With over 2,000 innovators working side-by-side across startups, Fortune 500 companies, universities, nonprofits, and others, Michigan Central demonstrates how cities can lead technology development that creates meaningful impact. From Aerialoop’s drone delivery flights to Lincode’s global expansion, these are the stories of innovation that are reshaping what’s possible when diverse expertise comes together in one place.

Michigan Central’s integrated model, combining world-class infrastructure, strategic networks, and comprehensive services, has created a replicable blueprint for innovation-led economic development. As we look toward 2026, with new partnerships, expanded facilities, and deeper community connections, discover how Detroit continues to attract the companies and talent that are defining the future of mobility and beyond.

Download Full Report

The post Michigan Central 2025 Year in Review: Innovation That Moves People Forward appeared first on Michigan Central.

As we get ready to launch the Michigan Central Boys & Girls Club in early 2026, the space and its programs will not only prepare Detroit youth for emerging industries like robotics and advanced manufacturing, but also creative talent with the announcement of a $1 million Entertainment Innovation Incubator, spearheaded by global entertainment icons Usher and Big Sean. This state-of-the-art facility will be housed within the Michigan Central Boys & Girls Club on our dedicated youth floor inside The Station.

The Incubator represents a significant investment in Detroit youth, offering a virtual production studio, special effects lab, creators lounge, and advanced programming for ages 14–24 in high-growth careers like film, television, music production, AI, 3D, and immersive technologies. 

Detroit native Big Sean, who has been integral to Michigan Central’s revival since Ford’s acquisition in 2018 and The Station’s grand opening in 2024, said, “The Innovation Incubator is about showing young people that they don’t have to leave Detroit to chase opportunity, they can build it right here.”

The Michigan Central Boys & Girls Club, a 13,000 sq.-ft. space, will also feature an autonomous training center and an innovation lab, directly connecting youth to fields like mobility, advanced manufacturing, and AI. The work with BGCSM underscores Michigan Central’s role as a launchpad for Detroit youth and the power of partnerships to create new pathways and opportunity.

“At Michigan Central, we’re committed to creating a future where every young person has the chance to innovate and define the next generation of industries right here in Detroit,” said Carolina Pluszczynski, Chief Operating Officer, Michigan Central. “By our work with BGCSM, now with the added support from Usher and Big Sean, we’re continuing to build new pathways and opportunities, nurturing the next generation of innovators – from creators to manufacturers to technologists – who will drive our city forward for decades to come.”

For the full press release, click here.

The post New Area of Soon-to-be-open Michigan Central Boys & Girls Club Announced: Entertainment Innovation Incubator appeared first on Michigan Central.

Listen Here

The post Innovation Brief Episode #3: The Mushroom Angel Company appeared first on Michigan Central.

Building on the success of last year’s monthlong series — which saw nearly 55,000 guests take in the splendor of The Station decked for the holidays — Winter at The Station will draw from traditions across cultures to honor the past, celebrate the present and usher in the future. This is Detroit’s invitation to experience the convergence of history, culture, and innovation in a festive, inclusive atmosphere.

“Winter at The Station is a place for all to gather and celebrate” said Catherine Kelly, head of brand and communications at Michigan Central. “We believe that Winter at The Station will become a part of the city’s cultural identity and are working hard to ensure it becomes one of its most cherished holiday traditions.” ​

Detroit’s new holiday tradition

Experience the magic of the season inside the restored architectural gem, and see why Winter at The Station is fast becoming one of the city’s can’t-miss holiday destinations and most cherished traditions. From live music performances to shopping at local retailers to just soaking up the festive atmosphere with a cocktail, Winter at The Station has something for everyone.

Most of the programming will be free and open to the public, with some being ticketed events. Attendees can check Michigan Central – Events at Michigan Central for more details.

Stunning holiday decor

The Station will again feature enchanting winter decorations throughout, featuring contemporary seasonal decor. Don’t miss a show-stopping display that honors The Station’s past. You’ll want to grab your camera for photo ops and to capture The Station’s historic halls decked for the holidays.

