TechTown Detroit, Wayne State University’s innovation and entrepreneurship hub, has added two key leaders: Niles Heron, senior director of tech programs; and Jacob Evan Smith, director of mobility and health innovation.
The Tech-Based Program Team directs TechTown’s engagement in mobility (through the Mobility Accelerator Innovation Network), health (through the MedHealth initiative) and programs like Start Studio and Scale Studio — where proven founders and strategists help local founders build novel and new tech products and better utilize technology to help their existing service and product businesses thrive.
“Niles and Jacob will help us continue to evolve and expand our support for tech founders, ensuring they have the resources, mentorship and opportunities to build successful ventures,” says Ned Staebler, vice president of economic development at WSU and TechTown CEO. “We are committed to further positioning Detroit as a hub for innovation, and this strengthened leadership team is a key part of that strategy.”
Heron will oversee TechTown’s tech programs, ensuring founders have access to the tools and expertise needed to navigate the challenges of building successful ventures. A Detroit native, Heron spent the last decade as a tech founder, most recently as a co-founder of one of the leading management and analytics firms in the gaming live-streaming industry, Loaded Holdings. He brings to TechTown a passion for supporting early-stage startup development with his experience growing venture-scale businesses and striking innovative partnerships with high-profile brands such as Adidas, Epic Games, Microsoft, Amazon and Universal Music Group.
Smith, as director of mobility and health innovation, will spearhead TechTown’s efforts in connecting startups to critical resources in these high-growth sectors and at the intersection between them. With extensive experience growing early-stage startups in Detroit, as well as expertise in strategic partnerships, community building and ecosystem development, Smith will lead initiatives that create equitable opportunities for entrepreneurs across the region, ensuring Detroit remains at the forefront of innovation in the mobility and health sectors.
