TechTown Detroit is self-proclaimed as Detroit’s Entrepreneurship Hub. The dual incubator and accelerator focuses on helping tech startups and local Detroit businesses launch and grow. 

The U.S. Department of State’s Global Innovation through Science and Technology, or GIST, initiative is excited to announce the inaugural GIST Business Incubation, a new program for entrepreneurs in emerging economies, is underway.  

From October 14 - November 8, TechTown will serve as one of the 10 locations across the United States for the GIST Business Incubation.

They support businesses with coworking and office space, meeting space and event space. TechTown also connects entrepreneurs to resources, and learning and networking events in Detroit.

TechTown is an early-stage tech incubator, which is sector agnostic but with close industry connections in the medical industry. They provide flexible programming curated for each startup’s needs. TechTown staff has experience working with international founders, and are connected to local angel networks. During the Business Incubation, they have provided opportunities for participants to network and collaborate.  

TechTown is located on Wayne State and is affiliated with the University of Michigan, the University of Detroit, and Henry Ford Health

Participating Startups

• Energy Absorbing Breakwater - Ukraine
  • This startup is developing a technology to convert wave energy into electricity.
• Higi Energy - Malaysia
  • HiGi Energy is an organization that builds a network of renewable energy providers and bridge them to the consumer market.
• Hydrotec Solutions Private Limited - India
  • We have designed a Smart water ATM Kiosk that purifies and dispenses clean drinking water on pay per use basis, using sustainable energy. It uses solar power backed by Lithium-Ion batteries hence it can be used for purifying water even in the absence of electricity like at mountain, hilly terrains, highway, rural areas, etc. It shows the quality of water in real-time using IOT.
• TTM - Georgia
  • TTM is a speed regulation device that is installed into cars and can limit the top speed of a car, based on the allowable speed of the street their on. They're targetting car rental and fleet management companies and will sell the hardware and maintenance service.

Important Dates

The startups will incubate from October 14 - November 8, then convene in Washington D.C. from November 9 -21 for additional incubation. 

About Business Incubation

The goal of the program is to support international science and technology innovators who are looking to expand their startups into the United States market. It will also provide the U.S. startup ecosystem the opportunity to forge new connections with entrepreneurs who are abroad.

The 2019 GIST Business Incubation program will provide entrepreneurs with exposure to the U.S. market and startup resources. While in residence with the program, participants will work on refining their ideas, building their business plans, and finding the right market for their product. Participating entrepreneurs will also have the opportunity to network within the startup ecosystem where they are placed.