Wayne State University launches WSU OPEN to speed and simplify external partnerships, names Michigan Central as first partner

• New initiative provides external partners with a single, responsive digital entry point to develop impactful partnerships with WSU
  
• WSU and Michigan Central debut a first-of-its-kind partnership to elevate talent, resources and innovation

DETROIT - Wayne State University (WSU) today launched WSU OPEN, a groundbreaking new initiative aimed at streamlining and expanding partnerships between the university and corporations, nonprofits and governmental organizations. WSU OPEN (Opportunity, Partnership, Engagement, Network) provides a single gateway to the university's expertise, research, talent and resources. Its concierge-style service offers facilitated access to advanced research facilities, industry-specific expertise and workforce development programs tailored to meet partners' needs. All inquiries will receive a response within 24 business hours.

WSU OPEN supports a wide range of potential partnerships, from sponsored research projects and collaborative innovation to internships, co-ops and career pipelines linking student and faculty talents with industry leaders. These connections will foster partnerships that advance innovation, entrepreneurship and community engagement while benefiting students, faculty and staff through new opportunities across the private and public sectors.

"WSU OPEN is our 'open for business' sign," said Dr. Kimberly Andrews Espy, Wayne State University President. "By simplifying the ability for businesses and other organizations to work with us, we provide them with rapid access to exceptional talent, knowledge and resources while creating valuable and unique opportunities for our students, faculty and staff. Whether through tailored research, custom training programs or hands-on student experiences, WSU OPEN is about building long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships that advance our community."

WSU OPEN aligns with the university's Prosperity Agenda, specifically its commitment to fuel innovation to propel Michigan's competitiveness in the 21st century economy. With support from TechTown Detroit - WSU's entrepreneurship hub - and through cultivating a campus that is open for business, the university will deliver solutions to urban challenges while building a stronger, more inclusive economy.

FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND PARTNERSHIP WITH MICHIGAN CENTRAL

As part of WSU OPEN, Wayne State University has partnered with Michigan Central to establish a groundbreaking college-to-career pipeline, built on a number of applied "learning by doing" programs. In all, the two organizations have identified 29 areas in which they can work together to impact regional competitiveness. This collaboration marks Michigan Central's first formal partnership with a higher education institution.

"Michigan Central is not only about bringing tech innovators to Detroit; it's about building up the talent that is already here in Detroit," said Clarinda Barnett-Harrison, skills director for Michigan Central. "Through our partnership with Wayne State University, Michigan Central will help equip the local community with the skills needed to obtain in-demand jobs that are driving the future. Additionally, WSU graduates make prime candidates for employment within the mobility tech fields, and will become the next generation of founders."

Together, Wayne State and Michigan Central, through its skills training programs, will develop an inclusive educational pipeline spanning pre-K to post-secondary levels. A key initiative is the Michigan Mobility Fellows Program, which embeds a WSU staff member within Michigan Central's skills team. The partnership will also expand opportunities in mobility career pathways and strengthen ties with community colleges to enhance educational advancement. Plans include developing curricula in mobility and engineering, supported by industry input and real-world learning experiences through the James and Patricia Anderson Ventures Institute in Wayne State's College of Engineering and the Belinsky Entrepreneurship Learning Lab in the Mike Ilitch School of Business.

Beyond education, the partnership aims to boost Detroit's innovation economy. Joint efforts will advocate for policy reforms at the local and state levels and address funding gaps in SmartZone financing. Additionally, graduate student-led consulting teams will provide startups with free advisory services at Newlab - a global venture platform.

The partnership also focuses on upskilling and certification programs for workers at all levels. WSU and Michigan Central will explore joint faculty research initiatives, facility use and development, industry workshops, and collaborative grant applications to advance innovation in Southeast Michigan. These initiatives aim to foster economic growth and talent development in Detroit.

The next phase of the partnership will include Wayne State collocating on the Michigan Central campus to anchor the partnership.

About Wayne State University: Wayne State University is a top 100 urban public research university offering 375 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to approximately 24,000 students, known nationally as a leader in social mobility, community engagement and innovation and economic prosperity.

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 more than 600 employees from over 100 companies and startups working at the intersection of mobility and society. Learn more at michigancentral.com.