June 09, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 9, 2023
Contact: MichiganInfrastructure@michigan.gov
PHOTOS: Lt. Governor Gilchrist Leads More than 100 Leaders Across the State Attend the Michigan Innovation Summit
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II led state leaders, tech entrepreneurs and community members at Michigan Central for the inaugural Michigan Innovation Summit, a collaborative event designed to foster conversation about growing Michigan’s innovation economy in every region, as well as how to secure federal funding from the Economic Development Administration’s Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs) funding. Convened by Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II and Dug Song, the summit included participation from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Song Foundation, Michigan Infrastructure Office, and others.
There is currently $500 million in federal funding up for grabs for regional Tech Hubs focused on accelerating innovation. Receiving funding to establish a Tech Hub in Michigan could generate a significant indirect knock-on impact of an estimated $1.5 billion. Securing a Tech Hub in Michigan will allow the state to expand into burgeoning industries like automation, AI, nuclear energy, chips and more.
“When we work together, we can cement Michigan’s status as a leader in launching companies that will develop the exciting technologies of the future,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “That is why I am excited to bring together economic development agencies, local communities, and tech leaders for this first Michigan Innovation Summit, which will advance our efforts to win Tech Hub funding and grow Michigan’s innovation economy. Together, we will invest in our people, build thriving communities, and chart an inclusive, prosperous future for Michiganders in every community.”
“Innovation is about finding new combinations and connections,” said Dug Song, Co-Founder of Duo Security and Board Member of the Song Foundation. “We need to collaborate on how we make Michigan a place where founders thrive as new businesses are where all net job growth happens, the backbone of an economy. We’re collectively charting a path forward to develop and retain high-growth founders and support risk taking.”
Additionally, during the Summit, each region shared a five-minute presentation sharing what a Tech Hub could look like in their communities and how they would present their case for federal funding. Following each pitch, the audience participated in an interactive feedback session providing each region with their thoughts. In-depth breakout sessions were later provided to each region to share the state team’s feedback and reflections on strengths and weaknesses.
“Michigan has long been a birthplace of innovation, from the assembly line to fiber optics,” said Zachary Kolodin, Chief Infrastructure Officer for the State of Michigan and Director of the Michigan Infrastructure Office. “Through the tech hubs opportunity, the state, regional leaders, and technology innovators are coming together to ensure that the next generation of innovation happens right here in Michigan, driving broadly shared prosperity.”
In May, Lt. Governor Gilchrist II, MIO and LEO launched MI Tech Hub, a series of regional Tech Hub convenings across Michigan leading up to the Michigan Innovation Summit organized to identify key areas of discussion and gather insight on approaches to securing federal funding. Sessions occurred for Detroit on May 5, East Lansing on May 10, Grand Rapids on May 12, Northern Michigan on May 16 and Ann Arbor on May 17.
“Securing federal funding to bring a Tech Hub to Michigan will pave the way to creating a more vibrant economy, driving economic growth and creating meaningful opportunities for shared prosperity through good paying jobs,” said Jonathan Smith, Chief Deputy Director of LEO. “The Michigan Innovation Summit brought together individuals across the state who know that a Tech Hub is an investment in our future and our families.”
MIO will use the findings from the MI Tech Hub convenings and feedback from the Michigan Innovation Summit to create a shared understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of Michigan to help the state and organizations capture federal funding for projects that will strengthen workforce development and drive economic mobility.
Trista Van Tine, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Michigan Founders Fund, shared on the history and present state of founder-centered growth in Michigan.
“Innovation will always start with people—founders,” Van Tine remarked. “And Michigan founders are responsible for some of the world's most important inventions, technologies and cultural contributions over the last century. The future of our state will be defined by our ability to help them be successful, to keep them engaged, and to bring them home."
To learn more about the Michigan Infrastructure office, please visit www.michigan.gov/whitmer/issues/michigan-infrastructure-office.
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