University of Michigan's $250M Center for Innovation breaks ground in Detroit

The University of Michigan Center for Innovation (UMCI) in downtown Detroit has finally broken ground after years of planning. The $250 million academic building will offer graduate degrees in robotics, computer engineering, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, as well as job training and certificate programs for the local workforce. The center is expected to stimulate job creation, innovation, and economic development in Detroit and the state of Michigan. The project is funded by a $100 million donation from developer Stephen Ross, $100 million from the state, and $50 million from fundraising efforts. The UMCI is separate but related to the future $1.5 billion District Detroit development.