INNOVATE® Detroit

Innovations of the World

INNOVATE® Detroit

Introducing INNOVATE® Detroit: Celebrating Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship in the Heart of Michigan.

INNOVATE® Detroit is a groundbreaking journey into the beating heart of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship that defines the state of Michigan. In this inaugural edition, we proudly present the inspiring stories of the thought leaders, visionaries, and groundbreaking innovators who are shaping the destiny of the region, reaffirming Detroit’s undeniable status as a thriving hub of progress.

A Beacon of Innovation: Detroit has long been a city synonymous with innovation, resilience, and the pioneering spirit. From the iconic automobile industry to groundbreaking advancements in technology, this city has continuously pushed the boundaries of what’s possible. INNOVATE® Detroit stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the city and its people to forge ahead, overcoming challenges, and transforming them into opportunities.

The Creative Capital: Creativity is woven into the fabric of Detroit’s identity. From music that has transcended generations to architectural marvels that grace the skyline, Detroit is a haven for those who dare to dream and create. INNOVATE® Detroit showcases the brilliant minds behind the city’s artistic, cultural, and creative renaissance, illuminating the path forward for those who wish to leave their mark on the world.

A Thriving Ecosystem: Entrepreneurship flourishes in the bustling landscape of Detroit, where a robust ecosystem supports the growth of startups, established businesses, and daring visionaries. INNOVATE® Detroit introduces you to the luminaries who are not only shaping their industries but are also fostering an environment where innovation and collaboration flourish, propelling the region onto the global stage.

A Collective Vision: This book is more than a collection of stories; it’s a testament to the collective vision that is driving Detroit towards an exciting future. It’s an invitation to join the ranks of the dreamers, the doers, and the disruptors who believe that innovation can change the world. INNOVATE® Detroit is a celebration of the city’s rich history and an exploration of the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.

As you turn the pages of INNOVATE® Detroit, prepare to be inspired by the incredible tales of resilience, ingenuity, and the unwavering spirit of Detroit. We invite you to join us on this remarkable journey as we pay homage to the innovators who are shaping Detroit’s destiny, proving that from the Motor City to the world, innovation knows no bounds.

Featured Thought Leaders

Featured Thought Leaders

Featured Innovators

Featured Innovators

ITC HOLDINGS CORP.

Transmission is Key to Unlocking Our Energy Future

From electric vehicles to renewable energy, the world is looking at electricity in a new way, and ITC is focused on building and maintaining a power grid that can handle it all. The path to a highly connected, advanced society in which vehicles and infrastructure talk to each other, drones...

Centrepolis Accelerator

Empowering Hardtech Startups & Strengthening Domestic Manufacturing

Centrepolis Accelerator @ LTU is committed to strengthening supply chain resiliency to drive economic growth and innovation in Michigan. It offers hardtech startups and small to medium-sized manufacturers access to product development services and tailored funding solutions, ensuring they have the resources needed to scale and succeed. Centrepolis Accelerator @LTU’s...

Detroit Opera

Setting the Scene for Opera's Future

Over the last half-century, Detroit Opera—formerly Michigan Opera Theatre—has become a deeply rooted cultural force in a city of innovation and diverse perspectives, presenting programs that resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds while positively impacting the local economy. Appointed as the company’s second-ever Artistic Director in 2020, Yuval...

InvestNext

Fostering Growth and Potential

InvestNext is on a mission to transform how investment firms raise and manage real estate investment capital. Founded in 2016 by Michael Gisi, Kevin Heras, and Matthew Attou, this Detroit startup was conceived to revolutionize how the industry operates. What they’ve created democratizes real estate investing and empowers investors to...

AUTOMATION ALLEY

TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT EMBRACING DIGITAL INNOVATION WITH AUTOMATION ALLEY

In the heart of Detroit, Automation Alley propels Michigan into a future defined by digital innovation. Explore the transformative impact of Industry 4.0 through the lens of our groundbreaking initiatives. In collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Automation Alley is a key player in a signature Industry 4.0...