Your local shopping destination

Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts from nearly a dozen Detroit artisans and retailers at our pop-ups, and find exclusive merchandise at The Shop inside The Station’s historic ticket office. Peruse local wares at Neighbor x Folk. All of this amid the authentic energy of the city. On Friday, Nov. 28 and Saturday, Nov. 29, shopping hours will be extended until 9 p.m. A gift-wrapping service also will be provided for a fee or will be free for items purchased at The Shop.

Where the future of innovation meets the holidays

Discover how technology can bring us together. Children can engage with a hands-free digital coloring book, and the Innovation Room brings the story of Michigan Central’s progress to life. Plus, you won’t want to miss a special arrival pulling into The Station for the Winter at The Station festivities.

All of this and more begins with opening night on Nov. 14, so mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details!

Fun for the whole family

While shopping and taking in the holiday decor, guests can listen to the future of Detroit music through a number of performances curated by local music mastermind collective D. Cipher. Artists span a variety of genres, from jazz to soul to electronic to acoustic pop and artists like Wendell Harrison and Ackeem Salmon. Kicking off Winter at The Station on Friday, Nov. 14 will be Steffanie Christi’an, performing at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., with DJ Legendary J. Hearns spinning tunes throughout the evening. For opening night, tickets are required and cost $15.

Michigan Central and Henry Ford Health are partnering with the Detroit Pistons to host Storytime at The Station, a free, family-friendly reading event that will feature a Pistons player reading and an appearance by Hooper, the Pistons mascot.

The event celebrating literacy, wellness, and community connection will run from 3-4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15. Seating is limited for this event, and pre-registration on Michigan Central’s website is required. Those who register will receive free books while supplies last (one per family). Henry Ford Health pediatricians will also be on-site to answer questions and help families sign up for primary care.

Also for kids, local kids brand Sammy Whammy’s will hold a felt cookie-decorating workshop from noon to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, and a felt train garland workshop from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. The Metro Detroit-based company makes sweatshop-free clothing and stuffed animals, including an exclusive train conductor Teddy bear that will be available at The Shop. No pre-registration is required for these free children’s workshops.

On Saturday, Nov. 8, The Station will host a greeting card collage workshop with Homespun and Green from 10 a.m. to noon. A holiday floral centerpiece workshop will help you make your holiday spreads stand out. VidaBloomz will guide participants in creating a stunning seasonal centerpiece and styling their holiday table with seasonal blooms, textures, and festive details. Finally, a workshop from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 13 will teach you how to use block printing to make your own personalized wrapping paper.

Tickets for all events, as well as the full schedule, are available at Michigan Central – Events at Michigan Central .

Enjoy hot drinks and fresh bites from Yellow Light Coffee and Donuts and scratch-made frozen treats from Momento Gelato daily throughout Winter at The Station. Plus, enjoy seasonal food, beverages and specialty cocktails in the Concourse on special event days.

Parking

Help us keep neighborhood streets accessible, especially as the snow starts to fall. Take advantage of ample parking available in the Bagley Mobility Hub parking garage for just $5 per vehicle. The garage is located at 1501 Wabash St, Detroit, MI 48216 near the intersection of Bagley and 14th Street, just southeast of The Station. ADA drop-off is available outside The Station’s east entrance on 15th street. Michigan Central is also accessible via public transportation.

###

About Michigan Central

Michigan Central is a 30-acre technology and cultural hub in Detroit, where leaders, thinkers, communities and creators come together to accelerate bold ideas and technologies that shape our collective future. By providing access to world-class infrastructure, tools, and resources, Michigan Central inspires innovators and community members to collaborate on real, ground-breaking solutions to global problems. Since opening in April 2023, Michigan Central has grown into a diverse ecosystem of nearly 250 companies and startups working at the intersection of mobility, technology and society. Learn more at Michigan Central.

The post Winter at The Station to turn Detroit landmark into a holiday wonderland appeared first on Michigan Central.

