Game 7: Saturday, October 18, 2025 | Washington at Michigan | Michigan Stadium | 12:00 PM
The Wolverines return home to face the Washington Huskies for the first time since the 2024 national championship game. While the matchup is packed with on-field excitement, it also connects two powerhouse innovation regions, Ann Arbor and Seattle, that share a passion for research, technology, and discovery.
Did You Know?
Ann Arbor & Seattle Connections
- Both regions are recognized for innovation that shapes the modern world. Seattle is home to global icons like Amazon, Boeing, and Microsoft, while Ann Arbor has produced breakout successes such as Duo Security, May Mobility, and HistoSonics.
- Michigan and Washington share a strong focus on sustainability and mobility, with their universities and startups driving advances in electric vehicles, clean energy, and smart city technologies.
- Each city blends academic excellence with entrepreneurial energy, attracting engineers, scientists, and creators who help make both regions among the most educated and livable in the country.
- The two regions also share a love for coffee and community. Seattle may have Starbucks, but Ann Arbor’s Zingerman’s Coffee Company and vibrant café culture are just as much a local staple.
- And when it comes to football, both programs boast loyal fan bases, historic rivalries, and championship traditions that keep this matchup one to watch.
How Our Communities Compare
Seattle’s metropolitan area is more than six times larger than Ann Arbor’s, yet both cities are known for their thriving innovation economies and strong quality of life. Ann Arbor continues to punch above its weight, combining world-class research, high educational attainment, and startup success with a far more affordable cost of living than its West Coast counterpart.
Seattle’s median household income exceeds $120,000, driven by its concentration of global tech firms, while Ann Arbor’s $80,000 median income reflects a healthy balance of affordability and opportunity. Both cities are magnets for highly educated residents, with more than two-thirds of Seattle’s population and over three-quarters of Ann Arbor’s residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Though vastly different in scale, both regions share a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and talent development that fuels economic growth and opportunity.
Comparing the Universities
The University of Michigan and the University of Washington stand among the top public research universities in the country, each playing a defining role in their region’s innovation landscape.
U-M recorded $1.93 billion in research and development expenditures in 2023, ranking fourth nationally. The University of Washington followed closely at $1.73 billion, ranking fifth. Michigan is nationally recognized for its programs in engineering, business, and computer science, while Washington is celebrated for its leadership in computer science, environmental studies, and global health.
Both institutions prepare graduates who drive progress across industries, from mobility life sciences, and advanced manufacturing in Michigan to aerospace, software, and clean energy in Washington. Together, they represent two powerful forces shaping the future of technology and education in the United States.
Beyond the Field
Ann Arbor and Seattle share more than academic excellence. Both are communities that value creativity, sustainability, and quality of life. From Michigan’s growing autonomous vehicle sector to Washington’s clean energy advancements, these regions are driving the future of innovation in the United States.
In Case You Missed It
Catch up on our previous posts from this season:
Game 1: How Do We Compare? Michigan vs. New Mexico
Game 2: How Do We Compare? Michigan vs. Oklahoma
Game 3: How Do We Compare? Michigan vs. Central Michigan
Game 4: How Do We Compare? Michigan vs. Nebraska
Game 5: How Do We Compare? Michigan vs. Wisconsin
Game 6: How Do We Compare? Michigan vs. USC
Want to learn more? Ann Arbor SPARK’s business development team can connect you with data, resources, and insights to support your business growth in our region.
