Detroit is evolving into a thriving tech hub and the addition of a unique collaboration has emerged to further cement the title. Bedrock, Bosch, Cisco, and KODE Labs have joined forces to launch the Urban Tech Xchange (UTX), a revolutionary real-world test lab dedicated to tackling the most pressing challenges faced by modern cities. This dynamic project not only positions Detroit as an open tech hub, but also propels the city to the forefront of smart city development.
“The Urban Tech Exchange is an open innovation platform for companies of all sizes to be able to test, demonstrate, and deploy their technology in a real-world environment,” said Jim Saber of NextEnergy. “One of the unique things about this space is that it’s not technology for technology’s sake. How does technology create a better user experience? How does technology create a stronger and more vibrant community? Linking what we are doing here in the space with the community, ultimately will make Detroit a more attractive place for people to work and launch new companies. It’s also an entry point for the companies that are here to proof things out and scale and market them across the world.”
Nestled in the heart of downtown Detroit at 1520 Woodward Ave., Urban Tech Xchange aims to propel Detroit into the future by fostering innovation in smart city technologies. The collaborative lab provides a space where startups can test, refine, and demonstrate solutions for urban challenges, and leaders across Detroit see the city as the ideal location for tech entrepreneurs and inventors to realize their visions.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan emphasized the historical significance of Detroit as a hub for innovation, stating, “In the early part of the last century, Detroit is where America came to build the future. The automobile was created and designed on the same blocks that surround the building that’s now housing the UTX. And now, Detroit will be the city where people come to design the future – again.”
The combined resources and expertise of Bedrock, Bosch, Cisco, and KODE Labs offers a unique platform for participants to access critical infrastructure and data essential for addressing challenges faced by modern cities.
Bedrock CEO Kofi Bonner explained the significance of real estate in this equation, saying, “If we can get this data in front of brilliant minds, we can design and develop smarter buildings to improve energy usage, create new jobs, diversify, and fundamentally improve the urban experience.”
A Proven Model: The Detroit Smart Parking Lab
UTX is built upon the success of the Detroit Smart Parking Lab (DSPL), a joint venture between Bedrock, Bosch, Ford, and the State of Michigan. DSPL has already played host to 25 startups, with 80% of them originating from outside of Michigan. UTX aims to replicate and expand upon this success, providing an even more extensive and versatile platform for innovation.
DSPL’s track record in nurturing startups and fostering cutting-edge solutions for urban challenges is an inspiring precedent. This lab has become a hub of creativity, a place where visionary entrepreneurs, regardless of their geographical origins, can thrive. It’s not merely a place of business; it’s a testament to the power of cross-industry partnerships and a commitment to fostering innovative solutions.
Key Deployments for a Better Future
UTX provides an abundance of resources for its participants, which encompass a dedicated co-working space, accessibility to Bedrock’s operational data, seamless integration with KODE Lab’s smart building platform, and a highly secure network powered by Cisco. The initiatives underway at UTX will not only directly enhance the quality of life for all Detroit residents, but also open up avenues for emerging entrepreneurs and Black business owners to thrive and prosper.
· East Riverfront Sensor Network, developed by Bosch, this network assesses neighborhood environmental health by measuring air quality, ambient sound, and traffic patterns. It aids in landscape and urban design, vehicle navigation, and site accessibility. This initiative will help address the pressing issue of poor air quality that disproportionately affects the Black community.
· The KODE Labs Machine Learning and AI-Powered Modules have been purposefully crafted to minimize energy consumption and equipment operation time within real estate portfolios. By doing so, they play a pivotal role in reducing operational expenses and enhancing energy efficiency. This, in turn, offers considerable support to emerging Black entrepreneurs by lowering overhead costs, effectively mitigating debt burdens, preventing premature business closures, and fostering long-term business sustainability.
· The Cisco infrastructure encompasses high-definition video cameras, Webex collaboration devices, and a robust network bolstering Wi-Fi 6E connectivity. This robust foundation not only paves the way for the next generation of smart city applications and solutions but also offers a powerful asset that can significantly benefit Black entrepreneurs, providing them with the technological resources needed to thrive and innovate in an increasingly interconnected world.
While Detroit has made significant strides in providing more funding options for minority business owners, the existing gap remains evident. Opportunities like Urban Tech Xchange are particularly promising for Black entrepreneurs due to historical disparities in securing venture capital financing. Data from Crunchbase illustrates that, on average, Black entrepreneurs receive less than 2% of annual VC funding, while companies led by Black women receive less than 1%. The access to technology opens doors for these founders and business owners, granting them access to resources and solutions that would typically be beyond their reach.
As UTX continues to evolve and expand, it remains a symbol of progress, offering new possibilities for the city and its emerging entrepreneurs. This initiative not only signifies Detroit’s resurgence as a tech hub but also its dedication to inclusive innovation. It stands as proof of the potential of collaboration and the ability to foster a more equitable and prosperous future for all Detroit residents, with a particular emphasis on the emerging Black entrepreneurs who will be pivotal in shaping the city’s future.
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