This Month's Latest Tech News in Detroit, MI - Wednesday April 30th 2025 Edition

Detroit's tech momentum surged in April 2025, marking a turning point for innovation across AI and advanced manufacturing. Industry leaders, startups, and academic partners convened at SME's AeroDef and RAPID + TCT 2025 to honor breakthroughs in composites, additive manufacturing, and digital fabrication, highlighting student innovations and startups like Solideon's rapid hardware prototyping (full coverage on SME's awards).

Parallelly, Michigan State University and Apple launched the nation's first Apple Manufacturing Academy in Detroit, providing free training for smart manufacturing, AI, and leadership to catalyze tech growth and supply chain excellence - “Apple is proud to work with suppliers in all 50 states...to expand American manufacturing leadership and help even more companies innovate and grow,” stated Sabih Khan, Apple's SVP of Operations in The Detroit News

“With our strong programs...Michigan State is a perfect partner for this new effort, and we greatly appreciate the ongoing collaboration with Apple.” - Kevin Guskiewicz, MSU President

Regionally, Detroit-based AI startups - such as MokSa.ai (raising $1.5M in April) and InvestNext (securing $15M Series B) - thrived amid a record 57.9% global VC share for AI ventures in Q1 2025, reinforcing Michigan's ascent highlighted in AI venture capital reports.

This convergence of education, capital, and trailblazing talent signals Detroit's pivotal role in shaping America's next-generation tech landscape.

Apple and Michigan State University (MSU) are teaming up to launch the nation's first Apple Manufacturing Academy in downtown Detroit this summer, marking a significant milestone for American innovation and workforce development.

Situated in the historic First National Building, the academy will provide free in-person and online courses aimed at equipping small and medium-sized manufacturing businesses nationwide with essential skills in smart manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and process optimization.

As part of Apple's $500 billion U.S. investment, the initiative offers tailored programming in project management, vocational, and leadership training, with expert consulting from Apple engineers and MSU faculty.

This partnership builds on the proven success of the Apple Developer Academy - which has graduated approximately 200 Detroit participants annually since 2021 - and is designed to uplift both established and emerging manufacturers by removing barriers to technical education.

Emphasizing diversity and community impact, the academy strives to expand Detroit's legacy of innovation and promote equitable access to technology careers. As Sabih Khan, Apple's Senior Vice President of Operations, stated,

“The Apple Manufacturing Academy will train businesses across America to implement smart manufacturing techniques that are creating opportunity and shaping the future of technology.”

For more details on the academy and its broader objectives, visit the official announcement from Michigan State University about the Apple Manufacturing Academy, explore Apple's nationwide $500 billion manufacturing investment plan, and read about the initiative's local impact in this analysis of the Apple-MSUE Detroit partnership from Crain's Detroit Business.

Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions (AITX), headquartered in Detroit, reported a remarkable 275% surge in annual revenue for fiscal year 2025, reaching over $6.1 million, up from $2.2 million in the previous year.

This exponential growth is driven largely by robust adoption of AITX's fourth-generation AI security and productivity solutions, which offer significant cost savings - 35% to 80% - over traditional manned security services and support a recurring revenue model with a strong pipeline among Fortune 500 clients.

The company's Q1 FY2025 marked its first-ever quarter exceeding $1 million in total revenue, with recurring monthly revenue jumping 385% year-over-year, reflecting accelerating industry demand for AI-powered devices and software.

As CEO Steve Reinharz noted,

“Early last fiscal year I announced a forecast of AITX revenues between $5.5 million and $6.5 million, and I'm pleased that we landed towards the higher end of our forecast.”

Looking ahead, AITX projects FY 2026 revenue in the range of $12 million to $18 million, underpinned by continued product innovation, like the award-winning SARA platform, and expanding deployments.

The table below summarizes recent financials:

Fiscal Year	Total Revenue	Growth Rate
2024	$2,227,559	-
2025	$6,130,886	+275%
2026 (forecast)	$12M - $18M	(projected)

For a full breakdown of AITX's financials and next-year outlook, see their official FY 2025 revenue report.

