What's the view at the bottom of Michigan's entrepreneurial food chain? More diversity, less money. Case in point, Ypsilanti-based Denovo Sciences. Its young partners are full of passion, creativity and a desire to "make change in human lives". What they could use is some seed capital for their life science innovations.
It's not quite artificial intelligence but it sure comes close. Named one of the ten "World Changing Ideas" of 2010 by Scientific American, swarm intelligence is a biology-inspired computer algorithm that's starting to see commercial application. And most of that development occurred here, in Ann Arbor area research labs.
Not only does stem cell research offer a lifeline to patients with life-threatening diseases, it may also provide an economic lifeline to Southeast Michigan by growing our life sciences industry.
While much of the world may be going virtual, most businesses still have to make stuff. Putting together teams of engineering and business students, U-M's Tauber Institute plays matchmaker for companies that are looking to improve their manufacturing process. It's a partnership that provides students with a valuable skill set and saves participating firms up to millions of dollars.
Whether it's the front door of a church or the wall on your Facebook page, Ann Arborite David Crumm sees a place for spiritual and religious discourse. It's why he started ReadTheSpirit.com, an Internet-based company and publisher that offers one of the few places left for spirituality-based journalism.
University presses have found a unique niche in the publishing world, producing books by local writers with a decidedly local focus. Dennis Archambault looks at how U-M and Wayne State are evolving their imprints in the age of shrinking higher education funding and digital innovation.
Sometimes bigger isn't better. In Ann Arbor the "small giant" movement is catching on. Their philosophy? Profit is good but the bottom line should not be the be-all, end-all of your company's existence.
Ann Arbor is all about customer satisfaction. But not the way you think. It's the scientific method behind evaluating customer satisfaction that was developed here at the U-M. and spun off into successful companies. They are reminders of how university, state, and local efforts are working together to transform our region into a breeding ground for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Our Partners
Common Ground Is Brewing
Support local stories and receive our signature roast straight to your door when you join at the Standard level (or above).
Drink Better, Read Local