Collaboration will address critical skills gaps by preparing students and workers for in-demand careers, opening new pathways for Detroit learners, and connecting education to industry through a growing innovation ecosystem

Michigan Central is welcoming Grand Valley State University (GVSU) as a new key partner in its innovation ecosystem. As Detroit continues to build its innovation economy, the demand for skilled talent in fields like mobility, advanced manufacturing, and robotics is outpacing traditional education and workforce systems. This collaboration will help close that gap and significantly strengthen the region’s talent pipeline by integrating skills development and youth programming to create seamless classroom-to-career pathways within Detroit’s – and the region’s – growing mobility landscape.

The partnership integrates GVSU’s students, faculty, and adult learners directly into Michigan Central’s ecosystem. This will link academic learning with hands-on experience through Michigan Central’s network of startups and employers, while also providing access to its state-of-the-art infrastructure throughout the 30-acre district.

Importantly, the alliance aims to create accessible pathways that connect Detroiters to emerging careers and future industries through shared programming, on-site engagement, and new talent initiatives. By leveraging Michigan Central and working together, GVSU will expand its impact in Detroit, delivering high-impact, place-based initiatives that foster regional talent development and economic mobility.

“Michigan Central was designed as an open platform where education, industry, and community unite to solve real-world challenges,” said Carolina Pluszczynski, COO of Michigan Central. “This partnership with Grand Valley State University is a natural extension of that mission—equipping learners of all ages with the tools and connections they need to thrive in high-growth industries like mobility, advanced manufacturing, and robotics, while fostering a more accessible and prosperous region.”

GVSU’s unique blend of extensive regional reach, academic credibility, and unwavering commitment to equity in education makes it an ideal partner for Michigan Central’s mission. Its proven track record in community engagement, innovative and experiential curriculum design, and dedication to serving diverse student populations aligns perfectly with Michigan Central’s vision for an inclusive future.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to inclusive innovation, workforce readiness, and educational access for students in Detroit and throughout Southeast Michigan,” said Philomena Mantella, President of Grand Valley State University. “Together, we’re building bridges between higher education, industry, and community.”

Expanding Educational Access and Opportunity

Building on existing partnerships with institutions like the University of Michigan Center for Innovation and Wayne State University that expand opportunities for adult and post-secondary learners, Michigan Central’s collaboration with GVSU strengthens that foundation by placing a special emphasis on youth. The partnership introduces early pathways for young people to connect with higher education—offering access to credentialing and four-year degree opportunities that bring college-level learning into the ecosystem for the first time—through initiatives like the REP4 Program and GVSU’s Federal TRIO programming tied for middle and high schoolers.

Beyond youth-focused initiatives, Michigan Central and GVSU will co-develop short-term credentialing and upskilling programs for adults through GVSU’s Omni, expand flexible online and hybrid degree pathways for underserved learners, and create new applied research opportunities that connect GVSU students and faculty with startups and employers in the Michigan Central ecosystem across the mobility and technology sectors.

“Detroit is the front door to innovation and inclusion. Together with Michigan Central, GVSU is embedding programs that blend research, workforce readiness, and youth engagement in ways that create pathways to excellence and opportunity,” B. Donta Truss, Vice President for Enrollment Development & College Futures, Grand Valley State University. “For many, these programs will begin as early as 8th grade, serving as their first connection to higher education and setting them on a course toward educational accomplishment and lifelong success. This is a partnership built on action—and Detroit is at the center of that vision.”

To advance the partnership’s goals, GVSU will establish a physical footprint inside Michigan Central’s STEM lab on the dedicated floor for youth at The Station and a presence inside the Newlab at Michigan Central building. The partnership is already underway, with several initiatives in progress and others, including youth programming, launching in early 2026.

This agreement builds on Michigan Central’s ongoing commitment to accelerating innovation and opportunity. Since its launch, the ecosystem has become home to more than 240 companies and startups. Through its talent initiatives and programs, Michigan Central has served more than 3,000 youth and adults, recently strengthened by a $2M Google.org grant to continue Michigan Central’s work in expanding STEM opportunities for local students.

