Technology & Innovation

Coverage of innovative research, development, and deployment of technology and technological advances, including hardware, software, and software as service.

Mount Magna at Holly Oaks ORV Park in Holly.

The DNR turns 100 this year. Here’s how it’s shaped Southeast Michigan’s natural areas.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has created, managed, or otherwise supported numerous natural areas in Southeast Michigan over the past century. Here's a look back at the agency's role in the region, and where it may be headed next.

Latest in Technology & Innovation
A hiker at Independence Oaks in Clarkston.
Trail etiquette: 8 rules to remember while exploring Michigan’s great outdoors

What should park-goers be mindful of as they lace up their shoes to hit the trails? We asked parks professionals for tips on how to respect natural areas as well as the people (and animals!) we share them with. 

Rendering of Southwest Greenway's Porter Street entrance.
Detroit’s Southwest Greenway expected to start construction in summer 2021
Local tech entrepreneur helps bridge Detroit’s digital accessibility divide

Willie Brake has always been ahead of the curve, joining business incubators before they became trendy and recognizing the value in refurbishing computers early on. Now the Detroit entrepreneur is using his business to build up equitable access to technology and tech training in his city.

A rendering of a proposed extension of the Detroit RiverWalk.
Detroit RiverWalk to expand after successful river remediation

After a multimillion-dollar river remediation effort, Detroit's RiverWalk is preparing to begin work on a new extrension on the city's east side.

Parker Village in Highland Park continues growing green tech to revitalize the ‘city of trees’

Juan Shannon set out five years ago to establish a smart neighborhood in Highland Park. With a new solar-powered cafe and expanding urban farming initiative, the developer continues to grow green technology in his community. 

Michigan-based ride-hailing app launches in Southeast Michigan

Although Uber and Lyft are now ubiquitous, the app-based vehicle-for-hire services were once brand-new companies, vying for the attention of would-be customers. Now a Dearborn-based startup is ready to start competing with the major players of the rideshare market.

How a clothing factory survived COVID-19 by shifting gears, manufacturing PPE

When COVID-19 forced factories to close around the U.S., GETTEES was able to switch gears to stay open. They even doubled their sewing team, making hospital gowns and PPE during the crisis. Now as they re-start their clothing line, operations are changing again. 

Jennifer Guarino has worked in fashion manufacturing for 30 years and is now CEO and chair of the Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center in Detroit.
Detroit apparel manufacturers, nonprofits, and businesses partner to create centralized solution

ISAIC, in collaboration with the City of Detroit, the Michigan Economic Development Corp.’s Pure Michigan Business Connect, Rock Family of Companies, and Empowerment Plan, is working to mobilize local apparel manufacturers to produce standardized PPE and automate the mass production of surgical masks.

One of the new EV chargers in Beacon Park.
New charging stations in Detroit’s Beacon Park amp up electric vehicle awareness

The four gas-pump-like electric vehicle charging stations at Detroit’s Beacon Park are more than just a convenience for the region’s electric vehicle owners.

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