BY ANDREW JOHNSON, DR. THEODORE JONES, ERNESTINE LYONS
Last month, our Global Entrepreneurs in Residence (Global EIR) program, released the Global EIR 2024 Impact Report– which highlights the need to deepen our entrepreneurial innovation and economic growth in Michigan. Operating on the premise that attracting and supporting talented international entrepreneurs will not only diversify and stimulate our economy but also make our state community more vibrant, the new report highlights that the program succeeded in creating 174 jobs, driving $28.1 million in new investment, and enhancing both Michigan’s national and global competitiveness. Illustrating the success of these numbers across the state, are of course the five partnering universities, including Grand Valley State University, College for Creative Studies, Michigan Tech, Wayne State, and Lawrence Tech– but most importantly, our twelve founders, of whom are activating what it means to be at the intersection of inspiration and innovation.
Two Founders Making Waves
One Global EIR founder that joined the program last year and has really been driving impact is Rehab (Ruby) Al Hajjar, through her work with Cleanwater Nanotechnology (CWNT). Since 2023, she has made important advances in environmental microbiology and nanotechnology. Ruby is originally from Saudi Arabia, and her accomplishments in the United States are especially noteworthy considering the obstacles she would have likely encountered as a woman back home. Ruby is spearheading initiatives through CWNT to raise the standard of Michigan’s rivers and lakes, and is using her experience to get important financing and access to esteemed innovation programs. Ruby’s story serves as a testament to the value of opportunity and the need of encouraging a variety of viewpoints in entrepreneurship and science.
Rehab (Ruby) Al Hajjar (left); Chening Duker (right)
Another Global EIR program participant and graduate, is Chening Duker, whose creative food distribution endeavors have had a big economic impact on Michigan. Through the use of sustainable practices, his ventures Pluck.eco and Goodpluck link local Detroit farmers with consumers directly– which enhances food access and bolsters the local agricultural economy. Chening’s story of going from an immigrant student to a prosperous business owner illustrates the importance of the Global EIR Program in attracting foreign talent that propels creative thinking and Michigan’s economic expansion. For more of his story, watch this video, which showcases Chening’s accomplishments.
By The Numbers, Gauging Future Steps
As detailed in our Global EIR 2023 Impact Report, the program has supported 12 founders from five different continents and currently collaborates with five active university partners. Jim Baker, the Associate Vice President of Research at Michigan Tech who also serves as the Co-Director for Entrepreneurship at Husky Innovate, was eager to bring the program to Michigan Tech and the Upper Peninsula after serving on the program’s advisory board.
“State funding provided through the Michigan Global Talent Initiative created the opportunity for Michigan Tech to launch the Global EIR program. Global Detroit’s leadership and partnership around global talent, international student retention and the Global EIR program, in particular, have helped provide Michigan Tech and the Upper Peninsula the opportunity to access global talent and benefit from their contributions to our economy.”
– Jim Baker, Associate Vice President of Research, Michigan Tech
Looking forward, the Global EIR program has set ambitious annual goals to further its mission and expand its impact. The program aims to place 10 new founders each year, create at least 50 new jobs, and facilitate the raising of $15 million annually in venture capital among current and alumni companies. Furthermore, this program is committed to ensuring that at least half of future founders come from underrepresented communities to reinforce our dedication to diversity and inclusion in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Against the backdrop of increased calls for more restrictive immigration policies, our Global EIR Program continues to build strong opportunities for immigrant and migrant inclusion in Michigan’s economy– giving hope and access to people with big ideas. Over the coming years, we are excited to see how it will create additional opportunities not only for our state’s economic growth but also for making our community stronger and more vibrant.
Get Involved
To learn more about the Global EIR Program, or if you are an interested international entrepreneur looking to bring your startup to Michigan, please visit www.https://globaldetroitmi.org/geir/, or sign up to speak with one of our Global EIR Program Managers by choosing a time on our Calendly link.
Andrew has a background in international affairs and emerging technologies, with an MA in International Security and BA in International Studies. Before joining Global Detroit, Andrew worked for a range of government and nonprofit institutions both domestic and global that focused on driving innovation and advancing US foreign policy.
Dr. Jones brings a wealth of professional experience to the role of Senior Director of Talent Initiatives. After graduating with a master’s of social work from the University of Michigan he worked as a community organizer in Southwest Detroit. He lives on the eastside of Detroit and is an avid reader, golfer, enjoys trying new restaurants, and going to sporting events.
Ernestine manages Global Detroit’s Global Entrepreneur in Residence (Global EIR) program and has extensive experience in economic development and government relations. She is a former Harper Woods city councilperson, a Wayne State graduate, and has studied internationally across multiple continents.