View assets on the Media Toolkit here.

The post Michigan Central and Grand Valley State University Partner to Expand Workforce Development and Educational Opportunity in Detroit appeared first on Michigan Central.

Michigan Central, a 30-acre tech and culture hub in Detroit, brings together the brightest minds working side-by-side to accelerate their missions. By converging startups, Fortune 500 companies, universities, government organizations, artists, investors, non-profits, and many others with different expertise and priorities, we facilitate the exposure, exchange of insights, partnership opportunities, talent access, and cross-sector collaboration needed to solve society’s biggest challenges.

Today, we’re highlighting some of the impactful work happening at Michigan Central and sharing how you can be a part of the network to build, work, learn, and collaborate. Get connected here.

The Network in Action

There are already 2,000 people and 240 companies working across Michigan Central’s 30-acre district. They leverage the hub’s infrastructure, services, and network to drive results for their organizations.

Here are some recent highlights from our network:

• Cummins Inc., a global power solutions leader, is the latest to join the Michigan Central ecosystem. Cummins provides a broad portfolio of products across power systems, engines, components, and distribution. One of its first initiatives at the innovation hub will be to support workforce training on clean technology.

• Samaritas, a human services nonprofit, recently joined the Michigan Central network, as well. Their work here will support their goals of collaborating on innovation at the intersection of social service and tech.

• The Michigan Central network also includes organizations that foster entrepreneurship and help the 150+ startups already working at the hub commercialize. This includes Newlab, a venture platform for critical technology startups and Michigan Central Founding Partners since 2023. It also includes community builders Black Tech Saturdays and Femology. Femology provides an economic development platform for female founders and just held their first-ever statewide Female Founder Tech Summit this earlier this month, uniting female founders, investors, and leaders to help accelerate entrepreneurship and growth.

• Numerous universities and education organizations partner with Michigan Central to deliver talent development through training programs, internships, fellowships and more for all aged learners to succeed in the future workforce. Wayne State University was the first to sign on as an academic partner in 2024 and since then have used Michigan Central as a satellite location for their campus and created work opportunities through multiple programs, such as the Michigan Mobility Fellowship and Warrior Impact internship program.

• Google, through their philanthropic arm Google.org, provided $2M in funding for Michigan Central to continue expanding our STEM programming for youth in the community.

• The innovation hub explores how art, design, installations, and performances can foster creative innovation and connection. Artists Tin & Ed’s Kaleidoscopic Home and Life Forces exhibit was open at The Station in August and September.

Joining the Network at Michigan Central

As these organizations and programs and the many others here continue their progress and growth, Michigan Central’s network continues to expand. Michigan Central offers different models for getting involved designed for various needs and budgets. Options include access to flexible coworking space, customized private offices, or larger partnerships around programming, technology pilots, workforce development programs, brand visibility, and other needs. Regardless of each organization’s model of joining the network, all who join benefit from:

• Proximity, collaboration opportunities, and visibility with the hub’s network

• Special access to events, programs, networking, skills development, and workforce training at the hub

• 24/7 access to the state-of-the-art workspace, manufacturing areas, meeting rooms, and a fully equipped content and podcast studio at the Newlab at Michigan Central building

• Private wellness rooms, kitchens, fitness center with showers and lockers, and outdoor and rooftop areas

• Security, enterprise-grade Wi-Fi, printing, IT concierge services, and complimentary coffee & tea

• A digital platform for operations needs, event discovery, communication, and networking

• Discounted pricing for event venue rentals to host events, labs, testing infrastructure, and food (and to the Nomad Hotel in The Station when it opens in 2027)

• Flexible terms to scale your involvement as your team evolves

To discover more about the network that can help turn your work into market success, learn more about the Michigan Central network here and get connected here.

The post Michigan Central’s Ecosystem Is Growing. Here’s How You Can Be A Part Of It. appeared first on Michigan Central.

