Author: Sue Hill

Husky Innovate is proud to announce the newest Experience Innovation trip. This year, we are headed to Detroit! Students across disciplines who would like to participate are encouraged to submit our student application.

What makes a strong innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem and why are companies drawn to Detroit? One could argue that Detroit is the most innovative city in the Midwest. From Motown music to the Big Three automobile manufacturers, Detroit has a rich history that positions it as a regional hub for innovation and technology development. Detroit companies are making an impact in global markets, and up-and-coming startups find that they have the resources they need to fuel their growth.

Michigan Tech students are invited to an immersive innovation experience in Detroit featuring tours of Michigan Central, Ford Motor Company’s mobility innovation district (including a meet-and-greet); the Michigan Founders Fund, led by DUO Security co-founder Dug Song; Dow Venture Capital; and a collection of startup companies that you may not have heard of yet, but are on their way to becoming household names.

Here are just a few compelling reasons why students should consider joining us on this adventure to Detroit:

• Networking Opportunities: These trips offer a unique chance to connect with established entrepreneurs, successful business leaders and like-minded peers. Networking with individuals who have practical experience can open doors to mentorship, internships and future career opportunities.
• Inspiration and Motivation: Meeting entrepreneurs and visiting startups can be incredibly inspiring. Students often leave these trips with a renewed sense of purpose and motivation to pursue their entrepreneurial ideas and projects.
• Resume Enhancement: Participation in such trips can significantly enhance a student’s resume. It demonstrates a proactive approach to learning and a genuine interest in entrepreneurship and innovation, which can make them stand out to potential employers or investors.
• Clarifying Career Goals: Touring startups and meeting entrepreneurs can help students clarify their career goals. They may discover new interests or confirm existing passions, helping them make informed decisions about their future paths.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: These experiences can foster an entrepreneurial mindset characterized by creativity, resilience, adaptability and a willingness to take calculated risks, which are valuable attributes in any career.
• Academic Complement: Experience Innovation trips can complement academic coursework by providing real-world context to what students learn in class. This practical application of knowledge can enhance their understanding of business concepts.
• Personal Growth: These trips often lead to personal growth. Students develop self-confidence, improve communication skills and become more adaptable to new environments and challenges.

Understanding what fuels innovation is best understood by experiencing it firsthand. This opportunity is offered by Husky Innovate’s key collaborators, Pavlis Honors College, the Office of Innovation and Commercialization and the College of Business. Get a window into the regional innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) community, have a chance to ask your questions firsthand and learn what drives entrepreneurship. Students are encouraged to apply early, as space is limited.

By Husky Innovate, Pavlis Honors College.