Additional detail on Detroit's leadership in AI-driven security solutions can be found in this Q1 FY2025 financial analysis, and insight into the company's expansion strategy is available in the 2025 investor presentation highlights.

Detroit-based Robotic Assistance Devices (RAD), a subsidiary of Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions (AITX), earned top honors at ISC West 2025 as its Speaking Autonomous Responsive Agent (SARA) platform received both the Judges' Choice Award and Best in Threat Detection and Response Solutions at the Security Industry Association (SIA) New Products and Solutions Awards.

SARA stands out for transforming remote video monitoring by autonomously analyzing security camera feeds, engaging with potential threats, and reducing staffing costs by up to 80% compared to traditional models.

Industry leaders have praised its innovation:

“We developed SARA to solve a very real problem, how to provide reliable, intelligent security coverage without the limitations of human monitoring. To have that vision validated by SIA with two top awards is incredibly meaningful. More importantly, we're seeing real momentum with SARA as remote monitoring providers recognize its ability to reduce costs, strengthen deterrence, and deliver consistent, real-time responses.”

The awards - regarded as the security industry's equivalent to the Grammys - underscore a broader shift toward AI-driven Guarding-as-a-Service in a market valued at nearly $50 billion.

The 2025 SIA awards also highlighted RAD's impact in a competitive field of 33 categories. For details and the full list of winners, see SIA's official NPS Awards announcement, a breakdown of the top honors on SecurityInfoWatch's coverage, and the detailed press release from AITX and RAD.

Award	Winner	Category
Judges' Choice	RAD – SARA	Overall/Threat Detection & Response
Best New Product	Vaidio 9.0 AI Vision Platform	Loss Prevention & Surveillance
SIA NPS Merit Award	CyberLock	Commitment & Advancement

Detroit is poised for a manufacturing revival as Apple and Michigan State University (MSU) launch the Apple Manufacturing Academy this summer in the historic First National Building downtown.

Backed by Apple's landmark $500 billion U.S. investment commitment, the academy will be the first of its kind in the country, offering free, in-person, and virtual training to small and medium-sized manufacturers nationwide.

The curriculum, developed by Apple engineers and MSU experts, covers crucial topics such as project management, manufacturing process optimization, artificial intelligence (AI), and leadership, aiming to enhance supply chain efficiency and product quality.

As reported by MSUToday, the initiative provides hands-on consulting and removes barriers by prioritizing equitable, community-focused access - especially targeting historically underrepresented entrepreneurs and Detroit's skilled workforce.

This move reflects Detroit's enduring reputation for innovation, highlighted by the Michigan Chronicle, which notes,

“Innovation shifted underground - in barbershops, auto garages, and side hustles...now it is about recognition and collaboration to unlock its full potential.”

With deep investment from both industry and academia, Detroit's new smart manufacturing tech hub is set to transform opportunities for workers, foster inclusive economic growth, and set a national example for workforce reskilling and advanced manufacturing.

Key Feature	Details
Total Apple U.S. Investment	$500 billion over 4 years
Academy Curriculum	AI, project/process management, leadership
Access & Cost	Free; in-person and online
Main Goal	Transform small/medium manufacturers with smart tech

Ann Arbor has welcomed a new contender in AI-powered professional networking with the debut of Nunchi, founded by former Michigan Founders Fund executive Trista Van Tine.

Designed to help organizations and individuals build authentic connections, Nunchi leverages artificial intelligence to transform relationship management and introduction-making for groups like the University of Michigan, YMCA, and international venture capital firms.

The platform - named after the Korean term for "the art of understanding what people are thinking and feeling" - offers tailored membership tiers and features such as smart introductions and engagement alerts to boost meaningful connections.

According to the company's founder,

“relationships drive social and economic mobility,”

and Nunchi aims to put humans at the center of tech-driven networking even as work norms continue to evolve.

For membership organizations, Nunchi's platform enables personalized and secure data handling, turning static lists into actionable insights and supporting a broad range of professional roles.

Subscription Tier	Profiles Included	Monthly Cost
Starter Hub	200	$150
Intermediate Hub	500	$350
Advanced Hub	2,500	$1,500

Testimonials from early adopters highlight the ease of forging connections and the platform's human-centric approach, with one user noting,

“It made it easier to connect on a more personal level, which really helped build stronger relationships.”

