Welcome to What’s Next.
Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens where research, talent, capital, and community converge with intention.
That’s what you’ll find in Ann Arbor and across southeast Michigan.
Anchored by the University of Michigan, one of the world’s leading public research universities, our region brings together groundbreaking academic research, global R&D operations, and a fast-growing startup ecosystem. Companies come here to translate discovery into deployment — building, testing, and scaling technologies in life sciences, advanced mobility, software, and AI.
At Ann Arbor SPARK, our role is to connect the dots between university research and industry, entrepreneurs and investors, startups and scale-ups. We provide hands-on support, access to capital, and a collaborative environment designed to help innovation move faster and further.
We’re proud to represent a region where those ideas are already being built, piloted, and commercialized.
I invite you to explore the stories of innovation taking shape in our region, and to connect with us while you’re here. The next breakthrough may already be underway in Ann Arbor.
Paul Krutko
PRESIDENT & CEO
ANN ARBOR SPARK
ANNARBORUSA.ORG
Where research meets real-world innovation.
Located in southeast Michigan, Ann Arbor sits at the center of a globally connected innovation corridor. Anchored by the University of Michigan, the region brings together worldclass research, industry R&D, and a dense startup community, creating an environment where ideas move quickly from discovery to deployment.
WHY ANN ARBOR
The region’s public-private-academic economic development organization is focused on helping technology companies start, grow, and scale.
SPARK serves as the connective tissue between founders, researchers, investors, and industry — helping innovation happen faster and with greater impact.
WHAT WE DO
CAPITAL THAT CATALYZES GROWTHTHE RESULT: A region where startups, scale-ups, and global R&D leaders find the talent, capital, and partners they need to build what’s next.
A National Powerhouse in the Heart of the Midwest
In the greater Ann Arbor region, research isn’t just a line item — it’s the foundation of economic growth, technology leadership, and entrepreneurial success. Our ecosystem blends world-class academic discovery with corporate R&D investment and startup innovation to create one of the most dynamic research hubs in the United States.
WORLD-CLASS RESEARCH AT THE CENTER
At the core of the region’s R&D strength is the University of Michigan — a globally renowned research institution with over $2 billion in annual research expenditures, consistently ranking among the top universities nationally for research activity. U-M’s labs, centers, and institutes generate breakthroughs across life sciences, engineering, computing, health, and more, fueling the technologies of tomorrow.
U-M research outputs often become commercial ventures, with discoveries transitioning from campus labs into startups and corporate collaborations right here in Ann Arbor.
A THRIVING R&D ECOSYSTEM
Ann Arbor and southeast Michigan host a concentration of leading research and development facilities across sectors, from advanced materials and medical devices to mobility systems and AI platforms. These innovation centers are supported by a highly educated workforce, deep technical expertise, and robust industry networks that accelerate knowledge transfer and commercialization.
A GROWTH-FOCUSED POLICY ENVIRONMENT
Michigan’s leadership has acted to strengthen this competitive edge. As of 2025, a new state R&D tax credit offers meaningful financial incentives for companies conducting qualifying research activities within Michigan — rewarding investment in innovation and collaboration with research institutions.
WHAT THEY DO
KLA Corporation is a global leader in semiconductor process control and yield management systems. Its advanced inspection, metrology, and data analysis tools enable innovation throughout the electronics industry — from wafers and integrated circuits to packaging and displays, powering the chips behind smartphones, autonomous vehicles, and more.
WHY ANN ARBOR
When Silicon Valley–based KLA evaluated nearly 400 U.S. locations for its next major expansion, Ann Arbor rose to the top for its deep engineering talent, proximity to the University of Michigan, and high quality of life — key factors for collaboration, recruitment, and long-term growth.
The region’s strong research ecosystem aligns closely with KLA’s work in advancing semiconductor innovation, particularly as demand accelerates across automotive, AI, and next-generation chip applications. Today, KLA’s Ann Arbor presence serves as both a major R&D hub and its second U.S. headquarters, supporting advanced engineering, algorithm development, and customer-focused programs.
KLA.COM
WHAT THEY DO
Sartorius is a global life sciences partner providing advanced bioanalytical instruments, reagents, and services that accelerate biopharmaceutical discovery, development, and manufacturing. Their technologies help scientists gain deeper insights and streamline workflows, enabling the development of therapies that address complex diseases.
