This Week's Latest Tech News in Detroit, MI - Sunday April 20th 2025 Edition

Detroit’s tech sector in April 2025 reflects both momentum and ongoing transition, especially in clean energy. This month, new solar parks are breaking ground as part of DTE Energy’s push to help companies like Ford meet 100% renewable energy goals - an effort that’s expected to deliver 800 megawatts of solar capacity, enough to power more than 220,000 homes by mid-year (DTE Energy solar project update).

The city’s Neighborhood Solar Initiative is also repurposing 167 acres of vacant land, aiming to offset all municipal energy use with clean sources and provide home energy upgrades to nearby residents (Detroit Neighborhood Solar Initiative).

Meanwhile, Michigan’s broader decarbonization roadmap rolls forward with fresh funding for grid improvements and climate grants, supporting workforce growth and clean tech jobs (EGLE clean energy grants & jobs).

Amid these initiatives, local startups are still raising significant venture capital despite corporate layoffs, and community organizations continue to advocate for digital literacy and inclusion.

All of this points to Detroit embracing both opportunity and challenge as it builds a cleaner, more connected tech economy for the years ahead.

Detroit’s tech momentum in 2025 is clearly on display in clean mobility, especially with the launch of Grounded’s G2 all-electric RV and the beginning of their Michigan Earth Tour.

The G2, manufactured at Detroit’s Newlab Mobility Studio, stands out as the city’s blend of advanced technology, environmental focus, and manufacturing know-how.

Built on the BrightDrop Zevo 600 platform, the G2 delivers a 250-mile range from its 165 kWh battery, features a modular and customizable interior, and includes a 10 kWh house battery for onboard living needs.

The design incorporates up to 1kW rooftop solar and offers Starlink high-speed internet, rear heating and cooling, and DC fast charging that can add up to 170 miles of range in about an hour.

Owners can monitor and control energy usage using the Grounded+ mobile app, providing real-time insights and helping maximize efficiency. For a closer look at these features and design options, see the details on the Grounded electric camper page, or explore in-depth coverage at Green Car Reports.

This wave of innovation is supported by Michigan’s commitment to clean energy job growth and investment.

Policies like the MI Healthy Climate Plan aim to achieve economy-wide carbon neutrality, driving projections for over 167,000 clean energy jobs in Michigan within the next decade.

These gains come from sectors such as EV manufacturing, solar, wind, and smart grid technology, placing Michigan among the nation’s leaders in clean energy job creation.

Notable employers range from CMS Energy to DTE Energy, both recognized for their industry leadership. You can read more about Michigan’s clean energy sector and job outlook here.

As the G2 Earth Tour visits cities across the state, it highlights Detroit’s focus on sustainable mobility, collaborative R&D, and clean tech jobs.

Through new partnerships, adaptive design, and investment in the green workforce, Detroit is showing how legacy industries and new technologies can work together to create cleaner, smarter transportation for the future.

• Clean mobility momentum: Detroit showcases all-electric RV innovation with Grounded’s G2, blending advanced tech and sustainability.
• Major energy job growth: Michigan anticipates 167,000 new clean energy jobs with aggressive climate policies like the MI Healthy Climate Plan.
• Sustainable partnerships: The G2 Earth Tour spotlights Detroit’s collaboration in green tech and R&D investment for smarter transportation.

Main Sector	Key Employer	Innovation Highlight
Electric Vehicles	BrightDrop	Zevo 600 Platform
Renewable Energy	CMS Energy	Grid Modernization
Utilities	DTE Energy	Clean Energy Leadership

“Detroit is proving that legacy industries can drive the future of clean tech through collaboration and innovation.” – Daniel Lee

Wonder Woman Technology is making an impact in the national remote tech support market with the 2025 launch of its 24/7, all-American support service, staffed exclusively by U.S.-based technicians and headquartered in Detroit.

This approach not only ensures clarity and quick response times - average wait times are under five minutes at peak hours - but also addresses widespread consumer preference.

Surveys show 77% of Americans seek out locally based tech services, and over 80% would consider paying more for U.S.-based support.

