Ecosystems Designed for Change: An Evaluation Framework for Innovators & Leaders

Ecosystems Designed for Change: An Evaluation Framework for Innovators & Leaders

How do you know if you’re making enduring change at scale?

At the University of Kansas Social Innovation Lab and Orange Sparkle Ball, we have been partnering on research to understand ecosystems. As a result of this work, we’re excited to release the first in a series of white papers focused on ecosystem evaluation. If you’re an ecosystem builder, this one’s for you! 

Defeating the Information Silo: Using Cross-Sectoral Information to Make a Bigger Impact

Defeating the Information Silo: Using Cross-Sectoral Information to Make a Bigger Impact

How do you know if you’re making the best decision possible or acting on the most complete data? Short answer: you don’t. We all act on the best information we have and adapt as new information comes along. That being said, there are some approaches to gathering information that can ensure you are receiving a more comprehensive look.

Visiting Startup Week in Dayton

Visiting Startup Week in Dayton

September 10-12 marked the return of Dayton Startup Week to downtown Dayton, a significant gathering for the region's entrepreneurial community. This event, filled with powerful talks, workshops, and networking opportunities, showcased the dynamic and emerging ecosystem taking shape in real-time. As OSB emerges as an industry leader in ecosystem measurement, our engagement in this new ecosystem provides an opportunity to apply our expertise in analyzing and fostering innovation, helping to catalyze growth, collaboration, and sustainable development within the local startup community.

Orange Sparkle Ball Granted 2nd Transportation Innovation Zone Permit

Orange Sparkle Ball has officially received a 2nd Transportation Innovation Zone (TIZ) Permit for piloting the autonomous robotic pickup of household materials for end-of-life processing in the Corktown region of Detroit in partnership with Intermode with support from the North Corktown Neighborhood Association.

Robotic Pickup Platform Expansion

Robotic Pickup Platform Expansion

Orange Sparkle Ball is thrilled to announce the expansion of our innovative robotic pickup platform, designed to revolutionize waste management and recycling in the Detroit community. We will be partnering with Intermode and Refraction AI to explore the use of autonomous robots for the pickup of household materials and proper end-of-life processing. Over the next month, we will be launching new material offerings for pickup, including plastic bags, small electronics, and food waste.

Case Study: Autonomous Robotic Food Waste Pickup Pilot

Case Study: Autonomous Robotic Food Waste Pickup Pilot

Orange Sparkle Ball received a Transportation Innovation Zone (TIZ) Permit for piloting the autonomous robotic pickup of food waste for composting in the Corktown area of Detroit in partnership with Ottonomy and Scrap Soils with support from Brother Nature Farm and the North Corktown Neighborhood Association. This pilot has successfully concluded, and results have been compiled into a case study and pilot video.

Midpoint Update | Project-Centered Innovation Coaching for the Partnership for Inclusive Innovation

Midpoint Update | Project-Centered Innovation Coaching for the Partnership for Inclusive Innovation

The Partnership for Inclusive Innovation is partnering with Orange Sparkle Ball to implement project-centered Innovation Coaching as a core offering of their upcoming Partnership Leaders Program; a 6-month long engagement designed to provide participants with a soft onboarding to inclusive Tech-Based Economic Development and entrepreneurial ecosystem development.

Orange Sparkle Ball to Host Live Demo at Detroit Month of Design

Orange Sparkle Ball to Host Live Demo at Detroit Month of Design

Orange Sparkle Ball is excited to announce our acceptance as an exhibitor at the 2024 Detroit Month of Design, and to the first ever Detroit Month of Design Mobility track! Our demo on September 7th will showcase the Autonomous Robotic Pickup Platform we are currently piloting in the Corktown neighborhood of Detroit.

Drinks x Design: Equitable Mobility at Dequindre Cut Freight Yard

Drinks x Design: Equitable Mobility at Dequindre Cut Freight Yard

Orange Sparkle Ball is excited to announce our participation in the upcoming Design Core Detroit event, Drinks x Design at the Dequindre Cut Freight Yard! Drinks x Design offers an opportunity for creative businesses throughout the city to open their doors and share their work with the public. This upcoming Drinks x Design session will feature Detroit-based organizations and individuals moving the needle in the Equitable Mobility space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

This blog features frequently asked questions Orange Sparkle Ball has been asked about our Autonomous Robotic Pickup Platform being launched in Detroit, Michigan. Orange Sparkle Ball was awarded a Real World Deployment Grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's Office of Future Mobility and Electrification. This grant is enabling us to put our Autonomous Robotic Pickup Platform into action through a series of pilots in the Transportation Innovation Zone of Detroit, established by the Office of Mobility Innovation at The City of Detroit.

What is an Autonomous Robotic Pickup Platform?

Orange Sparkle Ball was awarded a Real World Deployment Grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's Office of Future Mobility and Electrification. This grant is enabling us to put our Autonomous Robotic Pickup Platform into action through a series of pilots in the Transportation Innovation Zone of Detroit, established by the Office of Mobility Innovation at The City of Detroit.