WHY ANN ARBOR
Sartorius selected Ann Arbor for its U.S. BioAnalytics Center of Excellence because of the region’s deep scientific talent, proximity to leading research institutions, and a collaborative life sciences ecosystem.
With support from Ann Arbor SPARK in securing state incentives and local infrastructure, Sartorius established and rapidly scaled its Ann Arbor presence — doubling its local workforce and expanding advanced bioanalytical capabilities. Today, the Ann Arbor site plays a critical role in delivering cutting-edge tools and services to researchers, biopharma companies, and health systems across the region and beyond.
SARTORIUS.COM
WHAT THEY DO
Wacker Chemical Corporation is a global chemical and biotechnology leader known for specialty silicones, polymers, and advanced materials used across industries, including automotive, medical, electronics, and construction. Wacker’s innovation extends from high-performance silicones and elastomers to specialty additives that enable everyday products and complex industrial applications.
WHY ANN ARBOR
Sartorius selected Ann Arbor for its U.S. BioAnalytics Center of Excellence because of the region’s deep scientific talent, proximity to leading research institutions, and a collaborative life sciences ecosystem.
With support from Ann Arbor SPARK in securing state incentives and local infrastructure, Sartorius established and rapidly scaled its Ann Arbor presence — doubling its local workforce and expanding advanced bioanalytical capabilities. Today, the Ann Arbor site plays a critical role in delivering cutting-edge tools and services to researchers, biopharma companies, and health systems across the region and beyond.
WACKER.COM
A consulting and engineering firm that builds custom software and systems for defense, national security, and high-assurance technology applications.
A3TECHNOLOGYINC.COM
Offers advanced multidisciplinary design optimization and engineering analysis services—using computational fluid dynamics, structural modeling, and custom workflows to accelerate high-performance engineering design.
SCRITICAL.COM
Developing waste-heat-to-electricity systems that turn excess industrial heat into clean, reliable power to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions.
HEAT2POWER.US
A flourishing ecosystem at the intersection of discovery, development, and delivery
Ann Arbor and the surrounding region have become one of the Midwest’s most dynamic life sciences hubs — driven by world-class research, deep scientific talent, and robust industry collaboration. From biotech startups to clinical innovators and global health companies, this ecosystem supports breakthroughs in therapeutics, diagnostics, medical devices, and biological tools.
A CULTURE OF COLLABORATION
The region’s life sciences momentum stems from an unusually connected innovation community where academic research, industry partners, and emerging companies share talent, facilities, and purpose. Proximity to the University of Michigan creates a continuous pipeline of science, ideas, and commercialization opportunities.
SHARED INFRASTRUCTURE, SHARED SUCCESS
Life sciences growth in Ann Arbor is powered not just by research excellence but by practical infrastructure — from shared lab spaces and wet labs to incubation facilities and collaborative workspaces. These shared assets lower barriers for startups and help early-stage teams accelerate toward proof-of-concept, investment readiness, and strategic partnerships.
TALENT AND COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITY
With a highly educated workforce and strong cross-sector demand — spanning biopharma, digital health, medical technology, and bioanalytics — the region offers fertile ground for life sciences innovation. Companies growing here tap into clinical networks, translational research expertise, and a community that supports scientific and commercial success in equal measure.
WHAT THEY DO
MI-HQ is a community-focused life sciences and health-innovation hub dedicated to supporting startups and early-stage companies advancing human health. MI-HQ provides shared wet lab space, coworking environments, and business development resources that enable biotech, diagnostics, digital health, and clinical-innovation teams to grow with purpose and efficiency. Its model emphasizes access, connection, and momentum for companies advancing scientific discovery toward real-world impact.
WHY ANN ARBOR
MI-HQ chose the greater Ann Arbor region because of its deep scientific talent, robust research institutions, and collaborative life sciences ecosystem. Proximity to the University of Michigan, local health systems, and a growing cluster of life sciences companies creates natural networks for mentorship, clinical validation, and strategic partnerships.
Since opening, MI-HQ has expanded its footprint to grow its lab and innovation space, supporting a broad range of startups and fostering connections across the region’s scientific and health communities.
The community’s emphasis on shared infrastructure and collaboration makes Ann Arbor a strategic home for MI-HQ’s mission to accelerate life sciences ventures and strengthen regional innovation pathways.
