News

Innovation, industry and a more sustainable future

As part of the University of Michigan's Climate Week 2026, the U-M Center for Innovation in Detroit brought together leaders from industry and Detroit’s innovation ecosystem for a conversation about sustainability and innovation in the soft goods industry.

U-M to Launch First-of-Its-Kind Master of Urban Technology in Detroit

One-year program will equip urban innovators to transform cities through technology, design, and entrepreneurship.

Building a More Sustainable Future in Detroit

As part of Michigan Climate Week, UMCI will highlight the sustainability features being built into the new Detroit facility – from all-electric, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems to bird-friendly windows, native landscaping and sustainable building materials.

Behind the Experience: Learn What It Takes to Bring Live Events to Life

The University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit (UMCI) is pulling back the curtain with its new Live Events Management Gateway Certificate, a 15-week program launching in winter 2027, in-person program designed for people who want to understand and help shape the business of live experiences.

From Curiosity to Career: How the University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit Is Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators

students from the University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit’s (UMCI) Qualcomm® Thinkabit Lab™ will participate in its third visit to the University of Michigan’s Mcity Test Facility in Ann Arbor, where they’ll explore connected and automated vehicles, engage with researchers and engineers and experience cutting-edge mobility technologies shaping the future of transportation.

University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit’s Qualcomm Thinkabit Lab Gives Detroit Students Hands-On Experience with the Future of Mobility

Students from the University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit’s (UMCI) Qualcomm® Thinkabit Lab™ participate in its third visit to the University of Michigan’s Mcity Test Facility in Ann Arbor, where they’ll explore connected and automated vehicles, engage with researchers and engineers and experience cutting-edge mobility technologies shaping the future of transportation.

U-M Alumni Spotlight: Ron Stefanski Amplifies Detroit Voices Through DisruptED

A first-generation graduate of the University of Michigan, Stefanski has built a career at the intersection of education, workforce innovation and storytelling – working to expand access and elevate voices often left out of traditional systems.

U-M’s Detroit Neighborhood Entrepreneurs Project uses AI to support small businesses

Since its launch in 2016, DNEP has connected hundreds of Detroit small-business owners with students and faculty who provide expertise in marketing, accounting, technology, law and business strategy.

Call for Facilitators: UMCI and BTS Professional Badge Pilot Program

Black Tech Saturdays, U-M Launch ‘Bridge to Success’ to Connect Detroiters to Innovation Economy

As the demand for tech and innovation talent continues to grow worldwide, Black Tech Saturdays, Detroit’s fast-growing community-driven tech and entrepreneurship movement, has joined forces with the University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit and Michigan Central to launch Bridge to Success, a first-of-its-kind micro-credential initiative aimed at helping Detroiters build critical workforce skills and gain access to new economic opportunities.

University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit Announces New Director’s Advisory Board

The University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit today announced the appointment of new members to its Director’s Advisory Board, marking a key step as the initiative accelerates efforts to build a Detroit-based hub for education, innovation and workforce development.

Detroit Leadership Lab launches to build real-world leadership skills

The University of Michigan Center for Innovation (UMCI) in Detroit is launching the Detroit Leadership Lab, a hands-on, three-week program designed to build practical leadership skills for real-world application.

Boyer tapped as first faculty director of new UMCI in Detroit

UM's Detroit innovation center advances toward 2027 opening

The University of Michigan's prominent graduate school and research center, which broke ground over two years ago, is still on track to open next year. When it opens in fall 2027, the University of Michigan Center for Innovation (UMCI) aims to offer new, multidisciplinary education unique to the Detroit campus.

U-M to lease UMCI residential building

The University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit will lease a residential tower at 2205 Cass Ave., being developed by Related Companies and Olympia Development of Michigan.

U-M closes on nearly 2.3 acres of land in Detroit

The University of Michigan closed on a $9.5 million purchase of land at 2201 W. Grand River Ave. from MGM Grand Detroit.

UMCI design approved, construction ramps up

The Board of Regents has approved the schematic design for the University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit, a six-story building expected to open in spring 2027.

UMCI breaks ground: Center to spur economic growth, educational enrichment in Detroit

The University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit broke ground Thursday with high-energy musical performances and 13 shovels held by leaders of the partners bringing the project to fruition.

U-M hires inaugural director of innovation center in Detroit

Scott Shireman, an experienced higher education administrator with deep expertise in global and online education, is the inaugural director of the University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit.

The first adult learners of “Saturdays in the D”

The first cohort of adult learners in Detroit’s “Saturdays in the D” summer program completed their six-week courses and earned certificates, marking a new expansion of the program to include adult professional development.