Their team covers a broad range of needs, including:

• Computer optimization: They help with speeding up slow computers so users get better performance.
• Network connectivity: Their experts support users in reconnecting to the internet with ease.
• Device security: Staff assist in ensuring devices have enhanced security for users' protection.
• Smart home support: Technicians guide users through smart home setups with expertise.
• Data recovery: Assistance is provided for retrieving lost data from computers and devices.
• Malware removal: The service focuses on eliminating threats from users' devices efficiently.

The service is accessible nationwide by phone or online chat every day, including major holidays, making expertise available when and where users need it most (read more about their launch and consumer preferences). A key differentiator is Wonder Woman Technology’s nonprofit mission.

Revenue from their tech support service directly funds youth technology education in Detroit and beyond, powering scholarships, robotics kits for public schools, and mentorship programs.

Here are some highlights from their 2025 educational impact:

Program Element	Scope in 2025	Community Benefit
Coding Bootcamp Scholarships	120+ awarded	Expanding youth access to tech careers
Robotics Kits Supplied	30 city schools	Enhancing STEM education resources
Internships/Mentorships	200+ teens	Building professional skills early

According to founder Michael Wilson, bringing these support roles home creates local jobs, personal rapport in service, and reinvestment into Detroit’s future.

You can learn more about their business model and educational impact in their official press release (details on their US-based model and mission). Wonder Woman Technology shows how a Detroit-grown company can set new service standards and create real community value.

Their continued investment means every support interaction is reinvested into technical education and job opportunities for youth in underrepresented communities (more about their consumer impact and reach).

Detroit’s tech ecosystem showed notable resilience and dynamism in Q1 2025, as Metro Detroit and Southeast Michigan startups collectively raised $33 million in venture capital (VC) funding.

While this figure reflects a slight decrease from the $41 million secured region-wide in Q1 2024, local investment held steady despite national fundraising pressures and uncertainty linked to evolving tariff policies and economic volatility.

• Venture capital performance: The Detroit region’s startups raised $33 million in Q1 2025, marking a slight dip from $41 million in Q1 2024 but showing strength despite national slowdowns.
• Major deals: InvestNext secured $15 million in Series B funding, boosting its real estate investment platform and regulatory navigation, while Auto Hauler Exchange landed a $5 million Series A to accelerate vehicle logistics innovation.
• Sector diversification: Noble Gas Systems obtained $4.2 million for hydrogen storage technology and MH3D received $3.3 million for advanced medical imaging, reflecting Detroit’s commitment to cleantech and medtech expansion.
• Ann Arbor momentum: Strong activity continued nearby with AI chipmaker MemryX raising $44 million for the MX3 Edge AI Accelerator and cybersecurity startup PassiveBolt netting $6.2 million to enhance smart access technology.
• National context: Analysts at PitchBook warn of ongoing VC headwinds nationally, with more postponed IPOs and many startups preparing for down rounds as overall U.S. deal counts drop and mega-rounds become concentrated.
• Sustained local support: Detroit’s entrepreneurial scene is supported by robust local investors, notably Michigan Rise and Invest Detroit, providing stability amidst economic turbulence.

For a deeper dive into specific deals and funding trends, see Crain’s coverage of Q1 VC activity, read how TechCrunch breaks down national and local VC trends, or review the NVCA's global VC report for industry context.

Company	Funding Amount	Sector
InvestNext	$15M (Series B)	Real Estate Tech
Auto Hauler Exchange	$5M (Series A)	Logistics
Noble Gas Systems	$4.2M	Cleantech (Hydrogen Storage)
MH3D	$3.3M	MedTech (Imaging)
MemryX	$44M	AI Hardware
PassiveBolt	$6.2M	Cybersecurity/Smart Access

“Detroit’s Q1 momentum offers a steady foundation for aspiring founders looking to innovate across logistics, energy, and AI, even as broader economic currents remain unpredictable.” – Mary Davis

Michigan is positioning itself as a key player in the Midwest tech landscape, highlighted by plans for a substantial data center development on Toyota’s former 400-acre property in York Township near Ann Arbor.

