RESEARCH, ENGINEERING
& DESIGN
Detroit is the center of a region full of research, engineering and design resources and successes.
WHY DETROIT?
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Sources: Detroit Regional Partnership, US Bureau of Labor Statistics, MEDC, Lightcast, U.S. Patent Office and U.S. News.
INDUSTRY PARTNERS
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College for Creative Studies (CCS) is a nonprofit, private college authorized by the Michigan Education Department to grant Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. CCS, located in midtown Detroit, strives to provide students with the tools needed for successful careers in the dynamic and growing creative industries. Design Core Detroit is a department within CCS which helps strengthen and grow design businesses.
Group that strategically empowers Black tech communities nationwide to drive economic growth, close the wealth gap and diversify the tech industry. Through these initiatives, measurable outcomes are created which foster a future where prosperity is accessible to all.
Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center (ISAIC) Detroit-based but a national resource for those committed to positive impact through responsible production of high-quality garments and provides solutions centered around people, education, advanced manufacturing and upward mobility for workers.
Prioritizes lowering three barriers: infrastructure, projects, and capital, through a global platform designed for speed and scale for venture-scalable startups.
While Henry Ford + MSU partnership research is already underway, the state-of-the-art research center itself—a cornerstone of the broader Future of Health: Detroit development and beacon of hope for the community—is expected to open in 2027.
University of Michigan Center for Innovation (UMCI) will be a world-class research, education and entrepreneurship center designed to advance innovation and talent-focused community development to propel city, region and statewide job creation and inclusive economic growth by stimulating economic development in Detroit.
HOME TO ONE OF THE NATION’S
LARGEST ENGINEERING WORKFORCES
Michigan and Detroit offer one of the most concentrated, cross-disciplinary engineering workforces in the nation—rooted in advanced manufacturing and
rapidly expanding in software.
engineers
across Michigan
90k
the highest per
capita concentration
in the U.S.
R&D centers
in Southeast Michigan
375+
more than anywhere
else in North America
growth in software-related engineering roles
21%
driven by growth in mobility tech, AI, and smart manufacturing
Sources: Detroit Regional Partnership, US Bureau of Labor Statistics, MEDC
ENGINEERING THE FUTURE
THROUGH WORLD-CLASS INSTITUTIONS
Michigan’s institutional excellence spans education, invention, and commercialization—engineering tomorrow’s breakthroughs today.
DETROIT'S NEXT FRONTIER
LIFE SCIENCE INNOVATION ON THE RISE
Over $3.2B has been invested in
education, health, and biotech fields.
Life Science Innovation Partners and Resources
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University of Michigan Innovation Center (UMCI)
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A $250 million world-class research, education and entrepreneurship center
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Designed to advance innovation and
talent-focused community development
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Graduate program focus in robotics, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and other high-tech fields.
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200,000 sq. ft. six-story building set to open in Spring 2027
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13-story residential tower adjacent to UMCI with planned 2028 opening
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Plans to enroll 2,000+ students a year in workforce development training programs focusing on technology and innovation
PATENTS POWERING
DETROIT’S FUTURE
Detroit is one of only four U.S. cities with a satellite U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO)—affirming its
role as a national innovation center.
Detroit USPTO enables entrepreneurs, startups, & researchers
to access federal resources and accelerate IP protection.
Major patent activity across mobility, health tech,
materials science, and advanced manufacturing.
Strong university–industry collaboration drives
early-stage commercialization and licensing.
COMPANY SUCCESS STORIES
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Moved headquarters
and 150+ jobs to Detroit -
Offer manufacturers turnkey engineering solutions, providing end-to-end product design and development from market research to product launch
DAVID WHITE
Vice President of
Business Development
JACQUELINE YOUNG
Senior Director of
Business Development