Wayne State named 2026 APLU Innovation & Economic Prosperity Awards finalist

The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) today named Wayne State University as a finalist for its 14th annual Innovation & Economic Prosperity (IEP) Awards.

"We are beyond proud to be named a finalist for APLU's IEP Awards," said Ned Staebler, vice president for economic development and president and CEO of TechTown Detroit. "As a university deeply rooted in the heart of Detroit, we know that our success and the city's success go hand in hand. This recognition reflects our commitment to advancing entrepreneurship and innovation in ways that create opportunities for our students, strengthen Detroit's economy and contribute to the vitality of our entire region."

The winners will be announced during the association's annual meeting, set for Nov. 15-17 in San Antonio. Wayne State and the other finalists - East Carolina University, Oregon State University, University of Pittsburgh, Texas A&M University, West Virginia University and Wichita State University - are competing for four different awards recognizing exemplary and innovative case studies of economic engagement impact:

• The IEP Talent Award, recognizing exemplary initiatives in education and workforce development.

• The IEP Place Award, recognizing exemplary initiatives resulting in social, cultural or community development.

• The IEP Innovation Award, recognizing exemplary initiatives spurring innovation, entrepreneurship and technology-based economic development.

APLU will also recognize the IEP Economic Engagement Connections Award winner, the top prize in the awards competition, reflecting overall excellence across all three categories. Wayne State is a finalist for the IEP Talent Award.

Members from a Warrior Impact strategist team present their ideas to local startup leaders and peers.

The university previously received the Connections Award in 2024 for its work advancing innovation and economic engagement. The APLU also recognized Wayne State in 2018 with its Project Degree Completion Award for its remarkable improvement in graduation rates and again in 2019 with its IEP Talent Award for exemplary education and workforce initiatives.

Wayne State plays a critical role in economic growth and innovation in Detroit and across Michigan, contributing $4.6 billion in annual economic impact. Of more than 300,000 alumni, more than 70% continue to live and work in Michigan. That impact begins with preparing students to contribute to Michigan's workforce and economy - not only as employees and leaders, but also as entrepreneurs and innovators who create new opportunities.

Wayne State advances career readiness through entrepreneurship programs that empower students to develop ideas, launch ventures and contribute to the innovation economy. In addition to entrepreneurship and innovation undergraduate majors and minors and an M.B.A. concentration, the Mike Ilitch School of Business offers a host of co-curricular programs - including Warrior Consulting, Warrior Ventures and The Ilitch School Startup Technology Pitch Competition - to provide students with real-world consulting, venture investing and startup funding opportunities.

A Warrior Consulting Group team was assigned to work with Femology, a startup at Newlab

"Entrepreneurship and experiential learning are central to how we prepare students," said Virginia Franke Kleist, dean of the Mike Ilitch School of Business. "Being in Detroit gives Wayne State students an extraordinary opportunity to learn within a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem, applying what they learn in the classroom to real challenges and building meaningful connections with startups, business leaders and innovators. Through those experiences, our students aren't simply preparing to enter the workforce - they're developing the skills, confidence and mindset to help drive continued growth in our wonderful city."

Additionally, the Division of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development and TechTown Detroit have expanded entrepreneurial opportunities for hundreds of students through the Warrior Impact and Live Innovate Play programs, connecting them to paid startup internships, mentorship, workspace, stipends and housing support to help thrive within Detroit's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Together, these efforts provide students across disciplines with the experiences and relationships needed to launch successful careers - and ventures - while fueling a diverse, career-ready talent pipeline and a 21st-century economy for Detroit.

"Congratulations to our 2026 IEP Award finalists," said APLU President Waded Cruzado. "Public and land-grant universities are major drivers of economic development in communities, states, and regions. We're excited to recognize the excellent work of our IEP Award finalists in meeting workforce needs, advancing community and economic development, and fueling pathbreaking innovation."

Students selected for the Live Innovate Play program have access to a co-working space at TechTown, regular workshops and meetups, mentorship from industry pros, and crucially, housing and basic needs support for select teams.

To be eligible for an IEP award, an institution must first earn the IEP designation from APLU, which recognizes institutional commitment to regional economic development. To earn the IEP designation, universities conduct a rigorous self-study of their economic engagement activities that includes input from external stakeholders. As part of the self-study, each institution identifies areas for growth and improvement within its economic engagement enterprise. This work demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and improvement in this kind of engagement, which is vital to universities and their regional partners.

More than 90 institutions have been named IEP designees since the program was launched in 2012. Wayne State first received the IEP designation in 2014 and an extension in 2023.