High-profile partners Usher’s New Look Foundation and Big Sean announce a $1 million investment to create the Detroit Entertainment Innovation Incubator, a high-tech creative program for Detroit youth opening in February 2026 at the Michigan Central Boys & Girls Club.

The incubator will offer hands-on experiences in AI, virtual production, immersive design, and 3D creation, with facilities including a virtual production studio, an SFX lab, an autonomous training center, and a creators lounge.

A core goal is to keep Detroit talent at home by building opportunity locally and advancing ownership and equity within the city’s creative economy.

Ilitch Sports + Entertainment’s long-standing partnership with BGCSM will be highlighted, including esports lounges and other youth-engagement programs in sports and entertainment.

The collaboration with Ilitch Sports + Entertainment underscores ongoing community impact and shared commitment to Detroit’s youth.

Shawn H. Wilson, president and CEO of BGCSM, frames the initiative as a continuation of Detroit’s innovation legacy and a path to ownership and equity for youth.

Wilson emphasizes converting local talent into tangible opportunities and generating generational wealth through creativity.

The project is positioned as a pathway to turn talent into capital and creativity into wealth for Detroit’s young people.

Usher’s New Look Foundation collaborates with Big Sean, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, and Emory University’s Goizueta Business School to support the project.

Leadership comes from Usher’s New Look and Sean Anderson Foundation, with partners Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and Goizueta Business School guiding the incubator.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan lead the initiative with these philanthropic and academic partners.

Michigan Central’s COO Carolina Pluszczynski welcomed the effort ahead of a 2026 ribbon-cutting, hinting at potential future collaborations.