Usher and Big Sean Unveil the Detroit Entertainment Innovation Incubator to Empower Young Creators

Grammy-winning artist Usher and rapper Big Sean teamed up this week for the official opening of the Detroit Entertainment Innovation Incubator to give young people early access to industry-level resources.

The Incubator is housed inside the newly launched Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan. It features a virtual production studio, special effects lab, creators’ lounge, and more.

Alongside the global entertainment icons and Boys & Girls Clubs alumni, the partners of the initiative include Usher’s New Look® (UNL) and Sean Anderson Foundation (SAF). Additional key education and industry partners include Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and Emory University’s Goizueta Business School.

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How Detroit’s New Incubator Will Impact The Next Generation

The city unveiled a new Boys & Girls Club location at Michigan Central Station in collaboration with Usher and Big Sean’s foundation, Spark Lab Studios, on Feb. 3rd, 2026. As part of the initiative, USHER and Big Sean donated $1 million in December 2025.

“Detroit has always been the blueprint for innovation, from the assembly line to Motown. This collaboration—especially with two heavy-hitter alumni—extends that legacy by proving the creative economy can be a pathway to ownership and equity,” said Shawn H. Wilson, President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan (BGCSM). “Together, with our amazing partners, we’re transforming talent into capital and creativity into generational wealth.”

The space is geared toward youth ages 14-24 pursuing careers in film, television, music production, AI, 3D, and other immersive technologies. Participants will also have opportunities to engage with mobility, software, and robotics. In addition, they’ll also get industry-recognized credentials, mentorship, and funding to launch their ventures.

“I’ve always been a true believer in igniting a spark in the next generation to be better and have access to things we didn’t. This new Spark Lab in Detroit, with my friend and fellow Boys & Girls Club alum Big Sean, will not only minimize the access gap for the youth but also prepare them for greatness. It takes just one person to believe in your success, and I’m honored to be one of many in this partnership to help make that happen,” USHER stated.

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Big Sean’s Legacy in Detroit

Detroit’s Big Sean is no stranger to Michigan Central and has been crucial to ushering in the city’s revival. He’s been using his talents as a creator, from way back in 2018 when Ford bought The Station and the surrounding areas, to its big reopening in 2024. 

He’s back now, helping shape the future. He’s ensuring Detroit’s young creators have the tools, mentorship, and connections to succeed right here in Detroit, at Michigan Central, alongside the Boys & Girls Club.

“Detroit is where my creativity was born. From freestyling in my mom’s basement to performing on the biggest stages in the world. My mission has always been to make sure the next generation of dreamers and innovators from my city have the access, tools, and mentorship to do the same,” said Big Sean. “The Innovation Incubator is about showing young people that they don’t have to leave Detroit to chase opportunity; they can build it right here.”

The Foundations Powering Detroit’s New Incubator

This initiative is Big Sean and the Sean Anderson Foundation’s (SAF) fifth major investment in BGCSM since 2018. SAF has gifted four Big Sean Studios, providing over 10,000 youth with music exploration opportunities. The Incubator will be at the new Michigan Central BGCSM Club inside The Station, part of a 30-acre innovation district. It’ll connect Detroit youth to emerging industries through hands-on experience and tech.

The space is a launchpad for Detroit youth, giving them access to emerging industries and creative tech. “At Michigan Central, we’re committed to creating a future where every young person has the chance to innovate and define the next generation of industries right here in Detroit,” said Carolina Pluszczynski, Chief Operating Officer, Michigan Central. “By our work with BGCSM, now with the added support from Usher and Big Sean, we’re continuing to build new pathways and opportunities, nurturing the next generation of innovators – from creators to manufacturers to technologists – who will drive our city forward for decades to come.”

Usher’s story is one of hope and resilience. Growing up in Chattanooga, TN, he faced tough times with his mom, Jonnetta Patton, who worked hard to provide for him and his brother on just $10 a week. 

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But Usher’s experiences shaped him, teaching him to empathize with others and fueling his passion to give back through Usher’s New Look®. The non-profit organization is transforming the lives of under-resourced youth through a comprehensive program that develops passion-driven, global leaders. 

Founded in 1999 by Usher Raymond IV and his mother, Jonetta Patton, UNL was inspired by the dire narratives of Atlanta teens in a courtroom. The organization tackles systemic barriers that prevent teens from graduating from high school and college, helping them find their spark and reach their full potential.

With unique mentorship and leadership programming, UNL helps teens see past their circumstances and unlock their purpose, creating a global network of leaders. To date, UNL has touched the lives of over 50,000 youth.

Image Credit: Darren Clark