To learn more about Nunchi's people intelligence technology, visit their official Nunchi platform page, or read further insights in the full Crain's Detroit Business feature on the startup's launch.

Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. (AITX) and its subsidiary Robotic Assistance Devices (RAD) are making significant strides in urban safety nationwide, with recent high-profile deployments in cities like St. Louis, Cleveland, and Nashville.

In downtown St. Louis, RAD's ROAMEO™ and RADDOG™ LE2 robots were showcased during the NCAA Frozen Four Championship, contributing to enhanced public safety and engagement, while the city prepares for a citywide rollout of hundreds of RADCam™ units.

RAD's intelligent platforms - such as SARA™ and ROSS™ - integrate with legacy security infrastructure to accelerate incident response and deliver cost savings of 35%-80% compared to traditional manned security, a compelling value in the $50 billion U.S. security industry.

Interest is growing from major organizations and Fortune 500 companies, and RAD's smart security solutions are now active in Cleveland's Public Square and key areas in Nashville, often beating out traditional providers.

As Kelli McCrary, Executive Director of the Downtown St. Louis CID, stated,

“The presence of ROSA, ROAMEO, and RADDOG has not only helped deter unwanted activity, but also brought positive attention and community engagement, especially during the excitement of the Frozen Four Championship. This kind of innovation supports our vision for a safer, more welcoming downtown experience.”

For a concise overview of RAD's lineup and technologies, see the table below:

Product/Platform	Description
ROSA™	AI-powered security monitoring for urban sites
ROAMEO™	Mobile, autonomous security robot for public events and patrols
RADDOG™ LE2	Robotic K-9 for 24/7 autonomous law enforcement
RADCam™	AI enabled cameras for citywide deployment
SARA™ & ROSS™	AI platforms integrating with existing security systems

Read more about these key deployments in major cities at AITX's official announcement on urban safety momentum, discover market and business details from this press release detailing additional deployments, and explore further product insights at StockTitan's in-depth coverage.

Detroit is set to become the focal point for IT professionals across the nation as the Info-Tech Research Group brings its highly anticipated IGNITE 2025 event to The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit on May 7, 2025.

This one-day immersive conference promises to convene IT leaders, industry analysts, vendors, and subject matter experts to explore the latest trends in technology, including the profound business impact of generative AI and strategies for IT transformation.

The agenda boasts keynote sessions from leading experts such as Andy Neill and provides practical roundtables and actionable insights for organizations navigating rapid change.

IGNITE 2025 Detroit is part of a broader series visiting major cities, reflecting the growing importance of targeted, innovation-driven events to foster connections and accelerate digital advancement in urban centers.

To learn more about the featured speakers and the comprehensive agenda, visit the official IGNITE 2025 announcement by Info-Tech Research Group, review registration details via Info-Tech Research Group's event press release, or browse the full event series and Detroit schedule for more information.

Detroit took center stage in advanced manufacturing this April as SME hosted North America's largest additive manufacturing event, RAPID + TCT 2025. Bringing together over 15,000 attendees and 500+ exhibiting companies at Huntington Place, the conference highlighted how Detroit is spearheading the integration of AI and 3D printing across aerospace, healthcare, and automotive sectors.

According to event organizers, the industry is transitioning from hype to real-world impact, with leaders emphasizing customer value and collaboration:

“The hype cycle's over, we need to be realistic. We need to collaborate,”

noted SME COO Steve Prahalis.

Executive panels featured C-level voices from Stratasys, Materialise, Formlabs, and EOS, discussing the role of AI, supply chain resilience, and sustainable materials, while technical sessions showcased AI-driven process monitoring, defect detection, and innovations in large-format and metal additive manufacturing.

The event also featured live demos, new launches like Rapid Liquid Print's gravity-free technology, and software innovations from Materialise optimizing digital factory workflows.

For a detailed event recap and technology showcase, see a full RAPID + TCT 2025 technology roundup, explore SME's ongoing leadership via their latest press releases, and read the official event guide at RAPID + TCT's site.

