Michigan at SelectUSA: Innovation, Partnerships, and Global Opportunity
Written by Casey Iaccino, MIBA Director of Innovation and Economic Expansion
MIBA kicked off May by attending the 2025 SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, D.C., where Michigan had an impactful presence and stood out as a global leader in clean tech, mobility, digital health, and advanced manufacturing. Highlights included a dynamic exchange with Israeli startups, the announcement of AquaAction’s U.S. hub in Detroit, and Governor Whitmer’s strong message on Michigan’s readiness for global investment. The momentum is clear—Michigan is open for innovation.
A Cross-Industry Exchange with Israeli Innovation
The Michigan delegation had the privilege of meeting a diverse and dynamic group of companies from Israel, many of whom are poised to play a significant role in Michigan’s innovation ecosystem. These included:
- Wesper – Sleep diagnostics reimagined with clinical-grade, wearable sensors
- Toko Health – Revolutionizing geriatric care with AI-powered remote monitoring
- ToDx – Enabling accurate at-home testing and early cancer detection
- Terralog – Real-time land intelligence for energy, defense, and urban planning
- Phinergy – Aluminum-air and zinc-air energy storage for EV and grid applications
- Offra Health – Precision behavioral health for women, using AI diagnostics
- Infyb.io – AI for fraud detection, analytics, and intelligent decision-making
- Helios – Innovating carbon-free steel with aluminum-based metallurgy
These startups are actively exploring soft landings, partnerships, and pilots with Michigan-based stakeholders, bringing innovation from Israeli labs directly into our state’s manufacturing, energy, health, and logistics industries.
AquaAction Launches in Detroit
One of the most exciting announcements at SelectUSA came from AquaAction, a Canadian water-tech accelerator committed to solving global water challenges. AquaAction announced the opening of their U.S. hub at the Urban Tech Xchange in Detroit, aiming to empower startups and build scalable solutions around clean water infrastructure, equity, and access.
This marks a major step in making Detroit a national hub for freshwater innovation, right in line with Michigan’s identity as the Great Lakes State.
Governor Whitmer on the Governors Panel
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer made a strong appearance on the Governors Panel, emphasizing Michigan’s global readiness for foreign investment and its strength in mobility, manufacturing, and climate tech. Her leadership message was clear: Michigan is open for innovation.
Michigan’s Presence: MEDC, City of Detroit, and Economic Development Teams
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer made a strong appearance on the Governors Panel, emphasizing Michigan’s global readiness for foreign investment and its strength in mobility, manufacturing, and climate tech. Her leadership message was clear: Michigan is open for innovation.
Michigan’s delegation — led by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) — had a strong and compelling presence at the SelectUSA expo hall. The MEDC booth highlighted our state’s key value propositions: workforce readiness, advanced R&D, clean energy transitions, and community-focused innovation zones.
We were also proud to stand alongside representatives from various EDOs across the state including:
- City of Detroit Economic Development
- Detroit Regional Partnership
- Accelerate Jackson
- Cities of Troy and Southfield
Together, these partners are working to ensure Michigan continues to lead in investment attraction, job growth, and global collaboration.
The Israeli Embassy Delegation Reception
We were honored to attend the Embassy of Israel to the United States’ reception during SelectUSA, hosted by Ambassador Yechiel Leiter. The event brought together Israeli companies, U.S. officials, and investment professionals to celebrate growing U.S.–Israel economic ties.
Tragically, just weeks after this reception, two members of the Israeli Embassy staff lost their lives outside the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. Our hearts are with their families and the broader Israeli diplomatic community during this difficult time.
Final Thought
SelectUSA showcased Michigan’s position as a magnet for global innovation — and our ability to support startups that are solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges. From water security and sleep health to decarbonized steel and next-gen batteries, we are proud to see these technologies choosing Michigan as their U.S. gateway.
Let’s continue building these bridges — and unlocking the next chapter of growth for our state and its partners.
