Lansing Launches CreativeTech Cluster to Drive Innovation, Careers, and Economic Growth
CreativeTech Cluster Showcases How the Lansing Region is Building Tomorrow’s Creative Economy
Lansing, Mich. (Sept. 3, 2025) — Long hailed as an automotive powerhouse, Lansing is expanding its innovation leadership, this time at the convergence of technology and the creative industries. On September 9, 2025, prominent business leaders, regional entrepreneurs, and innovators will gather at Haptix Studios for the official launch of the CreativeTech Cluster, an initiative positioning Michigan’s Capital Region as a hub for immersive storytelling, gaming, robotics, esports, motion capture, and next-generation digital production.
The day begins with a private quarterly board meeting and panel discussion hosted by the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), where regional stakeholders will explore how CreativeTech can shape Lansing’s economy, workforce, and culture. The panel, moderated by Camron Gnass (Traction) will feature: Meegan Winters (AbleVu), Dominic Cochran (Ovation, Public Media), and Jim Curran (Haptix Studios).
Following the discussion, the event opens to the public with a CreativeTech Demonstration Showcase (4:30–5:30 p.m.) featuring cutting-edge activations and hands-on demos from 12 local businesses, startups, and organizations that are already building the region’s future: Will Winn Games, Waverly Robotics, Block House, MSU Research Foundation, MSU Esports, Great Lakes Reality Labs / Haptix, MITTIN, Impression 5, Ourspace Creative, and the East Lansing Public Library.
“CreativeTech is more than just video games, film, or design, it’s the convergence of art, technology, storytelling, and innovation,” said Bob Trezise, president & CEO of LEAP. “By investing in CreativeTech, we are investing in high-wage jobs, entrepreneurial opportunities, and a new identity for the region that combines creativity with innovation.”
The CreativeTech sector already contributes $615 million annually to the regional economy, with more than 3,200 jobs across 400+ businesses and is projected to grow another 10% by 2028. With assets like the Midwest’s largest motion capture studio, a robust esports community, and a strong Michigan State University talent pipeline, Lansing is poised to become a national leader in this fast-growing field.
The CreativeTech Cluster launch is not just a showcase of technology, but a call to action: to engage, collaborate, and align resources to retain graduates, spark entrepreneurship, and diversify the economy.
Event Details:
Haptix Studios (727 Prudden Street, Lansing, MI 48906)
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
4:30–5:30 p.m. (public demos)
For more information, including interview requests and features, please contact Fatima at events@ourspace517.com.
About The CreativeTech Cluster
CreativeTech is one of five key industries that have grown and diversified with notable strength in the Lansing region’s economy. This Cluster is an initiative designed to connect businesses, educators, entrepreneurs, and innovators in sectors like esports, robotics, immersive media, and digital storytelling. By building stronger collaboration between academia, industry, and community, Lansing is shaping its future as a CreativeTech hub. For more information, visit the event page here.
About LEAP
The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) is a coalition of area leaders partnering to build a stronger community for all—working every day to grow, retain and attract business to the Lansing, Michigan, region.
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