Electric Outdoors

Building Sustainable Off-Grid Camping Systems for a New Era of Outdoor Adventure

Based in Detroit, Michigan, and founded in 2023, clean tech startup Electric Outdoors is on a path to transform off-grid camping and sustainability in the outdoors. Its mission is driven by what the company has identified as a huge gap in the current outdoor recreation market: Connected glamping in remote...

THE SALVATION ARMY

MOBILIZING FOOD DISTRIBUTION EFFORTS IN METRO DETROIT THE SALVATION ARMY GREAT LAKES DIVISION

One Night in January 1988…One night in January 1988, a Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services truck loaded up with 75 sandwiches, soup and hot chocolate to serve Detroit’s homeless. After driving around the city’s east side, the crew couldn’t find anyone to serve. When the truck pulled into an alley...

ANN ARBOR SPARK

Igniting Economic Innovation in Washtenaw County

Established in 2004 through a visionary initiative that included the University of Michigan and other community leaders, Ann Arbor SPARK was created to transform Ann Arbor into a national hub for innovation, business, and talent. Today, it is a catalyst for innovation and economic growth. Ann Arbor SPARK helps drive...

DCI MARKETING

FOSTERS A CULTURE OF INNOVATION FOCUSED ON INVENTIVE SOLUTIONS FOR LEADING AUTOMOTIVE AND LIFESTYLE BRANDS, MAJOR RETAILERS AND CONSUMERS

Even in its earliest history, DCI Marketing was focused on brand-building. Originally known as ColorPrint Products Printing, the company built a name for itself producing window signage for shoe stores. But new opportunities with Cadillac and Harley-Davidson propelled DCI Marketing forward, establishing it as not only an innovative design firm,...

Design Core Detroit

Plays a Critical Role in Amplifying the Impact of Detroit’s Innovation Community

With over a century of innovation in automobiles, a groundbreaking music scene, amazing architecture and one-of-a-kind fashion labels, DETROIT has long been a place where technical possibility meets great design. Few creative communities truly match the diversity and depth of Detroit’s design roots: a fact well reflected by its designation...

SOUTHWEST DETROIT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION (SDBA)

Powering Progress, Building Legacy

Since 1957, the Southwest Detroit Business Association (SDBA) has been the backbone of economic development in one of Detroit’s most dynamic and culturally rich areas. With a steadfast commitment to championing local businesses, revitalizing infrastructure, and fostering a thriving community, SDBA has evolved into a powerhouse for equitable economic growth...

Consumers Energy

Powering Michigan’s Future with Reliability, Sustainability, and Community

For over a century, Consumers Energy has been the backbone of Michigan’s energy infrastructure, powering homes, businesses, and industries across the Lower Peninsula. Serving 6.8 million residents with electricity and natural gas, the company is more than an energy provider—it is an innovator driving sustainability and community-focused initiatives that ensure...

LIVAQ

Building the Future of Electric Off-Road, Empowering Adventure

Headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, Livaq is redefining the off-road vehicle industry with an innovative all-electric approach. As the first company solely dedicated to electric off-road vehicles (ORVs), Livaq is driving a critical shift away from traditional gas-powered machines and toward a cleaner, more efficient future. The company’s mission is to...

RIVET WORK, INC

Scheduling and moving labor across construction projects sounds simple. But in reality, that couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s a never-ending process that’s nigh impossible to do accurately, efficiently and indefinitely. To make this less of a hurdle, RIVET Work Inc. (RIVET) created a Workforce Management platform tailor-made for...

FRANCO

The Power of Relationships, Culture & Innovation Propels Franco to 60 Years of Success

When you think of Detroit and the public relations industry, it may not be obvious at first how much they have in common. But anyone working in the PR industry in the city will tell you both have weathered significant changes over the past several decades. Founded in 1964 in...

