Past Events

  • WWJ Business Breakfast: The New Auto and Michigan’s Place in the 21st Century Auto Industry
    Thursday, June 14, 2012
    A panel of automotive industry, economic and university experts will discuss what’s being referred to as “the new auto,” and how the talent pipeline and cutting-edge innovation happening at our top research institutions can move our state’s economy and the industry forward.
    More information »

  • MSU Council of Graduate Students Graduate Academic Conference (GAC)
    Friday, March 30, 2012, 11am – 7pm
    The GAC is a forum for graduate and professional students to present their academic work to the larger MSU community and a network of peers from the University of Michigan (U of M) and Wayne State University (WSU).
    More information »

  • Join in the excitement of the 2nd annual Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition
    November 15-17, 2011, Ypsilanti Eagle Crest Marriot
    Connect with investment, business and entrepreneur communities at the Midwest's premiere million-dollar business competition. More than 40 angel and venture investors confirmed to participate onsite.
    More information »

  • MichAGAIN Career Opportunities
    November 15, 2011, Loft Bar and Bistro in San Jose, CA
    The Michigan Economic Development Corporation invites you to rediscover the bright future awaiting you during the next MichAGAIN Career Opportunity event. Connect with employers that are hiring and mingle with fellow Michigan alumni as you hear the latest buzz about our great state.

  • Great Lakes International Trade and Transport Hub Summit
    Developing An Action Agenda
    October 16 - 18, Kellog Center, East Lansing
    The summit is planned as a benchmark event coinciding with Michigan's "Infrastructure Month." It is an opportunity to contribute and gain information about the action steps that are needed to accelerate the export economy involving the U.S. Midwest and Canada. Your voice will be heard as the summit moves to:
    • Discover ways to leverage regional assets that will accelerate bi-national economic development and job creation activity that will amplify Great Lakes trade
    • Identify security, regulatory, and infrastructure barriers to business growth and trade markets
    • Build an action agenda for using our regional assets and breaking down identified barriers to invigorate economic development and job creation
    Information shared during the summit will contribute to a business plan for advancing the Canada-US Midwest Trade Corridor.

  • The Battery Show
    October 25-27, 2011 Rock Financial Showplace at Novi, Michigan
    Focused on advanced battery technology, the global battery industry will have an unrivalled opportunity to meet with battery buyers, designers, scientists and technicians from automotive OEM's, electric utilities, portable electronics manufacturers, leading university researchers, as well as State and Federal Government.
  • MI H2Objective Conference: Research Shaping Michigan's Water Future
    September 29‐30, 2011, Wayne State University
    This two day conference aims to connect scientists, researchers, and community leaders working in academia, industry, and government from across the state of Michigan to explore water research at the interface of Water and the Landscape, Water and Health, and Water and Energy. The future of Michigan's water resources will be discussed through cross-cutting themes of technology, climate change, and sustainability.

  • The University Research Corridor Presidents: Creating a Dynamic 21st Century Business Model for Economic Recovery
    October 4, 2011, Westin Book Cadillac, Detroit
    The three URC partners – the University of Michigan, Michigan State and Wayne State – generate a massive net economic impact totaling $14.8 billion to Michigan’s economy. Come join the three university presidents on October 4th at the Westin Book Cadillac as they discuss the role of higher education and how business can take advantage of the URC’s top talent and research facilities to create new business opportunities and spur job creation and growth in Michigan.

  • BIO International Convention
    June 27-30, 2011 Washington, D.C.
    The BIO International Convention is the largest global event for the biotechnology industry and attracts the biggest names in biotech, offers key networking and partnering opportunities, and provides insights and inspiration on the major trends affecting the industry. The three University Research Corridor universities are partnering with MichBio and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to exhibit and host an event at the conference.

  • Detroit to host Summit on Transforming Transportation: Economies and Communities, April 7th-9th
    Transforming Transportation: Economies and Communities Summit April 7 – 9, 2011, Westin Book Cadillac Hotel, Detroit, Michigan

    The Summit will advance knowledge, systems, and solutions that can transform the future of transportation and revitalize economies and communities in Michigan and beyond. The program will combine high level plenary sessions with focused, collaborative working sessions, an open poster session. The agenda will include six innovation strands:
    • Sustainability, climate change, and energy efficiency
    • Rail and supply chain management
    • Safety, national security, and resilience related to movement of people and goods
    • Emerging new mobility enterprises and employment trends and opportunities
    • Organized labor and the future of transport
    • Values, culture, and social science of our transportation choices and systems
    More information

  • URC to host Symposium on Sustainable Communities at MSU, April 14th
    URC Sustainable Communities Symposium. April 14, 2011, James B. Henry Center at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI

    As part of the University Research Corridor sponsored symposium series, the symposium objective is to foster sustainable and livable communities for Michigan residents and hence support a more vibrant Michigan economy. The symposium will bring together researchers from Michigan State University, the University of Michigan, Wayne State University as well as other leading Michigan scholars, practitioners, and research funders to assess urban revitalization approaches. Four primary substantive themes will serve to frame the discussion for this one-day conference:
    • Physical and Environmental Issues
    • Cultural and Social Issues
    • Financial Issues
    • Governance and Service Provision
    To register for the conference, please contact Kate Durkee at durkeeka@msu.edu.