DETROIT, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the City of Detroit and Michigan Central today entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU), committing $40 million to initial research and engineering for the creation of a multimodal transportation hub on a parcel located within the 30-acre Michigan Central Innovation District, featuring a new passenger rail and intercity bus transit station.

Designed to bring robust transportation infrastructure and enhanced multimodal connectivity options to the city, this hub will:

• Serve as a new gateway, expanding access to the city and state with a direct connection between the Detroit-Ann Arbor Innovation Corridor and Detroit Metro Airport;

• Support economic opportunities by strengthening the region’s interconnected innovation ecosystem with a proposed extension of a Chicago-Detroit Amtrak Wolverine train to Windsor and Toronto; and

• Position Detroit as a leader in the region’s transit future, cementing Michigan as a destination for ongoing talent attraction and outside investment.

“Downtown Detroit is open for business and on the move as one of the best places to live, work, and pioneer cutting-edge ideas,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today’s MOU lays the foundation for a new multimodal transportation hub that will grow our regional economy, make downtown Detroit more vibrant, and connect residents and visitors to our communities. It builds on a historic investment in transit that I signed in my seventh balanced, bipartisan budget. Let’s keep getting it done.”

“As Detroit’s innovation ecosystem grows at an unprecedented rate, our transit infrastructure must evolve alongside it, by linking entrepreneurs and companies to emerging innovation zones and the opportunities they unlock,” said Josh Sirefman, CEO of Michigan Central. “This is just another step in positioning Michigan Central as the hub that not only connects people to possibility but drives regional growth.”

Why Now

MDOT currently owns and operates the aging Howard Street bus station that serves Greyhound, Indian Trails, Baron’s Bus, and the Amtrak station in the New Center neighborhood. Each of these facilities has passed its useful life span, are in need of major renovations, and do not offer the amenities and functionality expected by modern travelers.

This proposed multimodal transportation hub at the Michigan Central Innovation District is an extension of its platform to implement new technologies and mobility solutions and would provide the district and its passengers with a more vibrant and accessible location, complete with modern amenities.

“This is a positive step to further develop Michigan Central into a true transportation hub and innovation ecosystem,” said State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich, P.E. “We look forward to working with partners Michigan Central, the City of Detroit and others to make this a reality.”

This partnership comes as investment in southwest Detroit and Corktown continues to accelerate. Between Michigan Central and its 30-acre tech and cultural hub that includes more than 240 startups and 2,000 members, Ford Motor Co. and the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan’s official move-in to the Station, and Detroit City FC’s soccer stadium, momentum is well underway.

While this work is still in the early stages, MDOT and Michigan Central are laying the foundation for a transit hub that connects people to jobs, education and opportunities.

“For decades, Michigan Central Station was the gateway to Detroit, and we are excited to begin the work of re-establishing train service at a new multi-modal transit facility in the shadow of the station,” said Chief of Infrastructure for the City of Detroit, Sam Krassenstein. “Detroiters deserve a first-class facility for bus and train service and this agreement puts us on a path to make it happen.”

Decisions about final project designs, funding, public engagement opportunities and project timelines will be developed and shared as the process moves forward.

About Michigan Central

Michigan Central is a 30-acre technology and cultural hub in Detroit, where leaders, thinkers, communities and creators come together to accelerate bold ideas and technologies that shape our collective future. By providing access to world-class infrastructure, tools, and resources, Michigan Central inspires innovators and community members to collaborate on real, ground-breaking solutions to global problems. Since opening in April 2023, Michigan Central has grown into a diverse ecosystem of nearly 250 companies and startups working at the intersection of mobility, technology and society. Learn more at Michigan Central .

About MDOT

MDOT is responsible for Michigan’s nearly 10,000-mile state highway system, comprising all M, I and US routes. It is the backbone of Michigan’s 120,000-mile highway, road and street network. MDOT also administers other state and federal programs for aeronautics, public transportation, freight and passenger rail, and others.