MI-HQ.COM
WHAT THEY DO
Akadeum Life Sciences is a biotechnology company developing innovative cell-separation technologies that enable researchers and clinicians to isolate rare cells with speed, precision, and scalability. Their microbubble-based platform delivers high-performance separation across applications in immunology, oncology, vaccine development, and cell therapy, helping scientists accelerate discovery and advance life-changing treatments.
WHY ANN ARBOR
Akadeum’s decision to grow in Ann Arbor reflects the region’s concentration of leading research institutions, scientific talent, and collaborative life sciences infrastructure. Proximity to the University of Michigan and its extensive biomedical research community provides access to world-class expertise, potential partners, and early-adopter collaborators.
Ann Arbor’s shared lab facilities, entrepreneurial energy, and supportive innovation ecosystem help companies like Akadeum scale cutting-edge technologies from concept to commercialization. The region’s mix of academic discovery and real-world application creates a fertile environment for life sciences ventures focused on both scientific excellence and market impact.
AKADEUM.COM
WHAT THEY DO
ONL Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotech company developing therapies designed to protect vision and prevent blindness caused by retinal diseases. Its work focuses on addressing the underlying processes that lead to vision loss, with the goal of preserving sight for patients facing serious eye conditions.
WHY ANN ARBOR
ONL Therapeutics is rooted in the Ann Arbor region, benefiting from a strong life sciences ecosystem and access to specialized scientific and clinical expertise. Proximity to the University of Michigan and its biomedical research community supports ONL’s clinical development and collaboration with leaders in ophthalmology and vision science.
The region’s combination of research excellence, translational expertise, and supportive innovation infrastructure has helped ONL advance its clinical programs, attract investment, and grow as a leader in vision-focused therapeutics.
ONLTHERAPEUTICS.COM
A game-centric tech company creating interactive experiences and social gaming products that blend entertainment with community engagement.
BETTERPLAYSTUDIOS.COM
A CROSSROADS FOR TRAVEL AND COMMERCE
Location, location, location.
The Ann Arbor region combines global connectivity with an exceptional quality of life. Located near a major international airport (DTW) with nonstop access to U.S. and global destinations, the region offers easy travel alongside walkable communities, parks, trails, and abundant green space. It’s a place where companies can stay connected to the world without giving up livability.
Where mobility innovation accelerates into real-world solutions
Southeast Michigan has long been synonymous with the automotive industry, but in the greater Ann Arbor region, that legacy has evolved into next-generation mobility and advanced automotive innovation. Today, the ecosystem unites traditional original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), cutting-edge autonomous systems developers, and software-driven mobility companies to pioneer new ways people and goods move.
A UNIQUE CONVERGENCE OF STRENGTHS
The region’s competitive edge comes from its blend of engineering talent, institutional research, and industry heritage. With engineering and technical expertise concentrated through the University of Michigan and a network of global automotive operations nearby, companies here can rapidly iterate on complex mobility technologies from advanced driver assistance systems to connected and autonomous platforms.
PARTNERSHIPS POWER PROGRESS
The greater Ann Arbor region serves as a natural meeting ground for collaboration between academic research and industry application. Shared research facilities, testing infrastructure, and interdisciplinary programming help companies tap into real-world data, pilot new technology, and forge partnerships across sectors—making the region a proving ground for emerging mobility solutions.
TALENT MEETS TECHNOLOGY
A rich pipeline of engineers, data scientists, and software developers—not just in mobility but across adjacent sectors like AI and cybersecurity—helps companies in the region innovate with speed and sophistication. This multidisciplinary talent base enables the development of systems that are not only advanced but safe, scalable, and globally competitive.
WHAT THEY DO
Toyota Motor North America is a global leader in automotive and mobility innovation, advancing technologies across vehicle safety, electrification, connected systems, and next-generation mobility. Toyota’s work spans research, engineering, and real-world deployment, focused on safer roads, sustainable transportation, and resilient supply chains.
WHY ANN ARBOR
The greater Ann Arbor region is a cornerstone of Toyota’s North American R&D footprint, home to Toyota Motor North America’s Research & Development operations and engineering facilities. Since establishing a presence here in the 1970s, Toyota’s Ann Arbor-area R&D teams have conducted vehicle engineering, design, prototype development, testing, and advanced mobility research, bringing cutting-edge technology to life.
