When businesses begin the process of identifying where to invest, expand or relocate, they have 50 states to choose from.
Michigan, known for putting the world on wheels, has established itself as a top choice for companies focused on innovation. The Great Lakes State has a mantra: Whether you’re a business leader looking to grow or an innovator with an idea, you can “Make It in Michigan.” This is made possible by Michigan’s business ecosystem, bolstered by workforce development prowess, a startup-friendly environment and a commitment toward sustainability, which have helped the state receive the attention (and investment) of tech companies.
When businesses begin the process of deciding where to invest or expand, the first questions they may consider are “How many qualified people can we hire, and how fast can we hire them?” For Michigan, the answer is easy. Here, tech companies have access to an eager and equipped workforce able to research, develop and create next-level innovations. The state is also home to the highest concentration of engineers in the country, with a high-quality talent pipeline coming out of the state’s top universities, including University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Wayne State University. These universities have partnered to create the University Research Corridor – a higher education cluster focused on talent development, academic research and economic advancement. The state’s economic development arm, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), further supports this investment with the Talent Action Team, which was recently recognized as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies. With the ideal blend of higher education institutions, a qualified workforce and organizations focused on talent development, Michigan is serving up the workforce to support any inquiring company or startup.
For tech startups, a business-friendly environment focused on innovation is imperative to success, growth and sustainability.
The MEDC’s Entrepreneurship & Innovation initiative has helped high-tech startups and entrepreneurs navigate every step of the process, from initial funding through grants and programs to research and development assistance and late-stage growth planning. Since 2011, over 9,000 tech companies have taken advantage of these support services, launching 1,323 new businesses and securing a staggering 2,221 new patents. In fact, Michigan ranks No. 6 in the nation for patents awarded. Across the state, you’ll find cities that embody innovation, like Detroit, which ranked No. 3 in Startup Genome’s 2023 Emerging Startup Ecosystem rankings, or smaller communities like Traverse City, whose 20Fathoms tech startup incubator supports the region’s tech professionals and entrepreneurs. No matter where your startup sets up shop, you’re close to support, funding and an interconnected network of like-minded innovators.
While companies across all industries can find success in Michigan, the state’s forward-thinking approach to climate change has gained notable attention and investment from businesses focused on sustainability and clean technology.
This approach starts at the top. The State of Michigan has passed legislation and developed strategies focused on aggressively combatting climate change. This is outlined in the MI Healthy Climate Plan, which was unveiled in 2022 to share key strategies alongside the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. Since then, Michigan has made major strides in these efforts, even moving the goal forward to have these zero-emission standards in place by 2035. As a result, the industry has and continues to grow across the state. In the 2023 Clean Jobs America report, Michigan leads Midwest region in number of clean energy workers. Nel Hydrogen, a Norwegian-based hydrogen company focused on creating renewable energy solutions, made a $400 million investment in Michigan last year to build a new automated gigawatt electrolyser manufacturing facility. This and other clean energy companies, such as EV battery manufacturer Fortescue, that have invested in Michigan are only the beginning. As the fight against climate change wages on, the importance of clean tech companies – and the locations where their businesses can thrive – will only increase.
In communities across Michigan, you’ll find top tech companies investing in the state and finding success.
KLA, a leader in semiconductor development, built its R&D research center in Ann Arbor in 2018. The organization credited Ann Arbor’s rich talent base, affordable cost of living and proximity to mobility companies as a key reason for the decision. Similarly, LG Energy Solution continues to expand its Holland battery plant, including a $3 billion investment in October 2023. Italy-based Tecnoform, an upscale recreational vehicle furnishing company, made a major move last year when it relocated its North American headquarters to Grand Rapids. All of these investments and more are thanks to the state’s business environment and ecosystem, supported by legislation like the CHIPS Act, Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which remove barriers and provide incentives for companies to invest, expand and create good-paying jobs in communities across the state.
Simply put, Michigan is where America’s most innovative companies are shaping the future.
Here, innovators are empowered, supported and equipped to achieve their ambitions, whether they are a one-person startup or a global industry leader. The business ecosystem leans into Michigan’s strengths, such as its robust business environment, workforce and focus on clean energy, all reinforced by a unified effort from the legislature, economic development organizations and partners. A history of innovation is on the side of the Great Lakes State, and businesses are seeing firsthand what it means to “Make It in Michigan.”