The post MDOT, the City of Detroit and Michigan Central to build a new multimodal transportation hub in Detroit appeared first on Michigan Central.

This funding means more opportunities for middle and high school students to dive into crucial tech education and gain hands-on experiences. The goal? To make sure our youth are equipped with the skills needed for thriving careers in technology and mobility, ultimately fostering a robust STEM workforce locally. This isn’t just about learning; it’s about nurturing their futures.

This isn’t a new partnership, either. Since 2022, Google and Michigan Central have already made a significant impact, reaching over 300 students through programs like Code Next as well as continued innovation work with early-stage companies part of this one-of-a-kind innovation district. This adds to our overall commitment to youth training … and the momentum is truly building! Since June 2024, nearly 2,000 young people have directly benefited from Michigan Central’s learning and activity programs on its dedicated youth floor at The Station. This incredible reach is thanks to strong partnerships like with Google and more than 15 local youth organizations.

Clarinda Barnett-Harrison, Head of Talent Development and Programming at Michigan Central, shared the excitement saying, “Michigan Central is committed to supporting the next generation of talent in Detroit and making sure the future built here provides opportunities for the community. This significant support from Google.org allows us to build upon the strong foundation already established by our partnership and carry on with delivering critical tech programs that prepare our youth for college or future careers.”

Shanika Hope, Google.org Director of Knowledge, Skills, and Learning, echoed this, adding, “We are incredibly proud to deepen our investment in local expertise and leadership. By supporting our trusted community partner with this funding, we are ensuring that vital STEM education continues to thrive, reaching even more students where they are, and fostering innovation for years to come.” This is truly a moment to celebrate. It’s about empowering our youth, strengthening our community, and making sure Detroit continues to be a hub of innovation and opportunity. With our continued efforts and invested partners like Google leading the way, we hope Detroit’s next generation of talent sees that a future in innovation is right around the corner.

The post Michigan Central Secures $2M from Google.org for STEM Education appeared first on Michigan Central.

Using AAIR’s shared infrastructure—including the rooftop launch pad at Newlab and the digital infrastructure provided by Airspace Link—Aerialoop operates a 1-mile round-trip drone route between Newlab at Michigan Central and The 23rd, a repurposed industrial site nearby that houses flexible production for emerging hardware companies. With clearance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the drone route files beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) from the roof of Newlab, above the adjacent railroad corridor. The Aerialoop drone transports lightweight small batch prototype parts which are manufactured at Newlab to support local assembly operations.

Aerialoop—a drone logistics company that has completed more than 40,000 cargo delivery flights globally—was attracted to Newlab at Michigan Central in Detroit and secured funding through Michigan’s Advanced Aerial Mobility Activation Fund that laid the foundation for the pilot. As a Newlab member, Aerialoop has received support with prototyping and aligning pilot requirements to Detroit’s mobility ecosystem, enabling the company to focus on drone operations, route logistics, and flight management. To date, Aerialoop has successfully completed more than 600 flights at Michigan Central carrying cargo between properties. In total, Aerialoop has traversed more than 360 miles—a distance that’s almost equivalent to flying nonstop from Detroit to Baltimore—without adding additional traffic and emissions to the neighboring community. The cargo delivery via drone has proved to be 5X more energy efficient than if transported by vehicle through the streets of the Corktown neighborhood.

“For Aerialoop, this pilot project has been an invaluable opportunity to demonstrate and integrate our technology into commercial airspace. Our highly capable and redundant drone system, combined with proprietary software, has been central to ensuring both the success and safety of operations,” said Jose Barzallo, Director of Operations at Aerialoop. “Highlighting not only the reliability of our platform but also its ability to operate at scale with high frequency operations. Equally important has been the seamless integration into the ecosystem created by our partners, which has made the path to flight faster and smoother. By leveraging the technology and systems within the Advanced Aerial Innovation Region, we have been able to operate to the highest safety standards.”