These facilities are anchored by deep technical expertise, proximity to the University of Michigan, and strong regional industry networks. This ecosystem supports Toyota’s work on next-generation mobility concepts and fosters collaboration with local researchers and partners focused on safety, autonomy, and sustainability.
AMRD.TOYOTA.COM
WHAT THEY DO
Torc Robotics builds autonomous driving systems for long-haul trucking and other commercial applications, combining advanced software, perception, and safety-centric engineering to enable vehicles that can navigate complex real-world environments. Torc’s technology is designed to improve safety, efficiency, and reliability as autonomy advances from testing to widespread deployment.
WHY ANN ARBOR
Torc chose Ann Arbor for its new Engineering Technology Center because of the region’s deep pool of technical talent, strong connectivity to research institutions, and vibrant innovation community. The city’s ecosystem of engineers, robotics experts, and software developers provides a rich foundation for Torc’s work on autonomy systems and advanced vehicle technologies.
Ann Arbor’s supportive environment — marked by a collaborative culture, proximity to the University of Michigan, and ties to mobility and AI research — helps Torc accelerate development, recruit top talent, and connect with the broader mobility ecosystem. Opened in 2025, Torc’s Technology Center strengthens the company’s ability to prototype, test, and refine autonomous systems right in the heart of Michigan’s innovation corridor.
TORC.AI
WHAT THEY DO
American Center for Mobility is a world-class testing, validation, and standards development facility for autonomous and connected vehicle technologies. Located on Michigan’s historic Willow Run site, ACM provides secure real-world road networks, high-fidelity simulation, and collaborative test environments that help companies safely accelerate mobility innovations from concept to commercialization.
As a neutral third-party proving ground, ACM supports automakers, tech developers, suppliers, and startups in evaluating performance, safety, and integration of autonomy, connectivity, and future mobility systems under controlled and realistic conditions.
WHY ANN ARBOR
ACM’s presence in southeast Michigan builds on the region’s legacy as a global automotive and mobility innovation hub. Proximity to the University of Michigan, major OEMs, suppliers, and a rich engineering talent base creates an ecosystem where cutting-edge technologies and real-world testing go hand in hand. Ann Arbor’s collaborative environment enables ACM to work closely with academic partners, industry leaders, and federal agencies to advance mobility safety standards, workforce development initiatives, and next-generation transportation solutions.
ACMWILLOWRUN.ORG
Uses real-time data and predictive analytics to help cities and organizations optimize traffic flow, improve safety, and reduce congestion.
TRAFFIC-INTELLIGENCE.COM
Provides real-time web traffic and customer behavior insights that help businesses understand audiences, optimize engagement, and improve digital performance.
LIVEROADANALYTICS.COM
Building portable, high-power energy systems that deliver reliable electricity for remote, outdoor, and off-grid use.
VOLTHARBOR.COM
A thriving ecosystem for digital innovation and scale
The greater Ann Arbor region is home to a vibrant software and IT sector that spans enterprise platforms, cybersecurity, cloud services, analytics, and digital infrastructure. With deep roots in research and a strong foundation of technical talent, software companies here build solutions that power industries from manufacturing and mobility to healthcare and finance.
A TALENT-RICH, INNOVATION-DRIVEN HUB
Ann Arbor’s highly educated workforce and proximity to top research institutions fuel a diverse software ecosystem. Companies benefit from access to skilled engineers, data scientists, and developers who bring expertise in modern technologies like AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. This talent pipeline helps startups innovate rapidly and enables established firms to scale with confidence.
A CONVERGENCE OF INDUSTRIES AND TECHNOLOGY
Rather than existing in isolation, software companies in the region work at the intersection of multiple sectors — mobility, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and more. This cross-pollination encourages creative problem-solving and leads to software solutions that address real-world demands. Whether it’s cybersecurity for connected vehicles or analytics platforms for health data, Ann Arbor’s software ecosystem advances technology that matters.
COLLABORATIVE CULTURE AND GROWING OPPORTUNITIES
From co-working spaces and accelerators to university labs and corporate partnerships, the region supports software entrepreneurs at every stage. Collaborative networks and shared resources make Ann Arbor an attractive place for founders and tech teams looking to grow, innovate, and build products with global reach.
