MSU EDA University Center for

Regional Economic Innovation

E-Update | July 2025

Dr. Sarah Gretter Announced as Keynote for 2025 Innovate Michigan! Summit

The MSU EDA University Center for Regional Economic Innovation (REI) is pleased to announce Dr. Sarah Gretter, Director of the Apple Developer Academy and Launch Lead of the Apple Manufacturing Academy, as the keynote speaker for the 2025 Innovate Michigan! Summit on August 14 at the Kellogg Conference Center in East Lansing, MI.

The Summit, which convenes statewide leaders in community and economic development, business, community leaders, and academics, will feature a fireside chat with Dr. Gretter to discuss Michigan State University’s new collaboration with Apple’s Manufacturing Academy - a first-of-its-kind initiative launched in Detroit.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Gretter will share additional information on the Academy and discuss how it is positioning Michigan as a national hub for advanced manufacturing innovation. Attendees will learn how the Academy identifies training and technical assistance topics, selects learners, and delivers programming tailored to emerging workforce needs in manufacturing and tech-driven industries. The conversation will also explore how the Academy complements existing state and federal innovation efforts, while offering new opportunities for communities across Michigan to engage, co-design, and benefit from this transformative initiative.

Apple engineers, alongside experts from institutions like Michigan State University, will collaborate with small- and medium-sized businesses to integrate smart manufacturing practices and artificial intelligence tools into their operations.

“We’re proud to launch the Apple Manufacturing Academy in Detroit as one of MSU’s bold investment in Michigan’s future”, said Dr. Sarah Gretter. “This initiative brings together cutting edge technology, workforce development, and community-driven innovation to help small- and mid-sized businesses thrive in an evolving manufacturing landscape.”

Dr. Gretter brings a unique perspective grounded in both academic innovation and on-the-ground program design. In addition to her leadership with the Academy, she serves in the MSU Office of the Provost’s Teaching & Learning Innovation unit, where she advances strategic corporate partnerships and the university’s professional education portfolio. She is the author of Design for Change in Higher Education, published by Johns Hopkins University Press.

The 2025 Innovate Michigan! Summit will be held on August 14, 2025 at the Kellogg Conference Center in East Lansing.

While you’re at the Summit, don't forget to stop by the Michigan Inventors Coalition Expo and vote for your favorite invention!

Questions? Reach out to REI Coordinator Jenan Jondy at jondyjen@msu.edu.

Critical Update & Call to Support MSU REI 

We are looking forward to seeing many of you at the Innovate Michigan! Summit on August 14 at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center. This annual gathering is a chance for Michigan’s community and economic development leaders to come together, share innovations, and build partnerships that advance inclusive economic growth across the state. 

I also want to share important news regarding the future of the MSU EDA University Center for Regional Economic Innovation (REI). As many of you know, REI has operated with annual federal support from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) under a five-year cooperative agreement. Each year, we submit a competitive reapplication to continue our work. Unfortunately, this year, the Secretary of Commerce has not yet approved a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for University Centers nationwide. Without a NOFO, our current funding will end on August 31, resulting in an interruption - and potentially a termination - of the REI program. 

While our team is grateful for the encouragement and support many of you have offered, we would like to request that you reach out to your U.S. Senators/Congressperson to share the positive impact REI has had on your community and the importance of sustaining this unique program. 

REI has delivered more than $68 million in economic impact across Michigan, leading over 190 innovation-driven projects in 46 counties, with over 7,000 stakeholders in our network. REI’s work has advanced MSU’s land-grant mission, strengthened community capacity, and provided high-impact learning experiences for students, all while offering services to our most challenged communities. The loss of EDA funding would disrupt these efforts and result in reduced services to already underserved communities. 

On a personal note, I want to share that due to the absence of continued EDA funding and because my position is fully supported by this funding, my last day at the Center will be on Friday, August 29. It has been a privilege to work alongside so many of you to advance this important work. I remain deeply committed to this mission and hope to see many of you at the Summit on August 14th. There is never an end to good work. Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support. 

Jenan Jondy 

MSU REI Project Coordinator 

REI Announces New Student-Led, Faculty-Guided Project: Expanding AI Literacy in Detroit

The MSU EDA University Center for Regional Economic Innovation (REI) has provided an additional award for a Student-Led, Faculty-Guided (SLFG) project aimed at expanding community-based AI literacy in Detroit. Building on the REI-funded initiative Future-Proofing Detroit: Bringing AI Upskilling to the Neighborhoods, this Train-the-Trainer (T3) project will deepen impact through a continued partnership with the Mama Akua Community House in the city’s Zone 8 neighborhood.

This project will train a cohort of up to 10 grassroots facilitators, including students, residents, and local agency staff, to independently deliver AI micro-workshops across their networks. Grounded in the “Learn it, See it, Do it” (LSD) instructional model, participants will benefit from hands-on instruction, guided practice, and real-time feedback. By promoting digital equity, workforce readiness, and entrepreneurial innovation among Detroit’s ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) populations, the project supports long-term economic resilience and community empowerment.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) and with additional support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), SLFG projects provide students with meaningful, real-world learning experiences while delivering technical assistance to Michigan communities.

The project will be led by Dr. Phillip Olla, associate professor at the University of Detroit Mercy and CEO of Audacia Bioscience. Dr. Olla brings a distinguished background in both academia and industry, with expertise in healthcare innovation, artificial and medical informatics. A globally recognized speaker, Dr. Olla has authored seven books and over 60 scholarly publications, and brings a wealth of experience in leadership and project management to this initiative.