To ensure safety and coordination of flights, Airspace Link—a Detroit-founded FAA-approved UAS service supplier—provides the critical digital infrastructure that enables safe and compliant drone operations throughout the pilot. The company’s cloud-based AirHub® Portal platform serves as the command operations center for the drone deliveries, managing airspace coordination, flight planning, and regulatory compliance. By integrating with Michigan Central’s AAIR infrastructure, Airspace Link’s technology accelerates the FAA approval process and ensures that all flights follow established safety protocols while navigating Detroit’s urban environment. This partnership demonstrates how specialized digital infrastructure is essential for scaling drone logistics in complex urban settings.

“This pilot demonstrates the critical importance of robust digital infrastructure in enabling safe BVLOS operations in complex urban environments like Detroit,” said Michael Healander, CEO of Airspace Link. “Our AirHub® Portal platform provides the essential airspace awareness and drone operations management capabilities that allow multiple organizations to operate safely and compliantly in shared airspace. By integrating our B4UFLY safety checks and real-time situational awareness tools with Michigan Central’s AAIR infrastructure, we’re not just supporting this specific pilot—we’re proving that Detroit can serve as a model for how cities nationwide can embrace advanced aerial mobility while maintaining the highest safety standards.”

This pilot is the latest development within AAIR, an urban air testbed headquartered at Michigan Central, which supports projects that advance the state’s innovation economy while delivering real public and commercial value. The effort also represents a scalable, collaborative model for drone-based logistics—bringing together technology operators, manufacturers, site owners, and regulators to reduce friction in deploying advanced delivery systems.

“This pilot represents exactly what AAIR was built to enable—real-world application  of emerging aerial technology that solves practical, urban challenges,” said Matthew Whitaker, Director of Mobility Innovation Platforms at Michigan Central. “By harnessing the combined expertise, resources, and collaboration of the AAIR consortium, we’re demonstrating how industry, government, and innovators can work together to accelerate the future of aerial mobility.”

“Aerieloop has demonstrated impressive, scaled flight operations in South America but struggled to find the regulatory and startup environment in the U.S. to land their U.S. headquarters,” said Garrett Winther, Chief Product Officer at Newlab. “Michigan’s combination of first-of-a-kind infrastructure of AAIR, an aligned startup ecosystem at Newlab, and the region’s industrial concentration has given them a fast-track to piloting and scaling in the U.S.”

AAIR’s infrastructure and governance model set it apart from other drone testbeds by integrating the full spectrum of partners needed to move drone technology from concept to city-scale deployment. Newlab plays a central role in this ecosystem—designing the program framework, identifying, and onboarding startups like Aerialoop and Airspace Link, helping them test, refine, and scale pilot opportunities. Michigan Central’s shared-use facilities—including an Operations Center, the Launchpad at Newlab, and Scaled Launch Facility—are supported by Airspace Link’s digital airspace management tools. Additionally, AAIR recently launched a drone building inspection pilot with Lamarr.AI – A Vision Beyond What is Visible and the City of Detroit to identify opportunities for improved municipal building operations and energy efficiency.

For more information about AAIR and Michigan Central’s role in building Detroit’s aerial mobility ecosystem, visit Michigan Central .

About Michigan Central
Michigan Central is a 30-acre technology and cultural hub in Detroit, where leaders, thinkers, communities, and creators come together to accelerate bold ideas and technologies that shape our collective future. By providing access to world-class infrastructure, tools, and resources, Michigan Central inspires innovators and community members to collaborate on real, ground-breaking solutions to global problems. Since opening in April 2023, Michigan Central has grown into a diverse ecosystem of nearly 250 companies and startups working at the intersection of mobility, technology, and society. Learn more at Michigan Central .

About Newlab
Newlab is a venture platform for critical technology startups transforming core industrial sectors. We help startups commercialize faster by aligning Infrastructure, Commercialization Projects, and Capital in locations with strategic advantages. Newlab operates 3 innovation hubs globally and manages active pilot programming in additional regions. To date, Newlab has partnered with over 50 industry and government leaders and has supported its 400+ member companies in raising over $5.8B from venture capital firms, with over $2.3B of successful exits and a collective valuation of over $20B. Visit www.newlab.com to learn more.

