From the Global Epicenter of Mobility (GEM) to leading research universities, Michigan is accelerating change on its roads and across its economy. The state is doubling down on its legacy of innovation, aiming to reshape infrastructure, industry and everyday life for years to come.

Michigan has long been the epicenter of the automotive industry, and today it’s leading the way in the future of mobility. In June 2025, GEM launched The Road to 2030, a new initiative to drive innovation in the Detroit region. This initiative builds on findings from the Future Mobility Technology Study, identifying high-potential technologies and sectors that could transform not only mobility but also Michigan’s broader economic landscape.

The Future Mobility Technology Study highlights seven breakthrough technologies poised to revolutionize mobility and spark cross-sector development through 2030. These technologies were carefully selected from an original list of 40, following extensive analysis, expert input, and collaboration across GEM projects, industry leaders, and regional stakeholders.

• Battery Chemistry and Design
• Electric Motors (E-Motors)
• Power Electronics
• Propulsion Thermal Management Systems
• Hydrogen Fuel Cell Systems
• Software (including SDVs, Cybersecurity, and Over-the-Air updates)
• Assembly Automation

Together, these technologies represent the highest potential for investment, job creation, and innovation in Michigan’s mobility ecosystem.

But GEM’s Road to 2030 is just one piece of Michigan’s broader momentum. Across the state, universities and research institutions are stepping up to meet the demand for talent and technological advancement. One standout example: Wayne State University’s partnership with the Michigan Mobility Institute to launch the Center for Advanced Mobility in 2020.

Located in the heart of Detroit’s Urban Solutions Innovation District, the center is an extension of Wayne State’s College of Engineering. It focuses on cyber-physical systems and offers degree and certification programs in autonomous driving, connectivity, smart infrastructure, and electrification — fields essential to Michigan’s future.

This wave of innovation isn’t just about staying ahead; it’s about improving lives across the state. From startups and manufacturers to students and residents, the work being done today is designed to strengthen Michigan’s position as a mobility leader and deliver real, lasting benefits to communities.

From the road to real life, Michigan’s path forward is being shaped by strategic collaboration, visionary investment, and a deep commitment to building a better future.