  • TechTown to host the Xconomy Forum: Michigan 2031, April 14th
    Xconomy Forum: Michigan 2031, April 14th at TechTown

    What will the Michigan innovation, life sciences, clean energy, transportation, and information technology landscape look like 20 years from now? Will the area have emerged as an even bigger player in university and corporate research, or a major factor at all in areas like venture financing and entrepreneurial activity—and, if so, in what fields? This forum is assembling a select group of innovators and visionaries for an intimate conversation about these and other key questions about the long-term future of Michigan’s innovation scene.

    Registration & Networking: 4:45 - 5:30 pm
    Program: 5:30 – 7:00 pm
    Networking reception: 7:00 - 8:00 pm

    More information

  • Revitalizing Innovation in Michigan for Clean Energy Manufacturing, University of Michigan, April 21st and 22nd
    The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Energy Institute, and the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and the Environment are organizing this event to explore of Michigan’s emerging clean energy industry. The event will feature energy researchers and students, as well as business and political leaders who will discuss ways to:
    • Cultivate research and development for advanced manufacturing in the clean energy field
    • Create new strategies for the university community to accelerate commercialization of new discoveries in clean energy technology
    • Build private sector funding streams to nurture innovative clean energy research and manufacturing
    • Nurture an entrepreneurial culture in clean energy technology.
    Register for the event at https://www.engin.umich.edu/form/doe2011

    Visit this link for additional information or contact Bruno Vanzieleghem at brunov@umich.edu or 734-764-9981.

  • Presidents mapped out Michigan’s transformation, new businesses and jobs
    The presidents of the University Research Corridor institutions and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. shared a stage in Novi Monday, March 21 to map out emerging business and job growth prospects at a business breakfast co-hosted by the URC and WWJ Newsradio 950.

    The interactive panel discussion took place at the Sheraton Detroit Novi Hotel. The discussion, moderated by WWJ Technology Editor Matt Roush, featured: University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman, MEDC President and CEO Michael A. Finney, Wayne State University President Allan Gilmour and Michigan State University President Lou Anna Simon. Read more...

  • Midwestern Higher Education Compact's 6th Annual Policy Summit
    November 15-16, 2010
    Restore, Revitalize, Renew: Higher Education's Role in the Economic Transformation of Communities
    The summit demonstrated examples of community development and community transformation resulting from partnerships between higher education institutions, business and industry, government, and community agencies.

  • Knowledge Economy Rountable Forum
    Nov. 18, 2010
    Business Review hosted its annual Knowledge Economy roundtable forum in downtown Grand Rapids. The event focused on Michigan's transition to a knowledge economy and begins with a panel discussion on how well West Michigan fosters innovation. Roundtable discussions followed the panel.
  • World Stem Cell Summit in Detroit
    Co-hosted by the University Research Corridor
    http://www.worldstemcellsummit.com/

  • Experts to discuss how innovation can jump start Michigan's economy
    University Research Corridor and WWJ Newsradio 950 will gather leading innovators at the Michigan State University Management Center in Troy on Thursday, April 29.

  • U-M/MSU/WSU presidents and URC director lay out goals
    February 5, 2010
    University Research Corridor presidents and URC Executive Director will lay out their goals for 2010 during an informal conversation with the media Feb. 5 at the new URC headquarters.

  • University Research Corridor Environmental Health Sciences Conference
    January 20, 2010
    Wayne State University will host a conference in partnership with the University Research Corridor on environmental health sciences. The conference will feature Dr. Linda Birnbaum, director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences of the NIH. Audiences: Current graduate students and faculty. Cost: Free.

  • NIH Comes to Michigan
    Wednesday, November 11, 2009
    Co-hosted by: Michigan's University Research Corridor, BioArbor and Biotechnology Business Consultants

  • U-M Ross School of Business Net Impact Conference, "Michigan's Workforce and the Changing Economy"
    Oct. 15-16, 2009
    URC Executive Director Jeff Mason is a speaker.

  • University Economic Development Association meeting in San Antonio, Texas
    URC Executive Director Jeff Mason spoke on "Economic Transformation through University-Business Partnership: The Michigan Model" along with Doug Rothwell, President & CEO of Business Leaders for Michigan.

  • Midwest Governors Association Conference in Detroit
    October 6-7, 2009
    URC Executive Director Jeff Mason, U-M President Mary Sue Coleman and MSU President Lou Anna Simon each moderated panel discussions related to developing green jobs.

