U-M students launch small engine efficiency start-up
Lihang Nong is fascinated with engines, especially small ones. The University of Michigan student, who is pursuing a masters in mechanical engineering, is turning that passion into a sustainability-oriented start-up, PicoSpray. PicoSpray is developing a super efficient fuel-injection system for the kinds of small engines that drive motorcycles and lawnmowers. The idea is to create a cost-efficient system that is both fuel efficient and cleaner. Nong... [Read More...]
Michigan Corporate Relations Network Announces RFP for Small Company Innovation Program
The Michigan Corporate Relations Network (MCRN) is soliciting proposals for its Small Company Innovation Program (SCIP). The SCIP will provide cost-sharing grants to foster collaboration between MCRN universities and small-to medium-size companies on research projects for new commercial products or services. The six universities that make up MCRN are Wayne State University, the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Michigan Technological... [Read More...]
3D Biomatrix adds to team as 3D cell matrices gain market traction
Last year was all about the development and launch of 3D Biomatrix's principal product. This year it's all about gaining traction and generating revenues. "This is the year we get all of the adapters rolling," says Laura Schrader, CEO of 3D Biomatrix. "This is a real turn-key year for us." The University of Michigan spin-off (it calls the university's Venture Accelerator in Ann Arbor home) develops and makes 3D... [Read More...]
Ann Arbor ranked as top city for singles
Though I'm certain they didn't speak to any of my unattached friends, Kiplinger's has concluded that Ann Arbor is the number one city for singles in America. Take for it what you will. No one said these things were scientific. Excerpt: "Nearly 43,000 students attend undergraduate, graduate or professional school at the University of Michigan, skewing the city's demographics toward the younger set. One in four residents is... [Read More...]
U-M grad recruits serial entrepreneur pop to Ann Arbor to grow Avomeen
Shri Thanedar spent a few years in Ann Arbor in the early 1980s conducting post-doctorate work at the University of Michigan's Department of Chemistry, but the serial entrepreneur ended up elsewhere in the U.S., founding and exiting startups. He sold the last of his startups and retired when fate, or more specifically his son Neal Thanedar, came calling him back to Ann Arbor. "At the time I was living on the beach in Florida," Shri... [Read More...]
U-M grad recruits serial entrepreneur pop to Ann Arbor to grow Avomeen
Shri Thanedar spent a few years in Ann Arbor in the early 1980s conducting post-doctorate work at the University of Michigan's Department of Chemistry, but the serial entrepreneur ended up elsewhere in the U.S., founding and exiting startups. He sold the last of his startups and retired when fate, or more specifically his son Neal Thanedar, came calling him back to Ann Arbor. "At the time I was living on the beach in Florida," Shri... [Read More...]
Avicenna Medical Solutions expands client list, planning for growth
Avicenna Medical Solutions has signed its second big client to its AviTracks Chronic Disease Management System, bringing The Veterans Affairs (VA) Ann Arbor Healthcare System on board. "We see a big potential for growth," says Frank Pelosi, vice president & CMO of Avicenna Medical Solutions. "This VA contract is a big step forward for us. We see it as a big opportunity." AviTracks helps veterans manage treatment for chronic... [Read More...]
U-M prof explains what all those Super Bowl ads really meant
University of Michigan Ross School of Business professor Christie Nordhielm watches Super Bowl ads a little differently than the rest of us. Yes, the polar bears and Star Wars jokes and Dorito gags are a $3.5 million hoot, but they also reveal a little bit about what's going on in our economy. Beer and beverage ads have gone down. Auto ads have gone up. Hmmm. More importantly, who spent their money well and who threw millions away? Excerpt:... [Read More...]
POTUS returns to Ann Arbor
Maybe it's that he can't get enough Zingerman's. Whatever the reason, Barack Obama will be landing in Ann Arbor to give a speech at U-M, just three days after his State Of The Union speech. Excerpt: "This is the president's 10th visit to Michigan since taking office. He was in Michigan in October to visit GM's Orion Assembly plant with the South Korean president and spoke in Detroit on Labor Day. It will be his second... [Read More...]
Ann Arbor SPARK Launches CEO Podcast Series
Ann Arbor SPARK, a public-private partnership whose mission is to advance innovation-based economic development in the greater Ann Arbor region, is launching Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcasts: Conversations on Economic Opportunity, featuring Paul Krutko, its president and CEO, speaking with regional business leaders. “Since joining Ann Arbor SPARK, I’ve met with more than 80 business owners who are advancing our region’s economy; there’s an incredible... [Read More...]
