Plug and Play Detroit Announces its return to the Detroit Auto Show as the Official Sponsor of the Startup Arena

Startup Applications Now Open

DETROIT, MICHIGAN, June 15, 2023 - Plug and Play today announced it is returning to the Detroit Auto Show in 2023 as the official co-host of the Startup Arena, open on Media and Technology Days on the main show floor (9/13 – 9/14). The Startup Arena is located within the AutoMobili-D technology showcase sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification. The organization also will be staging an Industry Startup Pitch Night late afternoon on 9/14.

Startups interested in being considered to exhibit in this area should visit: naias.com/startups.

Plug and Play Detroit is a leading innovation platform that connects startups with corporations, venture capital firms, and government agencies to share new technologies all over the automotive industry. The company is headquartered in Silicon Valley, but has satellite offices all around the world, including here in Detroit.

“We look forward to welcoming Plug and Play back to the show,” says Thad Szott, chairman of the Detroit Auto Show. “They have exciting plans to select 150 startups to display in this main show floor area. With their help, the 2023 Detroit Auto Show promises to be an exceptional experience where industry leaders, enthusiasts and future disruptors converge to showcase the future of mobility.”

“Plug and Play is thrilled to return to the Detroit Auto Show this year!” comments Logan Azelton, Senior Corporate Partnerships Manager for Plug and Play Detroit. “This prestigious event is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in shaping the future of mobility. With our network of startups, we are proud to showcase the latest in mobility solutions and technologies, creating a dedicated space for cutting-edge startups and groundbreaking mobility technologies.”

The Startup Arena, located in Hall D of Huntington Place, will consist of 150 unique startups showcasing their innovative technologies. This area also will highlight successful collaborations between corporations and startups that have come out of the Plug and Play platform. Plug and Play also will be scheduling innovation walks led by their Venture Team to highlight current industry trends recognized in the Arena. The Startup Arena will prove to be a must-see portion of this year’s Detroit Auto Show.

About the Detroit Auto Show

The Detroit Auto Show is one of the most influential annual automotive events in the world and a showcase for emerging technologies. Visitors can expect to witness an impressive lineup of electric cars, hybrid models and futuristic concept vehicles from leading automakers. The show will serve as a platform for manufacturers to present their groundbreaking innovations. Industry experts, enthusiasts and automotive aficionados will converge in Detroit to explore the stunning displays, attend insightful seminars and engage in discussions about the future of the automotive industry.

About Plug and Play

Plug and Play is the leading innovation platform, connecting startups, corporations, venture capital firms, universities, and government agencies. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, we’re present in 50+ locations across 5 continents. We offer corporate innovation programs and help our corporate partners in every stage of their innovation journey, from education to execution. We also organize startup acceleration programs and have built an in-house VC to drive innovation across multiple industries where we've invested in hundreds of successful companies including Dropbox, Guardant Health, Honey, Lending Club, N26, PayPal and Rappi. For more information, visit https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/