Metric	2025 Figure
Attendees	15,000+
Exhibitors	500+
Educational Content	125+ hours
Expert Presentations	140+
Years SME Leading AM	35

Detroit is poised for a major leap in electric vehicle adoption with a citywide rollout of building-powered curbside EV charging, led by the Brooklyn-based startup Itselectric.

This innovative model taps into spare electricity from adjacent buildings, allowing for installation free of charge to property owners and offering them 20% of the station's revenue, as detailed in Tech Brew's deep dive on urban EV infrastructure.

Itselectric's Detroit launch targets both high-EV-adoption neighborhoods and underserved communities, aligning with equity goals and helping residents of multi-family dwellings who typically lack access to private charging.

The company's distinctive “bring your own cable” curbside stations are designed to prevent cable vandalism, minimize street clutter, and overcome permitting barriers compared to traditional solutions, according to CleanTechnica's analysis of the initiative.

Backed by $6.5 million in seed funding and a $1.5 million federal grant, Itselectric's expansion is part of a broader effort, including Detroit 2030 District's partnership with local and state organizations to provide install support and ensure accessible infrastructure.

As PR Newswire reports, these efforts mark Detroit's first-ever use of building-powered curbside charging, advancing sustainability and setting a precedent for urban EV adoption nationwide.

Detroit's surge in tech entrepreneurship is rooted in a powerful blend of inclusion and financial investment, creating fertile ground for startups to thrive. Programs like Motor City Match have funneled $19.1 million in grants to 2,095 businesses and supported the opening of 174 new ventures, demonstrating sustained commitment to nurturing diverse founders across stages of business growth.

This momentum is matched by a revitalized funding landscape, highlighted by Southeast Michigan startups securing $87 million in venture capital during the first quarter of 2025 alone, with notable seed and Series A rounds for companies in biotech, energy, and AI chips, as detailed in Crain's Detroit Business's Q1 funding report.

Further amplifying the ecosystem, the newly launched $60 million Michigan Innovation Fund - the state's largest such allocation since 2005 - will channel investment into evergreen funds and reinvest profits for ongoing support, providing a crucial backstop for entrepreneurs (see Ann Arbor SPARK's analysis).

Startup accelerators and incubators such as Backstage Capital, Plug and Play, and TechTown Detroit offer sector-agnostic support with dedicated tracks for traditionally underrepresented groups, reinforcing Detroit's reputation for prioritizing both opportunity and diversity.

“Detroit is redefining workforce development by focusing on technology, community, and second chances. Instead of a top-down approach, the transformation is driven by grassroots innovation and partnerships that showcase the city's resilience,”

observed MarketScale, underscoring how Detroit's strategic embrace of both inclusion and innovation is fueling its current startup boom.

Detroit's AI and tech renaissance is gaining momentum, fueled by strategic investments, grassroots workforce development, and a focus on advanced skills. Apple's $500 billion nationwide commitment - its largest ever - includes the opening of the Apple Manufacturing Academy in partnership with Michigan State University, designed to help local companies and workers embrace smart manufacturing and AI-driven productivity Apple's $500B US investment plan.

Workforce innovation is flourishing, with training models tailored for real-world schedules and initiatives like Project Clean Slate breaking down employment barriers, affirming Detroit's values of inclusion and opportunity Detroit's workforce transformation.

Despite challenges - such as trade policy uncertainty and concerns over small business revenues - the adoption rate of AI and technology tools among Detroit's businesses remains high, with 70% increasing AI investments and 58% already deploying AI, pointing to deepening tech integration in the local economy.

As summarized by Tim Cook:

“We are bullish on the future of American innovation, and we're proud to build on our long-standing U.S. investments with this $500 billion commitment to our country's future.”

While Detroit's GDP growth trails national averages and the region faces structural headwinds, its resilience, ongoing job creation, and strong R&D ecosystem indicate a promising future poised for sustained innovation Detroit's 2025 business outlook.

Opportunities abound for Detroiters to gain in-demand tech skills through accessible programs like the Nucamp Cybersecurity Fundamentals bootcamp and a variety of scholarships and financing options, ensuring that the city's tech renaissance is only just beginning.