Technology and Innovation

“Our investment in Michigan marks the company’s first major investment to the U.S. market," says Christophe Lavigne, President of Highfield USA.

New jobs for Northwest Michigan as businesses expand operations in Cadillac and Traverse City

“Our investment in Michigan marks the company’s first major investment to the U.S. market and we chose Cadillac for its rich legacy in recreational boat building and the unwavering support of both the local and statewide communities,” says Christophe Lavigne, President of Highfield USA.

Latest in Technology and Innovation
Artwork from children in Taiwan.
4-H art exchange program connects rural Michigan students with their peers in China and beyond

For more than three decades, school children across Michigan have been exchanging their artwork with students in China and elsewhere. Thanks to the Michigan 4-H China Project, students don't have to travel across the globe to gain cultural awareness.

“This is great news that will help spur growth in Northern Michigan. Housing has been a major issue in our region and across the state,” says Sen. John Damoose.
Developers win grant to activate vacant space into workforce housing in downtown Petoskey

“This is great news that will help spur growth in Northern Michigan. Housing has been a major issue in our region and across the state,” says Sen. John Damoose.

“The applications we received this year were impressive in both number and quality, which speaks to the need for continued investment across the state,” says MaryBeth Wott, SVP Community Investment and Strategic Planning Officer.
Michigan projects receive $17.7M in grants in record-setting year for affordable housing program

“The applications we received this year were impressive in both number and quality, which speaks to the need for continued investment across the state,” says MaryBeth Wott, SVP Community Investment and Strategic Planning Officer.

The EO Canopy is fully powered by sustainable sources and is being tested in a remote area of the U.P.
Five promising Michigan startups get backing from the Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund

The Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund's second round of investments support five innovative startups looking to change the way we enjoy the outdoors and more. 

Delaney Keating, Director of Entrepreneurship at 20Fathoms, provides startup coaching to the founder of Sand Baggage.
Business incubator to offer free startup coaching help in these 3 northwestern Michigan communities

“When entrepreneurs meet with us, they can expect honest feedback and suggestions for steps to help meet their next milestone whether that is establishing priorities, finding the right customers, or troubleshooting their biggest challenges of today,” says David Kronberg, Director of Regional Ecosystem at 20Fathoms.

The Right Place, Inc. helped the Middleville DDA secure a $21,250 RAP grant for a downtown art walk installation in 2022.
Placemaking projects sought in these 13 West Michigan counties in grant funding push

"By working together as partners, we amplify our impact in West Michigan," says Marla Schneider, President and CEO, Greater Muskegon Economic Development. "This collaboration creates a powerful regional force, ensuring West Michigan is a magnet for talent and a hub for opportunity through placemaking."

The students currently taking U-M School of Public Health course, Chatgpt/AI and Public Health.
Public health and AI: Great potential and a need for ethical policies

When applying AI to public health, great potentials exist for swifter, nimbler care and pin-pointed personalization. Its use also could exacerbate biases and the misuse of private information.  

Remote patient monitoring program improves healthcare of residents in rural communities

Rural residents often face hurdles in getting to the doctor's office. An 18-month-long pilot program to provide remote patient monitoring in three rural areas of Michigan showed positive outcomes in patient care and other concerns.  

“Support for these projects underscores our commitment to our ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic development strategy’s focus on the people, places, and projects that are integral to growing Michigan’s economy,” says Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Redevelopment of vacant buildings and spaces to bring housing and retail to these 5 Michigan towns

“Support for these projects underscores our commitment to our ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic development strategy’s focus on the people, places, and projects that are integral to growing Michigan’s economy,” says Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

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