Detroit Policy Conference Brings Innovators Together

Business, civic, and government leaders from across southeast Michigan gathered at the 2025 Detroit Policy Conference to discuss ways to boost the region’s position as a catalyst of innovation, technology, and economic growth.??

The theme of this year’s event, hosted by the Detroit Regional Chamber, was Driving the Innovation Economy, and featured presentations and lively panel discussions with leaders across the region. The message was clear: collaboration and regional cooperation are vital to spark innovation and raise the profile of the region as a center of technology.??

Michigan Central CEO Josh Sirefman and Chief Operating Officer Carolina Pluszczynski outlined the vision for Michigan Central and how we’re creating an ecosystem of technology, culture and entrepreneurship to bring investment and top talent together to help shape our future.??

"There's something about the scale of what we're doing, the model of what we're doing,” said Sirefman. “I think it gives us a seat at the table to drive collaboration and bigger thinking around the region and around the state."

Since June 2024, more than 220,000 visitors have attended the 550 events held in The Station and Newlab. The 30-acre tech and innovation hub hosted visits from business leaders, university presidents, former U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, as well as being the site for the TED Countdown Summit.?

Michigan Central by the numbers

• 133 startups and 750 individual members?
• $700 million in venture capital raised by startups
• 42% of member startups were launched by Black, woman, or LatinX founders
• 420 students trained through Google Code Next Programming at Michigan Central to date
• 40 graduates from the ChargerHelp! EV charging station technician training in the first four months
• More than 200 small businesses directly supported through Michigan Central
• Home to Black Tech Saturdays HQ – supporting the growth and gathering of more than 500 Black founders and entrepreneurs.

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To see videos and highlights of the 2025 Detroit Policy Conference, visit https://www.detroitchamber.com/detroit-policy-conference/