The Sansone Group is negotiating to purchase this land - previously earmarked for Toyota’s R&D expansion but now viewed as a prime site for digital infrastructure.

While township approval is still required, the project underscores Southeast Michigan’s push toward accommodating the rising demand for cloud computing, AI, and high-capacity digital workloads.

The area’s proximity to the University of Michigan’s R&D hub and an upcoming $1.2 billion supercomputing facility stands to benefit startups, academic projects, and corporate partners working in fields like automotive innovation and life sciences.

• Tax Incentives: Michigan's new tax legislation offers exemptions for large data centers on equipment purchases through 2050 (with extensions to 2065 for brownfield sites). These incentives aim to attract high-investment projects, but prompt debate over environmental concerns and increased utility rates. Learn more at Planet Detroit coverage of Michigan's data center tax breaks.
• Development Context: The York Township property, previously farmland, exemplifies Michigan's growing appeal for data center development, attracting interest from companies like Microsoft and AI ventures. Read more at Crain’s Detroit Business.
• Future Opportunities: The data center initiative demonstrates how shifting industry demands and institutional partnerships are shaping Michigan's digital economy. Discover details in Crain’s Detroit's full report.

Data Center Investment	Economic Impact	Nearby R&D Synergy
Pending - large-scale private investment anticipated	Infrastructure upgrades; tax revenue potential; targeted job creation	Adjacent to UM research, future AI supercomputing facility

This project aims to leverage targeted tax relief, strategic site selection, and high-profile research partnerships to support Michigan’s tech ambitions while prompting important conversations about jobs, local revenue, and the environmental footprint of large-scale digital development.

Read further background and community perspectives at Planet Detroit, and follow updates as approval and groundbreaking advance.

Detroit’s tech community faced new challenges in April 2025 as General Motors confirmed it would temporarily lay off about 200 workers at Factory Zero, its flagship electric vehicle facility in Detroit-Hamtramck.

This decision is directly tied to a slowdown in demand for EVs rather than automation or tariff concerns, with GM adjusting production schedules to reflect shifting market dynamics.

The layoffs, which represent roughly 4% of Factory Zero’s workforce, primarily affect employees in the battery pack manufacturing division, and there’s no set date for their return.

Nationwide, tech and manufacturing layoffs continue to mount; more than 22,000 layoffs hit the tech sector in February 2025 alone, and other automakers such as Stellantis have also announced major cuts in the Detroit area in response to supply issues and policy changes.

Meanwhile, affected GM workers may qualify for subpay and benefits under the GM-UAW agreement, helping cushion the impact during this uncertain time. Consider these updated numbers:

• Factory Zero layoffs: Temporary layoffs of 200 workers in April primarily impact the battery production and support roles.
• US tech and auto layoffs (Q1 2025): February job cuts reached over 22,000, illustrating a national trend tracked by reports.
• Detroit job market: Local professionals face a changing landscape by navigating retraining and seeking new opportunities.

Company	Date	Jobs Lost
GM (Factory Zero)	Apr 2025	200
Stellantis	Apr 2025	900
XTech Corp.	Mar 2025	350

Comprehensive lists of tech layoffs illustrate how Detroit’s experience is part of a wider trend across the US. For more context on GM’s specific situation, details about the battery manufacturing layoffs and EV market shifts are available in this industry report.

Additionally, local news coverage has highlighted the direct impact on families and communities, reflecting the challenges of Detroit’s workforce during this transition (recent local news story).

Even with these setbacks, Detroit’s workers and leaders are focusing on resilience, adaptation, and future growth as the city navigates this period of change.

Detroit is strengthening its status as a Midwest hub for digital innovation with the arrival of the IGNITE 2025 event, organized by Info-Tech Research Group.

Unlike previous iterations, this year’s event is a focused, immersive, single-day conference held on May 7 at The Westin Book Cadillac, designed to bring together IT and business leaders from the region.

