United States CTO and Michigan Corps Announce “Make in Detroit”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DETROIT, Michigan - July 11, 2011 - Today, as part of the Obama Administration's "Strong Cities, Strong Communities" initiative, U.S. Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra joined Michigan Corps in announcing the launch of "Make in Detroit", a first-of-its-kind initiative specifically designed for the manufacturing sector.
Make in Detroit's goal is to inspire creators, doers and entrepreneurs to engage in the manufacturing sector and to build a more networked community of empowered leaders, corporations and students who actively "make" and connect with one another along the way.
By providing a visible platform for information and collaboration focused on creating, building, and selling products, Make in Detroit will build on the city's unique manufacturing resources. Partners will include universities, community organizations, corporations, financial institutions, design and consulting firms, and others.
"I'm honored to participate in the "Make in Detroit" launch and I look forward to supporting effective collaboration through the Strong Cities, Strong Communities initiative," said Aneesh Chopra. "Through innovative programs like these, America's manufacturing sector promises to contribute to our nation's economy and security for many years to come."
"Building on Michigan Corps' approach to strengthening community among our state's extraordinary human assets, Make in Detroit calls on all citizens to play a role in advancing this region's manufacturing sector," said Anuja Jaitly, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Michigan Corps. "At its core, Make in Detroit is an inclusive effort, conducted online and offline, that brings simplicity, visibility, and community to Detroiters interested in manufacturing."
Make in Detroit, serving as an umbrella program, brings visibility to and coordinates resources among several local and national partners. While many partners are welcome to join in the coming months, a sampling of Make in Detroit's initial partners include:
AutoHarvest - An online IP marketplace and ecosystem of large companies and grassroots innovators to accelerate innovation adoption and technology commercialization in advanced manufacturing, focusing on automotive. For more, visit www.autoharvest.org
Design Democracy Project - A grass roots effort led by Context Furniture to inspire mass customization over mass manufacturing by democratizing the design process. For more, visit www.designdemocracy08.com
Design my Idea - A turnkey solution for invention development through providing services in product design, engineering, industrial design, package design, prototyping, marketing and web design to empower inventors. For more, visit www.designmyidea.com
Detroit Creative Corridor Center - An organization supporting the growth of Detroit's creative economy through business acceleration services, community outreach and events, and talent development resources tailored specifically to creative professionals' needs. For more, visit www.detroitcreativecorridorcenter.com
Dream it! Do it! - A Jackson Area Manufacturers Association-led initiative to provide access to and inspiration for manufacturing at all ages through hands-on youth summer and after-school educational programs like Engineering is Elementary (K-3rd grade), I Can Make It Camp (4th-6th grade), Machining U (7th-8th grade) and Hot Rod U (high school). For more, visit www.academy4mfgcareers.com
Innoac Technologies - A Detroit-based global company focused on providing automation and enterprise integration solutions. Innoac specializes in end-of-line test systems and manufacturing process re-engineering and automation. For more, visitwww.innoac.com
InsYght - A web-based system developed by The MORE Program to connect entrepreneurs' unique needs to specific organizations and tools utilizing a powerful inventory of available resources. For more, visit www.themoreprogram.com
Invest Detroit - A leading source of private sector financing to support economic development opportunities including manufacturing and distribution companies. For more, visit www.investdetroit.com
Michigan Shifting Gears - A transformational program for experienced corporate professionals to transition to opportunities with startups and entrepreneurs in the new economy by providing assessments, coaching, mentoring and small business simulation and internship experience. For more, visit www.michiganadvantage.org/Michigan-Shifting-Gears/
Mt. Elliot Makerspace - A community workshop for learning and entrepreneurial experimentation through making. As a gathering space for sharing, learning, and doing things together, the Makerspace becomes a powerful local resource for resolving challenges related to education, economic development, and community well-being. For more, visit www.mtelliottmakerspace.com
National Equipment Leasing Corporation - A "credit based" source for leasing and financing a broad spectrum of equipment for various types of businesses. For more, visit www.nelc.com
NventNode - An invention management software to invent, research, develop and market products to streamline product creation and enable collaboration. For more, visit www.nventnode.com
Robot Town - A non-profit robotics innovation center in Detroit, in partnership with the U.S Army lab-TARDEC, leveraging indoor/outdoor test facilities, labs, "maker-space" and an education center to promote entrepreneurship in next generation robots and intelligent vehicles. For more, visit www.robottown.org
TechShop - A Ford-sponsored, public access workshop that provides members with access to tools and equipment, instruction, and a community of creative and supportive people so they can build their dreams and ideas. For more, visit www.techshop.ws
TechTown - An entrepreneurial space that provides incubation and acceleration resources including space for lease, coaching, mentoring, educational workshops and access to talent and capital. For more, visit www.techtownwsu.org
University of Michigan - Community Economic Adjustment Program/Economic Transformation Partnership (CEAP/ETP) - A program that maps the location, resources and potential for reuse of vacant manufacturing facilities in the Midwest. For more, visit www.irlee.umich.edu
U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) - A full life-cycle engineering support organization for ground combat and combat support vehicle systems, which operates an open innovation solutions gateway for vehicle technology ideas. TARDEC also supports Army sponsored research, education, competitions, internships and practical experiences to engage and guide students and teachers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. For more, visit www.tardec.army.mil
For more information on Make in Detroit, visit www.makeindetroit.org or contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
About Make in Detroit
Developed and led by Michigan Corps, Make in Detroit is a first-of-its-kind platform specifically designed to inspire, empower and support citizen innovation in manufacturing. Make in Detroit brings visibility to and coordinates resources among several local and national partners. For more, visit www.makeindetroit.org
About Michigan Corps
Michigan Corps is a social network of local and global Michiganders committed to change in our home state. Founded in Detroit in 2010, Michigan Corps builds community among Michiganders everywhere while also launching innovative education and entrepreneurship projects across the state. For more, visit http://www.michigancorps.org.
