General Information

Merging Industry and Research

The Great Lakes Interchange is an industry-driven and university supported diverse technology corridor in the heart of Automation Alley, southeast Michigan's technology cluster. Our network of businesses, learning institutions and governments enable enterprising individuals and organizations to create innovation, define technology and transform ideas into business applications across a wide array of industries.

With its well-developed infrastructure and high-tech automotive research, the businesses, universities and governments work together to create an area that constantly demands new ideas and expects results. The Great Lakes Interchange served as a model upon which the State of Michigan created the SmartZone™ program to promote the growth of technology-based businesses throughout the state.

As one of eleven SmartZones, the Great Lakes Interchange is creating clusters of new and emerging businesses. These businesses primarily focus on commercializing ideas, obtaining patents and developing opportunities that require corporate, university or private research and development. We’re looking for people and organizations that want to do things fast, lean and smart. The locations, technologies and people in the Great Lakes Interchange make the imagined possible.