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Michigan Innovation Headquarters Development on Gratiot Avenue

The new Michigan Innovation Headquarters facility on Gratiot Avenue, designed to support local startups and innovation.

News Summary

The Michigan Innovation Headquarters (MI-HQ) is expanding its footprint in Detroit with a new facility on Gratiot Avenue. Spanning nearly 150,000 square feet, the development will include wet lab space, manufacturing facilities, and coworking areas designed to support startups and entrepreneurs. With this expansion, MI-HQ continues to foster collaboration among diverse industries, strengthening Michigan’s vibrant startup ecosystem and aiming to create hundreds of new jobs. The initiative is part of a larger plan to establish a Life Sciences District within Detroit’s innovation corridor.

Exciting Expansion: Michigan Innovation Headquarters Takes a Big Step in Detroit!

In a move that’s sure to spark excitement among entrepreneurs and startup enthusiasts, the Michigan Innovation Headquarters (MI-HQ) is expanding to Detroit’s Gratiot Avenue! This isn’t just any expansion; it’s a huge development that promises to foster innovation and support the bustling startup scene. Imagine nearly 150,000 square feet dedicated to wet lab space, manufacturing facilities, offices, and coworking areas—all aimed at nurturing the growth of new businesses.

A Hub for Startups

MI-HQ has been rocking the shared workspace model for over 20 years in Washtenaw County, where a thriving network of about 100 startups currently operates. These startups primarily focus on hardware development and are part of a massive 108-acre network of coworking spaces. With the new Gratiot Avenue location, MI-HQ is set to anchor Dan Gilbert’s Bedrock development at the former “fail jail” site, giving the area a fresh and innovative vibe!

But that’s not all! This new site is part of an exciting plan to create a three-mile Life Sciences District right in Detroit’s innovation corridor. It seems clear that the future is bright for the local startup ecosystem.

Collaboration: The Key to Success

The CEO of MI-HQ firmly believes that collaboration among startups is essential for growth. With new spaces and resources available, startups will have more opportunities to connect with each other, share ideas, and inspire innovation. MI-HQ has been eyeing this expansion into Detroit for five years—talk about determination!

Mark Smith, the CEO, hails from Ann Arbor, where he shifted gears from a potential career in medicine to agribusiness management. He knows firsthand the importance of creating a supportive environment for startups to thrive. As MI-HQ currently manages over 612,000 square feet of space across three campuses in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, the vision for Detroit is only the beginning.

Diverse Industries Supported

MI-HQ is known for incubating businesses across a variety of industries. They work with companies involved in life sciences, material sciences, battery research and development, manufacturing, quantum computing, and so much more. In fact, many resident startups access unique equipment and resources typically inaccessible to smaller firms, helping them keep operational costs low and focus on what really matters: innovation!

Additionally, MI-HQ places a strong emphasis on encouraging local university spinouts from top institutions like the University of Michigan and Michigan State University to establish roots in the state. With a track record of notable successes, including May Mobility and AlphaCore Pharma, which was eventually acquired by AstraZeneca, MI-HQ is clearly a powerhouse for nurturing talent.

Big Plans Ahead

The future looks even more promising for MI-HQ, as they aim to exceed 1 million square feet of incubator space by 2027. Plans are already in motion for a 65,000-square-foot facility in Ann Arbor and a 40,000-square-foot facility in Ypsilanti, which will also host a restaurant and pharmacy. Talk about enhancing the community!

On top of that, MI-HQ has been awarded a $1 million Brownfield Redevelopment grant for one of its renovation projects, which will help to clear out contaminated soil and streamline facility improvements. This renovation is estimated to create around 300 new jobs within the state, contributing to Michigan’s growing workforce.

Optimism in the Air

With all these exciting developments, it’s clear that Michigan’s startup ecosystem is on a roll! MI-HQ aims to connect resources effectively to foster innovation and retain talent in the state. It’s an exhilarating time for startups in Michigan, and who knows what incredible ideas will emerge from this collaboration? The future certainly looks bright on Gratiot Avenue!