View the full session recording below.
At the 2026 Detroit Policy Conference, Eccalon’s André Gudger outlined why Detroit is the company’s new home and how the city will serve as a platform for “22nd–century” innovation, the development of local talent, and community impact. His remarks highlighted Detroit’s unique alignment of people, partnership, and purpose. Additionally, Gudger highlighted Eccalon’s commitment to helping shape the city’s future economy.
Eccalon is a future-focused R&D organization exploring the technologies that will shape generations to come, with a focus on AI, biotechnology, cybersecurity, and advanced materials.
“Think of Eccalon as what would have been a mini Bell Labs,” Gudger said. “We’re looking at the 22nd century and what the next industries will be.”
By making Detroit Eccalon’s new home, Gudger wants the city to become a center for the next wave of innovation. To capitalize on the growth Gudger predicts for the city, he sees the equal importance of developing and strengthening community pathways, specifically for Detroit’s youth.
As Eccalon’s strategy grows, cultivating local talent and expanding access to high-tech and creative careers will be key. The company is currently building internship pipelines and hands-on training programs, emphasizing that opportunities should not be limited to individuals with advanced degrees.
“You don’t have to have a master’s degree … you can be off the street with common sense and be a player in the AI space.” Gudger is optimistic that Eccalon will act as an on-ramp for Detroiters in these industries, further reinforcing his belief that innovation and community impact grow together.
Eccalon’s decision to relocate its headquarters to Detroit was driven by the city’s unique environment, where innovation and impact reinforce each other. Gudger emphasized that Detroit was notable among the rest because it is a place where people, the government, industry, and academia can all come together. He explained that, even though there were concerns about the weather and available incentives, Detroit was the perfect choice because the city has the unique ability to build an innovative economy together.
“Detroit was home. It was a hands-down winner,” he said. “I get warm feelings now just thinking about going through that process and saying ‘Wow.’ At the end of the day, when all the dust settled, and when everyone counted Michigan out and said how hard it was to do business in Michigan.”
