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Michigan faces challenges in its innovation-driven entrepreneurial ecosystem. While the state has a strong automotive base and is diversifying into technology and healthcare, it struggles with talent retention and disparities between urban and rural job opportunities. Historically, Michigan has lacked a cohesive innovation strategy, but recent efforts have led to the creation of a Chief Innovation Ecosystem Officer to develop a long-term plan.

The MIT REAP team will be pivotal in crafting a comprehensive innovation strategy. Focused on collaboration, they will engage stakeholders, gather insights, and balance theory with practice to drive transformative change and foster a robust, innovation-driven future for Michigan.

Team Members

University
Government
Corporate
Risk Capital
Entrepreneur

Innovation Ecosystem Stakeholder Model

Ben Marchionna
Champion
Chief Innovation Ecosystem Officer, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Camille Hoisington
Director of Ecosystem Development, Traverse Connect
Christina Drake
Partner, Renaissance Venture Capital
Eileen Sellaro
Director of Strategy and Innovation, Bedrock
Jim Baker
Associate Vice President for Research, Michigan Technological University
Jeff Smith
Director, Research Parks, MSU Research Foundation
Jonathan Smith
Chief Deputy Director, Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity
Kelly Sexton
Associate Vice President - Research, Innovation Partnerships and, University of Michigan
Luke Polcyn
Senior Executive, Development & Economic Transformation, City of Detroit
Nia Batts
COO & Managing Director, Union Heritage
Peter Hill
Innovation and Economic Development, Business Leaders For Michigan
Rishi Moudgil
Executive Director, Michigan Founders Fund

Core Regional Metrics