Samuel Zell & Robert H. Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies

The Institute provides the curriculum, many initiatives, community involvement, and alumni outreach activities that deliver exclusive resources for future entrepreneurs of the University of Michigan Business School.

Center for Venture Capital and Private Equity Finance

The mission of the Center is to expand, leverage and disseminate its core knowledge of entrepreneurial finance, venture capital and private equity investment for the benefit of its constituent community. This community includes university students, alumni and staff, entrepreneurs, managers, and investors, as well as public policy makers whose decisions affect the environment for entrepreneurship and equity investment.

Ann Arbor IT Zone

The IT Zone seeks to capitalize on Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County's historic and growing role in the information technology industry. The county currently has over 500 IT companies, and is viewed as the hub of small, creative IT firms for the state. The industry currently employs over 9000 individuals, making it comparable in employment to the automotive industry, health care and education in the county's economy. The University of Michigan has a worldwide reputation for the quality of its information technology research program and graduates. Eastern Michigan is also gaining recognition.

Because software development and high speed computing breeds and thrives from the interaction of its participants. There is currently an explosive growth in Ann Arbor as more software/computing companies startup or relocate here, and this attracts and encourages others to do the same. There are many different types of Ann Arbor software/computing companies ranging from game and Internet developers to medical, automotive and defense contractors.

The Ann Arbor/Washtenaw County area is poised to lead the state in the creation of new jobs in information technology. This project will provide the unifying structure to realize that potential. The Zone is a commitment from the community to assure Ann Arbor/Washtenaw County its place as the center for information technology in the Midwest.

Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Smart Zone

In 2001, the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Area was designated by the MEDC as one of 11 "SmartZones" throughout the State. These special areas were established to highlight Michigan's unique technology business opportunities through a focus on: Identification of technology strengths, Providing services to businesses, Building technology and business talent, Developing access to capital, and Coordinating regional assets.

MichBio

MichBio is a non-profit organization dedicated to driving the growth of the life sciences industry in Michigan. The association serves a diverse membership, including new and established life sciences companies, academic and research institutions, as well as service providers and related organizations throughout the state.

Acting as a focal point for the life sciences community, MichBio provides networking and educational events, offers a web portal to industry-specific state and national information, addresses public policy, and is focusing on the human resource, funding and infrastructure issues affecting Michigan's biosciences industry.