An innovative new academic laboratory space that promotes technology, flexibility and collaboration is coming to the UM-Flint campus.

The 15,000-square-foot building will be located near the William S. White Building on the north end of the Flint campus, and will serve as a home base for the UM-Flint College of Innovation and Technology (CIT).

CIT launched in fall 2021 with 24 students enrolled in the first semester pursuing degrees in digital manufacturing technology, and information technology and informatics. Enrollment more than doubled in fall 2022 with additional programs in cybersecurity, and sustainability and energy technology. Programs in software engineering, health care technologies and data science are planned to roll out in fall 2023.

Funding will be provided by grants from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration and Mott Foundation, and UM-Flint gifts and resources.

Once completed, the new building will have state-of-the-art laboratories, classrooms, offices and areas to encourage collaboration and interdisciplinary research.