WHAT THEY DO
Censys is a cybersecurity leader that helps organizations discover and secure every device and service connected to the internet. Its platform continuously maps assets across global networks and provides real-time insights that help security teams identify vulnerabilities, assess risk, and prevent breaches before they occur.
By combining massive internet-wide scanning with advanced analytics and automation, Censys empowers companies — from startups to enterprises — to harden defenses and stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.
WHY ANN ARBOR
Censys chose the greater Ann Arbor region for its engineering and product development headquarters because of the area’s deep technical talent pool, strong software ecosystem, and access to research institutions. The region’s concentration of skilled developers, data scientists, and cybersecurity experts supports Censys’ mission to build tools that protect digital infrastructure.
Ann Arbor’s innovative tech community — including connections to cybersecurity programs, startup networks, and university-industry partnerships — helps Censys innovate quickly and attract top talent. The city’s blend of quality of life, technical depth, and ecosystem support makes it an ideal home for a fast-growing technology company focused on securing the digital world.
CENSYS.COM
WHAT THEY DO
Treetown Tech is a multidisciplinary engineering and product development firm that helps organizations turn complex ideas into real-world solutions. The company offers full-stack expertise in mechanical, electrical, and software engineering, supporting product design, rapid prototyping, manufacturing planning, and systems optimization.
Treetown Tech also provides specialized support in battery systems engineering — including design, management systems, and performance optimization — helping clients in sectors from industrial technology to defense bring advanced power solutions to life.
WHY ANN ARBOR
Treetown Tech’s home in the Ann Arbor region reflects the area’s deep engineering talent and rich innovation ecosystem. With proximity to the University of Michigan and a strong community of technical professionals, the company benefits from access to skilled engineers and cross-disciplinary collaboration that fuels product innovation and growth.
TREETOWNTECH.COM
WHAT THEY DO
Menlo Innovations is an award-winning software design and development firm that builds custom applications using a highly collaborative, human-centered approach. Their model combines pair programming, user-centered research and design (High-Tech Anthropology®, and continuous client feedback to ensure solutions are intuitive, usable, and aligned with real-world needs.
Working in rotating pairs within an open, transparent environment, Menlo’s team shares knowledge, improves quality, and adapts quickly—delivering software that is not only technically sound, but widely adopted and genuinely useful for the people it’s designed to serve.
WHY ANN ARBOR
Menlo Innovations is deeply rooted in downtown Ann Arbor, where its office sits within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and a vibrant community that supports both creativity and connection. The region’s strong technical talent pipeline, proximity to the University of Michigan, and collaborative tech culture align with Menlo’s human-centered approach to software development. Ann Arbor’s mix of energy, accessibility, and community makes it an ideal place for a company built on teamwork, shared learning, and close client collaboration.
MENLOINNOVATIONS.COM
Delivers real-time inventory and asset tracking using smart sensors and analytics to help businesses automate visibility and reduce loss.
FIBARCODE.COM
Provides AI-driven fleet management solutions that optimize operations, reduce costs, and improve safety for commercial vehicle fleets.
FLEET-LAB.COM
A data automation platform that syncs and delivers analytics-ready data across systems to help teams make faster, data-driven decisions.
MSYNC.AI
BUILDING ON A KNOWLEDGE BASE WITH IMMEDIATE VALUE
University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, and Washtenaw Community College.
Providing a high-caliber workforce-in-training, our colleges and universities represent avenues for new tech-nologies, resources and inspiration for the launch of new businesses.
A nationally recognized hub for applied AI innovation
The greater Ann Arbor region is emerging as a leading center for artificial intelligence, where research excellence, technical talent, and real-world application converge. AI companies here are building and deploying solutions across healthcare, mobility, cybersecurity, and enterprise software—often at the intersection of multiple industries.
NATIONAL RECOGNITION
In its 2025 Mapping AI Readiness report, the Brookings Institution named Ann Arbor one of just 28 U.S. AI “Star Hubs” — regions identified as the nation’s “second engine” of AI development. These hubs combine strong research foundations with the capacity to translate AI into commercial and economic impact.
RESEARCH TO REAL-WORLD DEPLOYMENT
Anchored by the University of Michigan, a national leader in AI research and scholarship, the region supports a robust pipeline of talent and discovery. What sets Ann Arbor apart is its ability to move AI from the lab into deployment, supporting companies that apply machine learning and analytics to solve complex, real-world problems.