The agenda emphasizes IT transformation, exponential technology adoption, and the practical integration of AI, with sessions led by industry experts such as James Davis, Daniel Taylor, and Thomas Anderson from Info-Tech Research Group.

These speakers will address how organizations in Detroit and across industries can navigate rapid technological change, ensure AI readiness, and align IT strategy with shifting business goals.

For more details on the event format, featured speakers, and registration, check the official Info-Tech press release.

Event attendees can expect in-depth discussions on topics such as AI-driven innovation for productivity and risk management, readiness for exponential IT, and improving IT capabilities in cybersecurity and governance.

Interactive sessions and panels will also include Detroit-specific case studies and peer-driven conversations about lessons learned in modern IT leadership. To view the full agenda and explore other regional IGNITE events, visit the official Info-Tech Events page.

• AI-driven innovation: The central theme is the increasing importance of AI in enhancing productivity and managing risk in organizations.
• Exponential IT readiness: Being prepared for rapid technological advances is essential for long-term business growth.
• Cybersecurity and governance: Companies must continuously improve IT capabilities to safeguard operations and ensure compliance.
• Peer-driven leadership insights: Sharing Detroit-specific case studies and experiences helps local leaders navigate modern IT challenges.

Recent updates from Info-Tech highlight the central role of leadership adaptation as generative AI and new technologies reshape organizations.

The IGNITE series aims to equip Detroit’s IT leaders with actionable tools and real-world strategies to keep pace with these changes, drawing on research-backed guidance and practical insights.

Find more background and learn how the conference series brings the flagship Info-Tech LIVE experience to local audiences by reading the latest coverage about the IGNITE 2025 series.

IGNITE 2025 is designed to give Detroit's technology leaders immediate, actionable insights - ensuring they can drive both innovation and resilience in the Midwest's evolving tech landscape.

With its targeted sessions, networking opportunities, and focus on enabling both innovation and resilience, IGNITE 2025 is helping Detroit’s tech community prepare for the future of IT and business leadership.

Detroit’s education landscape made headlines in April 2025 when Richard Thomas, masonry instructor and program manager at Randolph Career and Technical Center, was named one of five inaugural recipients of the Carhartt Steel Apple Award.

This national award recognizes educators who go above and beyond for their students in skilled trades, providing $10,000 for classroom resources and a tailored workwear package.

Thomas, who has taught for over 25 years, was celebrated for his dedication to teaching practical skills and his ongoing mentorship, helping countless students access real-world career opportunities in industries critical to Detroit’s growth.

In his words, “This recognition has been a real blessing for me and my students, and I look forward to using the $10K prize money to purchase new tools and classroom equipment for our students to use as they train for a career in masonry.”

(Michigan Chronicle).

This honor was part of Carhartt’s new $150,000 commitment to skilled trades education, including a $100,000 grant to the National Center for Construction Education & Research to expand CTE programs nationwide (Carhartt Press Release).

Thomas’s award reflects both his personal impact and Detroit’s growing momentum in CTE: the city reports rising enrollment, more hands-on learning, and expanding public-private partnerships.

• Rising enrollment: Detroit CTE programs have seen a steady increase in students, signaling renewed interest in hands-on technical education.
• Expanding partnerships: Public-private collaborations are bringing more resources and opportunities directly to classrooms.
• Student recognition: Students in Thomas’s program received new gear, highlighting the pride and commitment found in skilled trades pathways.
• Influential leadership: Leaders like Thomas are shaping lucrative, in-demand career paths for Detroit’s youth in both tech and skilled trades.

For more on the award and Thomas’s journey as an educator shaping Detroit’s future workforce, check out the district’s spotlight on his achievements (Randolph Career and Technical Center).

Detroit’s blend of historic preservation and urban innovation shines in the work of architect and principal Mary Jackson of McIntosh Poris Architects.

The firm’s approach centers on giving new purpose to Detroit’s iconic buildings, having led projects like the large-scale redevelopment of Fisher Body Plant and the Park Shelton’s restoration, along with transforming landmark spaces into new hubs for housing, culture, and business.

