US Ignite

A new public-private effort, the US Ignite Partnership, is being launched at the White House to capitalize on what is possible through virtualized, ultra-fast broadband networks, and “ignite” the development of next generation of internet applications and services for societal benefit. The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and Kettering University are part of this exciting new initiative.

The Mott Foundation has provided US Ignite with a planning grant to help kickstart the non-profit partnership, and has helped engage other national and local partners to bring the benefits of US Ignite to its hometown, Flint, Mich. Mott believes US Ignite has the potential to help people improve their lives and their communities and enhance the work of Flint partners, including Kettering University, in the areas of clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and education, as well as the development of local workforce training activities that can help people overcome barriers to the labor market. Ultimately, the foundation seeks to leverage its investment in Ignite, along with the passion and energy of local partners, to help open new doors  to opportunity in Flint and beyond.

 Kettering President Robert K. McMahan said US Ignite will bring the fastest broadband research network in the world to Flint and the region. “This is a community asset,” he explained. “We’ll be one of only 25 cities with this technological capability. We’ll be one of the few places in the country with this next-generation technology. It will give Flint a tremendous lead to be in the first wave.”

The primary goal of the US Ignite Partnership will be to catalyze approximately 60 advanced, next-gen applications over the next five years in six areas of national priority: education and workforce development, advanced manufacturing, health, transportation, public safety, and clean energy. Responsibilities of the Partnership will include connecting, convening, and supporting startups, local and state government,  universities, industry leaders, federal agencies, foundations, and community and carrier initiatives in conceptualizing and building new applications.  The resulting new applications should have a significant impact on the U.S. economy, including providing a broad range of job and investment opportunities.

Founding Partners and Sponsors