METALBUILT

Forming the Future of Mobility

Metalbuilt understands the importance of leveraging generations of manufacturing wisdom to shape the future of mobility in our world. When walking through their Metro Detroit facility, one will see a synchronized dance of large metal stamping presses cycling up and down, sparks flying behind welding curtains, and high-tech lasers cutting...

Prince Concepts

Transforming Space, Elevating Detroit

Prince Concepts isn’t simply in the business of real estate—it’s in the business of transformation. Led by visionary developer Philip Kafka, this firm is rewriting the rules of urban development, turning overlooked spaces into thriving, purpose-driven communities. With a philosophy that values space as a living, breathing entity rather than...

Endeavor

Fueling High-Impact Entrepreneurship in Detroit

Detroit’s entrepreneurial resurgence is being shaped by a powerful force: Endeavor. Since its establishment in the city in 2015, Endeavor Detroit has become a catalyst for scaling high-growth companies, selecting and supporting founders who have the potential to transform economies. More than just a business accelerator or an investment firm,...

Plug and Play Detroit

Driving the Future of Mobility

A city synonymous with automotive innovation, Plug and Play’s Detroit operation is making waves with its groundbreaking approach to mobility. As a global leader in fostering innovation, Plug and Play has established itself as a critical player in the tech ecosystem. However, in Detroit, the organization is doing more than...

MiSide Community Impact Network

Bringing A Theory To Life

East Chadsey-Condon is a multi-cultural community that faces a unique set of challenges – high instances of crime among youth, a large percentage of residents without insurance, limited access to transportation, and low homeownership rates, among others. And yet hope remains as residents report having pride in their community, a...

Detroit Venture Partners

Shaping the Future of Tech in Detroit and Beyond

Founded in 2010 by Dan Gilbert, the visionary behind Rocket Companies and Rocket Mortgage, Detroit Venture Partners (DVP) is at the forefront of Detroit’s entrepreneurial renaissance. Gilbert’s leadership in reshaping industries through his companies extends seamlessly into DVP, a venture capital firm committed to investing in bold entrepreneurs and game-changing...

DIMO

Redefining Mobility with User-Controlled Digital Infrastructure

DIMO is redefining the automotive experience for drivers and developers across the broad world of mobility and auto. As an open source project and ecosystem, DIMO — Digital Infrastructure for Moving Objects — brings user empowerment to the legacy auto sector. Its mission is clear: to transform the industry with...

Pope Francis Center

Works Toward a Detroit Future Without Chronic Homelessness

“When we work together, miracles happen.” Fr. Tim McCabe, SJ, says those words often. Fr. Tim, as he is known, is president and CEO of the Pope Francis Center (PFC), a Detroit nonprofit that serves people experiencing homelessness. PFC started humbly in 1990 when Saints Peter and Paul Jesuit Church...

HEXAGON CREATIVE

ELEVATING DIGITAL PRESENCE -Hexagon Creative’s Web Design and Branding Services

Hexagon Creative, a visionary in digital product development, extends its prowess to offer exceptional web design and branding services. Recognizing the pivotal role of an impactful online presence in today’s digital landscape, Hexagon Creative brings innovation, creativity, and a commitment to excellence to the realms of web design and branding....

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The Publisher

Aaron Cohen

Born and raised in Metro Detroit, it is the honor of my career to bring INNOVATE® Detroit to life. There’s something different about this city. It’s an attitude – a never-ending mission to turn lofty aspirations into reality. To build the world we wish to experience. A spirit of innovation. I’ve been fortunate to witness... click to read more

The Publisher

Aaron Cohen

Born and raised in Metro Detroit, it is the honor of my career to bring INNOVATE® Detroit to life. There’s something different about this city. It’s an attitude – a never-ending mission to turn lofty aspirations into reality. To build the world we wish to experience. A spirit of innovation. I’ve been fortunate to witness... click to read more

Other Ecosystems