GRAND RAPIDS – The Michigan Small Business Development Center and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation have expanded the Michigan SBDC Tech Team, adding two new consultants to accelerate the growth of high-tech entrepreneurship.
Shruti Bagla PhD will support the rapidly expanding health sector in Michigan, targeting Detroit and neighboring Ontario, with the aim of bolstering the region’s reputation as a major hub for medical innovation. She will assist with medical startups in locating and accessing the specialized resources needed to thrive in a highly competitive market with uniquely lengthy timelines for success. One of her key priorities will be to enhance funding submissions in this cost-intensive sector where delays can significantly impede start-up growth.
Bagla is a dynamic venture professional with deep expertise in commercializing advanced technologies and driving growth in the high-tech life sciences sector. She brings a unique blend of scientific rigor and executive leadership to the Michigan SBDC Tech Team, where she supports startups across growth stages. With a proven track record of evaluating startups, conducting due diligence, and scaling healthcare innovations—including medical devices, tech-enabled care delivery, and life science tools—Dr. Bagla has made a significant impact both within early-stage ventures and multi-billion-dollar healthcare systems.
Bagla holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Genetics from Wayne State University, where she studied epilepsy and later in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology. Currently, she is wrapping up her Executive MBA at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. Dr. Bagla has contributed significantly to scientific literature and has been featured in prominent platforms such as Wayne State University’s Graduate School Newsletter and Crain’s Detroit Business through her leadership at RapidBio.
Joe Carr will focus on positioning Michigan as a leader in freshwater innovation by supporting funding submissions and fostering strategic collaborations that drive technology development in rural areas and universities. One of his key responsibilities will be to engage stakeholders in the sector to create a shared vision and collaborate with advocacy groups and state agencies to tackle common challenges.
Carr has a successful track record in fostering economic growth and entrepreneurship, with extensive experience in launching and scaling successful businesses, coupled with a deep understanding of community needs. His unique qualifications have helped clients create and retain nearly 700 jobs, attract over $56 million in investment, and launch over 120 new companies. Carr has led multiple award-winning programs, including a tech initiative that broke funding and award records.
“From MedTech to BlueTech, the Michigan SBDC Tech Team is poised to help Michigan small businesses succeed across sectors,” said J.D. Collins, Michigan SBDC Executive Director and CEO. “We have great expectations for the impact Shruti and Joe bring to the ecosystem, and we are incredibly grateful to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) for its support.”
The Michigan SBDC provides no-cost consulting, business education, market research and technology commercialization to new and existing businesses throughout Michigan’s 83 counties.
Michiganders looking to start or grow a business can connect to free export services, market research, cybersecurity resources and business education through the Michigan SBDC.
