Over the last few years, Detroit evolved from the birthplace of music and auto-manufacturing to an emerging leader of technology and innovation. The city has also been host to a few heavy hitters in the tech arena, such as AfroTech Detroit, TechTown Detroit and, Backstage Capital Detroit startup accelerator, to name a few. Even better, a 2019 Detroit Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Report revealed an increasing network of resources for founders, creative entrepreneurs, and investors. “As entrepreneurs are growing their businesses, they have access to a network of resources including mentors, research institutions for product development and funding to reach their next critical company milestone,” according to the report . Now, you might be asking, “How do I connect and build relationships with who’s who in the city?” Whether you’re a Detroit native, new to the city, or planning a visit, here are a few ways to find your tech tribe in Detroit: Join the Online Conversation Trying to use...

The city of Detroit has served as an innovation epicenter for a long time. It’s the heart of the automotive industry for its historical significance in being the birthplace of the mass-production techniques — such as assembly lines — that are now used everywhere, regardless of industry. Still today, Detroit is an innovative city in many ways, thanks to passionate and hard-working residents. Major companies including Google and Microsoft are in Detroit and tapping into the rich resource of local talent. However, there are several leading tech innovators from Detroit who are creating opportunities on their own in corporate, startup and education spaces. And each space serves its own individual purpose and impacts the community in their own way. Education is necessary to sustain the tech industry in the city. Teaching the next generation sets the precedent for the next round of potential tech employees. Startups are redefining the kind of problems that can be solved through apps and...