WHAT THEY DO
Related Digital is a technology and infrastructure developer specializing in large-scale data center campuses that support the computing needs of advanced AI applications and cloud services. As part of the broader Stargate initiative with OpenAI and Oracle, Related Digital is planning one of the nation’s most advanced AI infrastructure projects — a multi-gigawatt data center campus designed to provide critical computing capacity for artificial intelligence and cloud operations.
WHY ANN ARBOR
Related Digital is investing in the greater Ann Arbor region because of its deep technical workforce, strong research talent pipeline, and strategic location within a growing technology ecosystem. Washtenaw County’s skilled construction and tech workforce, along with local legislative support for high-tech infrastructure, helped secure this multi-billion-dollar campus that will power next-generation AI infrastructure and bring substantial jobs and economic activity to the region.
While the facility is physically located in nearby Saline Township, its development strengthens the region’s role as a hub for digital infrastructure and showcases Ann Arbor’s capacity to attract global-scale investments in technology and innovation.
RELATED-DIGITAL.COM
WHAT THEY DO
Oracle is a global leader in cloud infrastructure, data management, and enterprise software. Its Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) provides secure, high-performance computing platforms powering applications from business systems to artificial intelligence models. As part of the ongoing Stargate AI infrastructure expansion, Oracle is partnering with Related Digital to operate and equip one of the largest AI data center campuses in the U.S., serving customers including OpenAI.
WHY ANN ARBOR
Oracle’s decision to deploy cutting-edge data center capacity in the Ann Arbor region reflects the area’s strong workforce, reliable infrastructure, and access to technology talent. By locating AI infrastructure near Ann Arbor — in partnership with Related Digital — Oracle expands the region’s digital backbone, creating hundreds of long-term jobs and supporting the computing needs of AI innovators locally and nationally.
A key part of the project’s design centers on sustainability and community impact, including closed-loop cooling systems, energy support through local utility partnerships, and significant community investment — underscoring how modern digital infrastructure can integrate responsibly with regional goals.
ORACLE.COM
WHAT THEY DO
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a world-renowned research institution advancing science and technology in areas such as national security, high-performance computing, materials science, and foundational research in physics, engineering, and data science. LANL’s work includes cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence, computational science, and advanced modeling, enabling breakthroughs that fuel innovation across industries and complex scientific domains.
WHY ANN ARBOR
LANL is partnering with the University of Michigan to develop a state-of-the-art highperformance computing and AI research center in Washtenaw County. This facility will house both a federal research component and an adjacent academic research space, enabling collaboration between LANL scientists, U-M faculty, and students on computational science, AI, and simulation that power breakthroughs in health, energy, climate, and security.
Unlike a commercial data center, this center is designed for high-performance research computing — supporting discovery across disciplines by solving problems that exceed the capability of standard computing systems.
RESEARCH.UMICH.EDU
Developing a new class of altitude determination and control systems for satellites that use innovative magnetometer design and machine learning for better accuracy, scalability, and resilience in orbit.
GENERALORBIT.COM
Designs AI-enabled video analytics systems that convert visual data into insights for safety, security, and operational intelligence.
RETROSPECTAV.COM
Developing advanced simulation tools that improve autonomous vehicle safety by modeling edge-case scenarios, drawing interest from government and industry partners.
SAFERDRIVE.AI
Amplifying the Impact of Research
REDEFINING HOW WORLD-CLASS UNIVERSITY RESEARCH CAN FUEL A REGION AND SOLVE THE WORLD’S GREAT CHALLENGES
As one of the world’s leading research universities, the University of Michigan is uniquely positioned to translate discovery into progress. Innovation Partnerships helps move U-M discoveries beyond the lab and into the world, where they can create value, solve problems, and improve lives. Innovation Partnerships is committed to redefining how world-class university research can fuel a region and solve the world’s greatest challenges.
STARTUP-FRIENDLY, ENTREPRENEUR-FOCUSED
According to the latest AUTM annual licensing survey, Innovation Partnerships ranks #2 nationwide for new invention reports received and startup companies launched — solidifying our reputation as one of the most startup-friendly university offices in the country. We minimize friction for entrepreneurs launching and scaling startups powered by U-M research.
