Blue Dot, big impact: Gov. Whitmer visits campus, signs bill with $30 million for GV tech hub

The lab’s mission is to build a talent pipeline of students focused in data analytics and computer skills, while increasing the digital literacy skills of all Grand Valley students. Blue Dot also will provide students with opportunities for collaboration with tech start–ups and business partners.

"Grand Valley State University's Blue Dot Lab is a forward-thinking project that will help establish Michigan as the destination for high-skilled talent looking to lead the future," Whitmer said.

“I am so proud that we were able to support the Lab in our supplemental, capping off a productive year that saw record funding for education from pre-K through postsecondary. Let’s keep working together to make Michigan a great place to learn and pursue your potential.”

Two events this fall showcased the technology and opportunities available for students through the Blue Dot ecosystem, which will include the new downtown lab and other spaces throughout GVSU’s campuses.  

In September, Mantella highlighted Grand Valley faculty and students working with extended reality technology. Held in conjunction with Tech Week Grand Rapids, GR in XR on the Blue Bridge gave a glimpse into the virtual/augmented reality platform and its applications for West Michigan and Grand Rapids. 

In November, Mantella unveiled the futurEDlab at the Consumers Energy John G. Russell Leadership Center. The futurEDlab engages students with innovative technologies and prepares them for the future of Michigan’s economy. 

Some of the projects on display at the futureEDlab included work from REP4, which seeks to center student voices in the future of higher education and the Laker Accelerated Talent Link , which recently kicked off.

“ Every GVSU graduate in a growing and diverse campus community will have digital literacy, real world experiences and the capacity to immediately contribute,” Mantella said. “The delivery of education through radical co-collaboration possible in this Blue Dot facility will contribute to our businesses, our communities and our state.

“The track record is strong, with GVSU's graduates growing in number and growing in demand. With 80% of our alumni staying in Michigan, GVSU creates Michiganders who are ready and rising.”