  • Speaking at the University Economic Development Association meeting
    October 12, 2009
    in San Antonio, Texas on: Economic Transformation through University-Business Partnership: The Michigan Model, along with Doug Rothwell

  • The National Summit: A Gathering to Define America’s Future
    June 15-17, 2009 at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center.

    This unique national conversation, convened by the Detroit Economic Club with the University Research Corridor serving as a key sponsor, will engage prominent leaders and participants in debate and dialogue on four issues of vital importance to America’s future in a global economy: technology, energy, environment, and manufacturing.

    The objective of The National Summit is to develop a list of “Must Do” policy actions in each of the four areas to bring attention to actions that will improve America’s ability to compete for generations to come. Participants will have direct access to America’s top business, government and academic leaders and a voice in shaping the outcome of the discussions. Each of the three URC  presidents will speak during the summit.

  • From Ideas to Innovation Symposium
    June 9, 2009, 7-8:30 p.m., Ann Arbor District Library.

    In partnership with the Ann Arbor District Library, the Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research will co-host an interactive exploration about turning ideas into innovation with University of Michigan faculty and students. Developing new medical technologies to improve health and health services does not happen automatically. It takes an idea and the commitment of an interdisciplinary team to make it happen. Join us at this fascinating symposium to hear how innovative solutions can happen — and how they make a difference.

    The symposium will take place from 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, at the Ann Arbor District Library, at 343 West Fifth Street, featuring James Geiger, M.D. Geiger is executive director of the Medical Innovation Center at the University of Michigan. His research interests include immunotherapy of cancer and the development of novel medical devices. He is board certified in pediatric surgery, general surgery, and surgical critical care. Dr. Geiger will be joined by the 2008/2009 class of innovation fellows. For more information, call 734-998-7309. This event is open and free to the public — so please feel free to share this event broadly with your friends and colleagues.

  • Forum promotes economic innovation, partnerships
    May 11, 2009: The University of Michigan is reaching out as it delves into a new kind of manufacturing — welding knowledge-based innovation with partnerships that can yield seismic economic impact. On Monday, U-M hosted 300 people from business, industry and state government to exchange ideas about how the university can leverage its research and development expertise to strengthen local, state and national economies and keep its graduates in Michigan.

  • WWJ, URC offer program on job growth in energy, life sciences
    April 22, MSU Management Education Center. WWJ Newsradio 950 and the University Research Corridor will present “Sectors of Promise for the Michigan Economy: Life Science and Energy,” a free morning business conference. The event will be held at the Michigan State University Management Education Center, 811 W. Square Lake Road in Troy. It begins with registration and continental breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and the program from 8:30 to noon. Learn more about Sectors of Promise.

    Experts to review sectors of promise for state’s economy
    4/22/2009

  • Michigan’s Transition to a Knowledge-based Economy
    April 14, 2009, 11 a.m. Tuesday, U-M Detroit Center. Michigan Future, joined by representatives of business, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University, will release “Michigan’s Transition to a Knowledge-Based Economy: Second Annual Progress Report.” Lou Glazer, President of Michigan Future, and co-author and researcher Don Grimes, senior research specialist at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Research on Labor, Employment, and the Economy, will discuss their new report detailing the impact the current national recession has had on Michigan’s transition to a knowledge-based economy.

  • Panel Discussion: Michigan’s Economy in 2009 and Beyond
    February 9, 2009, 4:00 - 5:30 pm, University of Michigan, Annenberg Auditorium, Ann Arbor

  • RX for Michigan
    February 7, 2009: URC Presidents Mary Sue Coleman, Jay Noren and Lou Ann Simon are featured in the news documentary “RX for Michigan: Is healthcare the prescription for what ails Michigan’s economy?”

  • Nanotechnology in the Health Sciences
    December 3-4, 2008, University of Michigan Henderson Room, Michigan League

  • The Michigan Business Review Innovation Experience
    September 17, 2008, 10:30 am - 2 pm, Eastern Michigan University Convocation Center

    Friedman calls for bold action, Energy Technology revolution
    9/22/08

  • Developing a Regional View of the Midwest Economy: Breaking Down Barriers That Impede Regional Progress
    A conference involving the CIC universities and the Minneapolis Federal Reserve
    June 26-27, 2008, Federal Reserve Bank, Minneapolis

  • Embracing A Green Michigan: Carbon Culture At The Crossroads
    A half day business conference highlighting the work that’s being done in Michigan to develop new technologies and new thinking about the energy and environment.
    April 22, 2008, Wayne State University, Community Arts Auditorium
    Conference presentations can be viewed online

  • The Role of Engaged Universities in Economic Transformation
    A Regional Conference based on the National Academies Study,
    "Rising Above the Gathering Storm".
    October 15-16, 2007, Rackham Auditorium, University of Michigan
    CONFERENCE REPORT
    Conference presentations can be viewed online
    Day 1 | Day 2