LEVERAGING THE POWER OF MICHIGAN AND VENTURE CAPITAL TO CHANGE THE WORLD
To further support U-M startups, Innovation Partnerships created the Accelerate Blue Fund, an evergreen venture fund with over $29 million under management, designed to bridge the gap between company formation and securing angel and venture capital investment. The fund helps propel breakthrough technologies from campus labs into the marketplace by providing early-stage, risk tolerant investment and handson mentorship. The Accelerate Blue Fund is a recent $10.6 million awardee of the Michigan Innovation Fund, reinforcing its role in strengthening Michigan’s startup ecosystem. With a commitment to world-changing technology and inspired entrepreneurship, the AB Fund empowers U-M innovators to turn bold ideas into thriving companies.
WHAT THEY DO
Launched in 2009, HistoSonics has developed a non-invasive, sonic-beam therapy platform based on histotripsy, a science discovered at U-M, capable of destroying targeted tumors at a subcellular level and offering a non-invasive alternative to surgery. Its Edison System, which received FDA clearance for treating liver cancer in October 2023, enables patients to receive treatment with minimal hospital time and little to no discomfort. The system has treated thousands of patients globally and is now in clinical trials for kidney and pancreatic cancers. HistoSonics completed a management-led majority stake acquisition in August 2025, valuing the company at approximately $2.25 billion, making it the second-largest venture-backed medical device transaction ever. In October 2025, it closed an oversubscribed $250 million growth f inancing, valuing the company at approximately $3 billion, to support continued expansion and clinical development.
HISTOSONICS.COM
WHAT THEY DO
Founded in 2024, Intero Biosystems redefines drug discovery with GastroScreen, a “miniature intestine in a dish” made from adult stem cells and includes the intestinal lining with functioning supporting tissues such as neurons, blood vessels, and muscle. This technology allows researchers to test drugs for safety and efficacy, reducing risk before clinical trials. The company has received state funding and mentorship support via the MTRAC for Life Sciences Innovation Hub and the Technology Transfer Talent Network. Intero recently closed an oversubscribed $2 million pre-seed round, which included investments from U-M’s Accelerate Blue Fund and Michigan University Innovation Capital Fund — as well as receiving Phase 1 Small Business Technology Transfer funding from the National Institutes of Health.
INTEROBIOSYSTEMS.COM
WHAT THEY DO
Founded in 2017, Neurable is a neurotechnology company bringing brain-computer interface research into everyday life. Founded by University of Michigan alumnus Dr. Ramses Alcaide, the company has developed noninvasive BCI technology that delivers real-time insights into cognitive states such as focus and mental fatigue. Neurable received early support from the Accelerate Blue Fund and has been featured in many national publications, including the New York Times, Nature, and Wall Street Journal. In July 2022, the company launched the MW75 Neuro headphones in partnership with Master & Dynamic, marking a major step toward practical, brain-aware consumer devices. Most recently, in December 2025, Neurable raised $35 million in Series A funding to scale its Neurable AI platform and expand commercialization of its brain-computer interface technology.
NEURABLE.COM
Interested in launching the next HistoSonics, Intero Biosystems or Neurable? Scan the QR code to explore innovative U-M technologies and kickstart your own startup success story.
ENHANCING MICHIGAN’S COMMERCIALIZATION ECOSYSTEM
We partner with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to strengthen Michigan’s statewide university research commercialization ecosystem. We collaborate on statewide initiatives like the Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization (MTRAC) program and the Technology Transfer Talent Network.
In 2024, Innovation Partnerships launched the Michigan University Innovation Capital Fund, providing early-stage capital to startups licensing technologies from any public research university in the state.
September 22 – October 2, 2026
For more than a decade, a2Tech360 has been the Midwest’s annual tech convergence, bringing together founders, researchers, investors, corporate leaders, and community builders around what’s next.
Spanning 10 days, a2Tech360 delivers startup pitch competitions, conversations with industry and civic leaders, behind-the-scenes company tours, and Tech Trek — a street-fair-driven showcase of the region’s tech companies and innovators.
Whether you’re launching, scaling, investing, or exploring, a2Tech360 offers a front-row seat to the ideas, people, and technologies shaping the future of technology, mobility, life sciences, AI, and beyond.
