Wayne State University wins top national prize for innovation and economic engagement

Association of Public and Land-grant Universities Salutes Wayne State's National Leadership in Fueling Innovation at 12^th Annual Innovation and Economic Prosperity Awards

The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) has awarded Wayne State University with its Innovation and Economic Engagement Connections Award, the top prize from its 12th annual Innovation and Economic Prosperity (IEP) Awards competition.

The prestigious award - presented to university leadership Nov. 12 at the APLU annual conference in Orlando - is given for exemplary overall economic engagement and the demonstration that the institution is linking, leveraging and connecting across all three IEP award categories of Talent, Innovation and Place. Judges select a Connections Award winner by identifying a submission that transcends submission categories and demonstrates connections between and among at least two of the categories.

"We are honored to receive the APLU's Innovation and Economic Engagement Connections Award. This honor recognizes our impact in preparing tomorrow's workforce to succeed, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, and propelling Metro Detroit's competitiveness to benefit our state" said Wayne State President Dr. Kimberly Andrews Espy. "It affirms our national leadership in supporting our faculty researchers, students, and partners to drive a thriving community, central to Wayne State's Prosperity Agenda."

Receiving the APLU's top IEP award is a first for Wayne State and adds to the APLU awards the university received in 2018 (Project Degree Completion Award) and 2019 (IEP Talent Award).

Wayne State University contributes $2.75 billion in annual economic impact to Michigan and is Detroit's 11th largest employer. Of its 300,000 alumni, 80% continue to live and work in Michigan following graduation. In TechTown's 20-year history, the university's nonprofit entrepreneurship hub has raised more than $408 million in startup and growth capital and created more than 2,346 jobs. In 2023 alone, TechTown supported 1,059 entrepreneurs from all backgrounds, where 80% identify as persons of color (63% as Black/African American) and 65% identify as women.

To be eligible for an IEP award, an institution must earn the IEP university designation from APLU, which recognizes institutional commitment to regional economic development. Ninety institutions have been named IEP Universities since the program was launched in 2013. Wayne State was first recognized as an IEP university in 2014, reflecting its significant, sustainable and campus-wide commitment to economic engagement.

"Wayne State has always been dedicated to driving innovation and economic growth that uplifts our entire community, especially in underserved neighborhoods across Detroit," said Ned Staebler, WSU's vice president for economic development and president and CEO of TechTown. "From supporting entrepreneurs from all backgrounds to advancing research that addresses real-world challenges, we're committed to making a difference where it matters most. This mission to create economic opportunities for all and to foster resilient communities has always been at the core of Wayne State's work in Detroit, and it's a privilege to see that legacy continue to grow."

This year's other IEP university award winners are The University of New Mexico, The University of Texas at San Antonio and East Carolina University.

"Public universities are major drivers of economic growth through their talent development, innovation and community development efforts," said APLU President Mark Becker. "We're pleased to recognize institutions that have made a remarkable impact on their community, states, nation and beyond in these critical areas."