Jackson’s vision builds on Detroit’s design legacy - her family has deep automotive roots, and she channels that history into each project, balancing respect for the past with the city’s need for functional spaces.

The firm’s work in adaptive reuse doesn’t just preserve history; it actively addresses the city’s urgent affordable housing needs. Recent years have featured projects such as the conversion of the Park Shelton into condos and the transformation of the historic Garden Theater into an event space, exemplifying this philosophy (read more about these efforts).

Detroit’s citywide adaptive reuse strategy, highlighted by policies requiring developers to set aside a percentage of affordable units in major projects, reflects the growing trend toward converting vacant, historic, or industrial spaces into residential uses - often with mixed-income requirements.

Notable examples include the Fisher 21 Lofts, a $134 million adaptive reuse of the Fisher Body 21 building, led by African American developers and supported by city and philanthropic initiatives.

Such projects benefit from streamlined local ordinances and a network of engaged residents and organizations, which is crucial for overcoming typical barriers to adaptive reuse (learn how adaptive reuse is shaping affordable housing).

Jackson’s portfolio further extends to award-winning projects like the Assembly, DuCharme Place Apartments, and Prime + Proper restaurant. Her design philosophy involves listening first and ensuring each building serves community needs - be it affordable housing, educational centers, or new business hubs.

The firm’s legacy, started by founders Michael Poris and Douglas McIntosh, remains rooted in saving and repurposing Detroit’s architectural icons for a modern audience.

With these strategies and policies, Detroit’s approach to historic preservation continues to foster both vibrant neighborhoods and economic growth (more on the firm’s impact and philosophy).

Big news for University of Michigan athletics fans: starting with the 2025 football season, Michigan has finalized a multi-year broadcast agreement with Beasley Media Group, making 94.7 WCSX-FM the new flagship station for all football, men’s basketball, and hockey games in Detroit.

In addition, select women’s basketball games will air on 105.1 The Bounce (WMGC-FM), further broadening coverage. The deal, overseen by Learfield’s Michigan Sports Properties, marks the first time Detroit listeners can catch these games live on a dedicated regional FM signal, building a direct bridge not only with alumni but also with the local sports community.

Doug Karsch and Jon Jansen, familiar voices for Michigan football fans, will continue in their play-by-play roles, providing consistent and expert coverage of the Wolverines’ season.

The agreement also promises content that goes beyond traditional play-by-play, like exclusive interviews, coaches’ shows, and expanded digital features - fans can expect in-depth weekly spotlights and behind-the-scenes stories spanning the athletic department.

Fans tuning in to the new flagship stations will benefit from increased signal strength and modernized listener experiences, with Beasley’s broadcast reach expanding across Southeast Michigan.

The arrangement replaces previous coverage on AM stations and is part of a broader effort to enhance both on-air and digital engagement. As part of the rollout, expect regular audio features, access to exclusive athletic content, and the option to follow the Wolverines through on-site, online, and on-air platforms.

These improvements aim to strengthen UM’s connection with its passionate base in metro Detroit and across the state. As described by Michigan Sports Properties and Beasley management, this collaboration is about

"amplifying the voices of student-athletes and coaches,"

while providing easier access for fans to stay updated on every UM play and highlight.

For more on the partnership and its digital expansion, visit MLive’s coverage, check the full announcement from Athletic Business, or read more details at Radio Ink.

• Dedicated FM coverage: Detroit now has a regional FM signal dedicated to University of Michigan athletics, enhancing fans' access to live broadcasts.
• Expanded content: In addition to game broadcasts, fans will receive exclusive interviews and digital features for deeper coverage.
• Improved engagement: The deal focuses on strengthening connections between the athletic department and fans through modernized platforms.

Station	Coverage Type	Main Contact
94.7 WCSX-FM	Football, Men’s Basketball, Hockey	Karen Johnson
105.1 WMGC-FM (The Bounce)	Select Women’s Basketball	Susan Martinez

Detroit’s tech scene in April 2025 is evolving through a blend of community investment, expanded educational opportunities, and corporate and policy efforts pushing the city forward.

