The Michigan Opportunity
Through dynamic discussion, The Michigan Opportunity markets the state and promotes Michigan as a world-class business location. The podcast serves as a forward-thinking voice for Michigan as a conduit to global trends and applications in the new global economy.
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PreviousEpisodes
Trista Van Tine, Founder and CEO, Nunchi
We welcome back Trista Van Tine as she shares the story behind her innovative Michigan-based startup and her deep roots in the tech startup ecosystem. Her latest venture, Nunchi, is an AI-powered people intelligence platform built to help membership organizations better understand, engage, and connect with their communities. From early-stage insights to real-world impact, Trista’s journey is a testament to the power of tech with purpose.
Eric Gannaway, Director of Traffic, D2 Traffic Technologies
Eric Gannaway, Director of Traffic at D2 Traffic Technologies, has over 20 years of traffic transportation experience with a manufacturing background. In this episode he shares how D2 Traffic Technologies delivers cutting-edge traffic management solutions in the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) industry. They specifically bring products and solutions designed to meet the growing demand in the transportation, traffic, and smart city markets.
Marty Fittante, CEO, InvestUP
We welcome back InvestUP CEO, Marty Fittante, to discuss the current projects happening in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Fittante talks about the U.P.'s unique impact in the aerospace and defense industry, shares the various housing and seed fund projects to help tackle population challenges, as well as give insight into the Soo Locks project that is critical to international shipping.
Dr. Britany Affolter-Caine, Executive Director, Michigan's University Research Corridor
We welcome back Michigan’s University Research Corridor Executive Director, Dr. Britany Affolter-Caine, as she discusses the future of R&D in their four main initiatives (Life and Health Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing, Sustainability and Artificial Intelligence). She also dives into how the researchers are not only working with universities, but businesses and industry leaders across the state and their growing interest in AI technology.
Tom Kelly, Executive Director and CEO, Automation Alley
We chat with returning guest, Tom Kelly of Automation Alley to discuss how manufacturers in Michigan are understanding new technology such as AI, 3D printing, robotics, Industry 4.0 and more. Tom also takes us through Integr8, a series of round table dialogs bringing Michigan’s forward-thinkers in manufacturing and technology, and the new playbook series helping companies and leaders narrow their industry focus.
Jeff Gray, Superintendent of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, NOAA
Hear from Jeff Gray, Superintendent of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, NOAA, as he talks about underwater preservation, diving the great lakes, and educating the public on the state’s marine history. We also get a sneak preview of Innovation with the Underwater Robotics World Championship coming to Michigan’s marine sanctuary.
Qiong Sun, Vice President & GM of Global Automotive E-mobility, TE Connectivity
Michigan-based Qiong Sun talks about her 28 years of mobility experience. As the Vice President & GM of Global Automotive E-mobility at TE Connectivity, her specialties include product development, planning and strategy. Sun shares about her life growing up in Shanghai, her time at Michigan Tech University, and future trends she sees in the mobility and technology industries.
Michigan Tech Week 2024
Join our host Ed Clemente as he speaks with key figures at Michigan Tech Week. Guests include Chris Nolte of Bloom, Crystal Brown of CircNova, Kellie Crawford of Taste of Tech, and Rishi Moudgil of Michigan Founders Fund. Michigan Tech Week is a week-long event that brings together Michigan's tech industry, entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators to discuss, connect, and build relationships.
Ernestine Lyons, Global Entrepreneur In Residence Program Manager, Global Detroit
Ernestine Lyons, Global Entrepreneur in Residence (Global EIR) Program Manager at Global Detroit, talks about how the Global EIR program works with immigrant tech entrepreneurs to start businesses in Michigan and helps them grow in scale. Global Detroit is a non-profit working to revitalize Metro Detroit’s economy by pursuing strategies that strengthen Detroit’s connections to the world and making the region more attractive and welcoming to immigrants, internationals, and foreign trade and investment.
David Washburn, CEO, MSU Research Foundation
Hear from David Washburn, CEO of the MSU Research Foundation, as he discusses how the foundation manages an endowment built from decades of licensing revenue and is a key partner in the Michigan State University (MSU) innovation ecosystem. In addition to providing over $10 million in research funding at MSU annually, this non-profit is focused on technology commercialization, economic development, and placemaking.
Podcast transcripts are available upon request here.
About the Host: Ed Clemente
Ed Clemente joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) in 2020 as the Senior Advisor for Trends and Development.
From 2012-2020, Clemente served as a two-term governor appointed Hearing Commissioner for the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC). Executing over 7,000 judicial Orders/Decisions, over the tenure of service. Prior joining the MLCC, Clemente launched Michigan’s Energy Innovation Business Council (EIBC) establishing it as 501c3 and 501c6 entity and serving as its first President.
Ed Clemente was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2004 representing parts of southern Wayne County. During his three terms in the State House (2004-2010) he led task forces on electric vehicles, biosciences, film industry, Brownfield restoration, economic development, quality of life and advanced energy. Before his tenure as a public official, Clemente held several leadership roles at the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber of Commerce, including President and Director Economic and Business Development. He also previously chaired the Economic Development Committee of the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments and was elected as a Trustee for Wayne County Community College District, serving four terms.
Clemente has earned degrees from Ferris State, Michigan State University and Sienna Heights Universities. Clemente was awarded with a prestigious fellowship to the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and The National Judicial College for Administrative Law. He graduated from several political leadership development programs, including Leadership Detroit, Michigan Political Leadership Program, and Leadership 21. He is a previous small business owner and has taught at Northwood University. Additionally, he hosts a “Critical Conversations” podcast and is a member of the Workforce Advisors for Wayne County Community College. Ed serves on the Board of Directors for Global Ties Detroit and the Motor Cities National Heritage Area. An avid traveler, Ed has visited more than 80 countries and territories, 150+ UNESCO World Heritage sites, many to play rugby tournaments, others for professional exchange and some for just intellectual curiosity.
The Michigan Opportunity is brought to you by Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). In collaboration with more than 100 economic development partners, MEDC markets Michigan as the place to do business, assists businesses in their growth strategies and fosters the growth of vibrant communities across the state.