BY JULIEN GODMAN

2025 is certainly a year of challenges, but it is also a time for celebration and recognition. Started in 2010 with the release of a study documenting the economic contributions that immigrants make to Southeast Michigan’s economy, Global Detroit marks its 15th Anniversary this year. And this November 13, our flagship open-to-the-public fundraising event, Tapestry, returns to Jam Handy in Detroit to commune with partners, stakeholders, and community members and to spotlight champions in immigrant inclusion and economic development. Beyond the usual trimmings of  good food and great networking opportunities, this year we are excited to honor six Global Detroit Changemakers awards, as well as a very special keynote (TBA), all contributing to the simple idea that Michigan Prospers with Immigrants.

The six awards this year include, Emerging Talent, Community Entrepreneur, Corporate Leadership, Immigrant Impact, Immigrant Advocacy, and Global Detroit Champion. Our first awardee interview was with Shiva Sundaram, who is being recognized with the Emerging Talent award. He is the Co-Founder and COO of USAMR a Michigan-based startup developing mobile robotic solutions for the U.S. market. As part of this background Shiva has years of experience leading design and development of advanced manufacturing systems and robotics, and is passionate about building innovative and locally sourced solutions that improve domestic supply chains and improve operational efficiency. Shiva is also one of Global Detroit’s current Global EIR founders.

What challenges have you faced as an emerging talent in your field, and how have you overcome them?

“One of the biggest challenges has been navigating the complexities of building a robotics company from the ground up while also dealing with U.S. immigration hurdles. It required a lot of resilience, resourcefulness, and leaning on a strong network of mentors and programs like Global Detroit. By focusing on solving real customer pain points and staying committed to the vision, I’ve been able to turn obstacles into opportunities for growth.”

How has being part of the GTRI or Global EIR program influenced your professional growth?

“The Global EIR program has been instrumental in helping me return to the U.S. and continue building USAMR. It provided not only a pathway to legally work on my startup but also access to an incredible support network. Through Global Detroit, I’ve been able to connect with mentors, resources, and other founders who share a passion for innovation.“

How do you see your role evolving in the next few years, and what impact do you hope to continue making?

“In the coming years, I see myself scaling USAMR into a leading provider of mobile robotic solutions while creating high-quality manufacturing jobs in Michigan. I hope to inspire and support other immigrant entrepreneurs by sharing my journey and helping to strengthen Michigan’s tech and innovation ecosystem.”

What challenges have you faced in your work and how have you overcome them?

“Building a hardware startup comes with unique challenges, from the all too familiar supply chain disruptions to product development delays. We’ve overcome these by emphasizing local sourcing, building strong relationships with Michigan-based suppliers, and staying agile in our design and manufacturing processes.”

 

How has your background or cultural experience influenced your work?

“Growing up in India and later living in the U.S. has given me a unique perspective on problem-solving and collaboration. My background has helped me bridge cultural gaps, foster dynamic teams, and design solutions that consider diverse user needs. This global mindset has been key to shaping both my leadership style and the vision for USAMR.”

If you’d like to know more about USAMR, please visit https://us-amr.com/. And if you would like to know more about the Global EIR program or Global Detroit’s impact in Michigan, visit Our Impact page. And if you’d like to join us at Tapestry, visit https://tapestry-2025.eventbrite.com.