detroit embraces AI as it adds ‘AI invitation statement’ to future RFPs

“We are excited to see how vendors and partners can leverage AI and other innovative technologies to contribute to the city's delivery of services while maintaining our standard for operational excellence,” says Sandra Yu Stahl, Detroit's Chief Procurement Officer.

Latest in Innovation
“These 10 Fellows represent a bright future as we work together to support startups, tackle mobility challenges, and provide transportation solutions for Michiganders across the state,” says Justine Johnson, Michigan's Chief Mobility Officer.
Driving innovation: Corktown tech hub welcomes inaugural cohort of state’s Mobility Fellows Program

“These 10 Fellows represent a bright future as we work together to support startups, tackle mobility challenges, and provide transportation solutions for Michiganders across the state,” says Justine Johnson, Chief Mobility Officer for the State of Michigan.

Autonomous "Ottobots" from Ottonomy, one of the companies partnering in Orange Sparkle Ball's food waste pick-up pilot in Corktown.
Pilot program to test autonomous robots’ potential for picking up food waste for compost in Corktown

"We're excited to take our years of experience testing autonomous robotic solutions and focus on picking up end-of-life materials. And Detroit is a fantastic place to deploy these civic infrastructure tests as the city is focused both on future technology opportunities and the needs of communities," says Orange Sparkle Ball's Ashley Touchton.

Belle Isle Beach in September 2023.
Electric, remote-controlled robot to begin removing litter from Belle Isle Beach in pilot program

"This partnership exemplifies our commitment to leveraging technology and collaboration to address environmental challenges," says Tim Slusser, Chief of the Office of Mobility Innovation at the City of Detroit. "By harnessing the power of BeBot, we are taking proactive steps to combat litter pollution and preserve the beauty of Belle Isle for generations to come." 

How Michigan universities are at the forefront of advancing AI technology

Artificial Intelligence offers enormous opportunities across industries, but universities in Michigan are aware of the need to implement the technology responsibly and are leading the charge on how to do so.

The future Solar Training House in Jefferson Chalmers.
Vacant house could soon become innovative Solar Training House in Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood

“Innovative thinking coming out of Detroit's eastside neighborhoods is nothing new,” says Dan Gilmartin, CEO and Executive Director of the Michigan Municipal League.

Comcast Director of Community Impact for Michigan, Indiana and Kentucky Shannon Dulin shows Detroit resident Gwendolyn Jones how to access some programs she's looking forward to using at the Certified Tech Hub.
City celebrates launch of new initiative that helps underserved Detroiters get online

“Equitable access to high-speed internet and digital literacy tools can mean the difference between success and failure for our residents, whether they’re working on schoolwork, finding a job, or navigating workforce training tools,” says Deputy Mayor Todd Bettison.

Michigan Avenue in Corktown in 2017.
A new way to collect and analyze street usage data to be deployed in Corktown

“In Michigan, our vision for mobility extends beyond the traditional automobile. By innovating our mobility ecosystems, we're not only enhancing the quality of life for our residents but also providing robust support to diverse industries,” says Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist.

"We know the startup journey is challenging and that there are distinct hurdles along the way, especially for founders from underrepresented communities," says Joshua Sirefman, CEO of Michigan Central.
Michigan Central, Newlab launch new fellowship for women and minorities in tech

"We know the startup journey is challenging and that there are distinct hurdles along the way, especially for founders from underrepresented communities," says Joshua Sirefman, CEO of Michigan Central. "This program is a key step in removing some of those barriers to help innovation thrive."

“As Detroit continues to cement itself as the premier technology hub, it’s critical to highlight and lift up our Black talent and entrepreneurs who have made Detroit into the destination it is,” says James Feagin, founder of Venture 313.
Inaugural Black Tech Weekend conference debuts in Detroit this October

“As Detroit continues to cement itself as the premier technology hub, it’s critical to highlight and lift up our Black talent and entrepreneurs who have made Detroit into the destination it is,” says James Feagin, founder of Venture 313.

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