The Detroit Public Schools Foundation continues to deepen its local impact with initiatives such as a $1 million donation from the Joel Landy Foundation, which is expanding the district’s automotive career training programs and helping students prepare for in-demand jobs in Detroit’s key industries (learn more about DPSCD Foundation programs).

Across Detroit Public Schools, scholarship funding reached a historic $250,000 this year through the Foundation, directly enabling more students to attend top colleges, pursue fields like STEAM, and gain work-based learning experience (see details on scholarships here).

Foundation-backed efforts also include the new Perfect Attendance Pays initiative - compensating high schoolers with up to $1,000 for consistent attendance, while also addressing barriers like mental health and transportation through community health hubs (learn how DPSCD supports attendance and well-being here).

• Community investment: Detroit receives significant funding and community-driven initiatives to support student education and skills development.
• Educational opportunities: Programs like scholarships and perfect attendance compensation are broadening access for local youth to gain valuable learning experiences.
• Facility expansion: Organizations, including Newlab Detroit, are increasing startup and tech workspace, fueling innovation throughout the city.
• Policy and equity focus: The tech community supports new policy changes and infrastructure investments that promote digital equity and access.

Main Area	Key Update	Impact
Education	$250,000 in scholarships	Enables more students to pursue higher education and STEAM careers
Facilities	Startup/coworking space up 22%	More opportunities for innovation and collaboration
Policy	Support for “smart growth” and digital infrastructure grants	Bridges digital divide, promotes equity

“These collective efforts highlight a movement toward greater equity, access, and growth, positioning the city to empower both current and future talent as Detroit’s digital economy grows.” - Barbara Hernandez

Detroit’s tech ecosystem in April 2025 sits at an important intersection of transformation and uncertainty. While projections around clean energy jobs remain promising, with efforts set to create more than 160,000 positions by 2030, Detroit’s broader tech outlook has expanded significantly.

The city is quickly emerging as a genuine innovation hub, adding about 8,000 new tech jobs annually, thanks not only to startups, but also to major players like GM, Ford, and Rocket Mortgage focusing on roles in cloud architecture, cybersecurity, and AI - with salaries ranging from $110,230 to $155,000 yearly.

Still, workforce volatility persists, as national tech layoffs surpass 60,000 this year, and local employers are stressing the need for both hard skills and adaptability (Detroit’s in-demand tech jobs).

Educational opportunities are improving career resilience.

Metro Detroit is investing in hands-on upskilling through technical institutes and flexible bootcamps, as well as targeted K-12 STEM initiatives. Programs like Black Tech Saturdays are building diverse community support and networks to address the persistent challenge of retaining in-state talent - including the 45% of Michigan STEM grads who typically leave within two years (Detroit Policy Conference on innovation).

Local partnerships between universities, civic organizations, and industry now help ensure both exposure to new technology and approachable career pathways.

• Upskilling programs have expanded, offering more Detroiters the chance to transition into tech careers.
• Community initiatives like Black Tech Saturdays strengthen representation and local networks in technology fields.
• Retention boosts are being targeted by partnerships that keep Michigan graduates working in the state.

Infrastructure investments are accelerating Detroit’s tech momentum.

The region is benefiting from large-scale R&D spending and new campuses, as well as growing innovation corridors connecting Detroit and Ann Arbor. At Michigan Central, 135+ companies - including startups and academic groups - are cultivating cross-sector collaboration, while regional tech events create a forum for sharing strategies and building connections (Driving Innovation at the 2025 Detroit Policy Conference).

Investment Area	Key Developments	Stakeholder
R&D Spending	More labs, focus on AI & automotive tech	Michael Harris
Innovation Corridors	Link Detroit and Ann Arbor with emerging tech hubs	Jessica Smith
Regional Events	Host networking & knowledge-sharing forums	Daniel Wilson

Whether through mentorship, community-centered tech meetups, or expanded training options, Detroit’s story in 2025 is as much about resilience and access as it is about rapid innovation and economic growth.

Across these trends, Detroit’s emphasis on nurturing an inclusive, adaptable community remains key.