UM-Flint professor's new venture looks to spur state's tech advancement and fuel student career growth

The College of Innovation & Technology at the University of Michigan-Flint has announced that Professor of Practice Edward Kim has launched Side Door Ventures–Michigan, a new venture fund aimed at driving technological advancement and economic growth in the state. Anchored by a $9.8 million commitment from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the $20 million SDV-MI fund will target seed and early-stage startups in emerging tech sectors such as advanced manufacturing, space tech, next-generation computing, mobility, and sustainability.

Kim said that his dual role as both the managing partner of SDV-MI and a CIT faculty member creates a unique bridge between academic excellence and entrepreneurial innovation. 

"This synergy will provide CIT students and faculty with unparalleled opportunities to engage in real-world ventures, addressing significant problems with innovative solutions. Through SDV-MI, the CIT community will gain firsthand experience of how a culture of innovation and an entrepreneurial mindset can accelerate technology advancement and drive economic and job growth," said Kim. "This initiative promises to create new opportunities, further integrating UM-Flint into the state's dynamic innovation and economic ecosystem and bringing further attention to Flint and the surrounding areas as an evolving innovation hub."

Kim envisions tapping into Michigan's deep talent pool and established resources to identify and nurture the state's next generation of innovative startups. He believes that the talent pool within CIT is pivotal to this mission. 

Kim's goals as a CIT Professor of Practice

Kim has outlined three key goals for his work at CIT, which align closely with the objectives of SDV-MI:

Promoting Translational Research: Kim aims to help research faculty identify and promote translational research, which differs from basic or applied research by focusing on commercialization potential to deliver societal benefits. The venture fund will support this goal by guiding startups that originate from such research, providing a direct pathway from research labs to market-ready solutions.

Driving Early Industry Engagement: Kim seeks to establish early relationships with industry partners to identify "use-inspired" problems for research development. He will look to bring more opportunities to UM-Flint to apply for innovation grants, including Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer grants from agencies such as the National Science Foundation Department of Energy, Department of Defense, National Institutes of Health, and the Environmental Protection Agency. SDV-MI will align with this goal by fostering collaborations between researchers and industry, ensuring that research is guided by real-world needs and opportunities.

Developing Student Capabilities: Kim is dedicated to enhancing student preparedness for careers in emerging tech, entrepreneurship and corporate intrapreneurship. By integrating industry-inspired and translational research into skill development, CIT students will gain a competitive edge in both research programs and the job market. SDV-MI will provide students with hands-on experience in the startup ecosystem, from idea generation to commercialization, preparing them for successful careers in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Kim's involvement in CIT through SDV-MI and his commitment to advancing translational research, industry engagement and student development will significantly enhance the college's credibility in innovation and entrepreneurship.

"Our goal is to cultivate a robust ecosystem that supports groundbreaking research, fosters entrepreneurial spirit, and prepares students for successful careers in the rapidly evolving tech landscape," Kim said.