About Aerialoop

Founded in 2018, Aerialoop is building the world’s first urban drone network to transform how cities move goods. With operations across multiple countries, Aerialoop is pioneering high-frequency, reliable, and sustainable air logistics that seamlessly integrate into daily urban life. Our Hardware-as-a-Service (HaaS) model empowers third-party operators to access advanced drone technology, while our city-scale networks demonstrate the future of instant, zero-emission delivery. To date, Aerialoop has completed thousands of commercial flights, enabling critical deliveries in healthcare, e-commerce, and logistics, and is expanding into the U.S. with projects in Michigan, Texas, and New York. Aerialoop is backed by global investors and industry partners, and is setting the foundation for a scalable aerial logistics infrastructure that redefines access and connectivity. Visit Home | Aerialoop | Drone Services to learn more.

About Airspace Link
Founded in Detroit in 2018, Airspace Link is at the forefront of enabling safe drone integration into national airspace and communities. As a SOC 2 compliant, ISO 27001-certified, FAA-approved UAS Service Supplier, Airspace Link’s cloud-based AirHub® Portal platform serves as the operations center for comprehensive drone management, providing essential digital infrastructure to support the growing drone industry. Airspace Link delivers drone integration support and services to state and local governments, federal organizations and military installations, corporate drone teams, and more than 100,000 individual recreational pilots. For more information about Airspace Link and our AirHub® Portal drone operations management system, visit Airspace Link

Download

Download

Download

Download

Download

The post Aerialoop Launches Cargo Drone Pilot to Support Urban Mobility Innovation and Local Manufacturing Efforts in Detroit appeared first on Michigan Central.

The organizations we have worked with over the past 3 months to nurture our future entrepreneurs and innovators:

• CODE{313}
• Engineering Society of Detroit
• Girls Who Code
• Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan
• Grand Valley State University’s TRIO Program
• JOURNi
• Lab Drawer
• Oakland University-Pontiac International Technology Academy
• Racquet Up Detroit
• The Detroit Writing Room
• UMOJA Debate League
• YouthTank

“We’re grateful our summer students had the opportunity to experience Michigan Central through the campus tours, Code 313 workshops, Founder Chats at Newlab, and seeing cutting-edge technology at work. Opportunities like these show our students how impactful the skills they’re building in our programs can be.” – Richard Grundy, CEO and Co-founder of JOURNi

Some highlights include various drone activities, Newlab Detroit tours and founder meetups, tours of The Station and workshops on the youth floor. By working closely with these organizations, we were able to tailor and deliver experiences with the goal of growing Detroit’s talent pipeline.

In addition, it also furthered the advancement of Michigan Central’s ecosystem, building connections between today’s and tomorrow’s workforce. For example, Michigan Central member and accelerator Femology had 5 of its founders participate in one of the curated sessions with the Engineering Society of Detroit, hosting a workshop for 35 girls that taught the foundations of being an entrepreneur.

“At Femology, we believe the entrepreneurial journey can start at any age. Partnering with the Engineering Society of Detroit through Michigan Central allowed our founders to share real-world lessons with young girls entering high school, sparking curiosity and confidence in their own ideas. Sometimes it only takes one interaction, one moment of connection to help nurture a girl’s journey as she begins to imagine her own future. These experiences open doors, showing what’s possible and planting the belief that she belongs in the rooms where innovation and leadership take place. That’s how we grow both tomorrow’s entrepreneurs and Michigan’s broader ecosystem.” – Meagan Ward, Founder of Femology

As the new school year starts, Michigan Central remains committed to developing talent and making sure the future built here provides opportunities for the Detroit community and region. There is much more to share over the next few weeks in this space, so stay tuned.

The post Our Commitment to Youth Talent Development: Summer 2025 Recap appeared first on Michigan Central.