Automation Alley, Michigan's largest technology business association, drives growth in Southeast Michigan's economy.
Automation Alley is a 501(c)6 non-profit and accomplishes this through a collaborative culture that focuses on workforce and business development initiatives. Automation Alley attracts the creators and consumers of diverse technologies from a variety of industries around the world.
The Automation Alley region encompasses Genesee County, Livingston County, Macomb County, Monroe County, Oakland County, St. Clair County, Washtenaw County, Wayne County and the City of Detroit.
History
The genesis of Automation Alley can be traced back to Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson’s 1997 State of the County address. At the address, Patterson unveiled his vision for leveraging the combined strength of Oakland County's high-tech companies into a national marketing strategy that could be used as a tool to attract skilled talent and cutting-edge businesses.
Shortly after this new initiative was announced, the first phase of development began with a member roster of 44 organizations. It was in this phase that the basic structure of the organization was formed. Marketing materials were created, a Web site was launched, and an event schedule was developed.
The beginning of the second phase turned Automation Alley into a working organization and dramatically increased membership. Four member-driven committees were established and member benefits, including seminars, networking events and a quarterly newsletter were created. In the second phase, a national marketing campaign was also launched to attract high-tech talent to the area.
In 2001, a trade mission program was established with the assistance of a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The initial funding enabled Automation Alley to create a program to aid small businesses in boosting their sales through the use of exports.
Automation Alley has conducted trade missions to Mexico, China, Germany, India, Central and Eastern Europe and to date have garnered more than $130 million in signed contracts for participants.
In the summer of 2003, Automation Alley embarked upon a new phase of development with the creation of a business accelerator. Today, Automation Alley continues to bring together businesses, educators and government to help entrepreneurs accelerate the commercialization of new technologies and services. With Automation Alley's support and resources, ideas are turned into usable, marketable technology solutions.
Assistance includes limited pre-seed and commercialization funding, business plan and strategy development support as well as a powerful network of experts and mentors.
Automation Alley Headquarters opened in the fall of 2004 and is located in the designated Automation Alley Technology Park-Troy, south of Big Beaver between John R and Rochester Roads.
In addition to centralizing the Alley’s numerous services, the Headquarters provides an opportunity for members to increase the global visibility of Automation Alley as Southeast Michigan’s premier technology cluster by offering a forum to showcase and discuss emerging technology. A variety of events take place in support of this, including technology shows, demonstrations and exhibitions.
This future-focused organization unites exceptional thinkers from diverse realms of technology, academia, manufacturing, engineering, production, and R&D. Automation Alley is the place where established CEOs from the world’s leading corporations can join forces with young entrepreneurs launching exciting start-up ventures. Together, the Alley and its partners infuse the region with exceptional business opportunities and unrivaled job opportunities.