• Global tech company’s announcement reinforces Detroit as a technology and innovation destination
• Mayor Duggan, DTE played key roles in bringing Eccalon to Detroit; State of Michigan providing critical financial support
• Eccalon is in the process of purchasing The Icon building on east riverfront as home for technology development and training center

High-tech security and AI solutions firm, Eccalon, a defense industry specialist with contracts that include work at the Pentagon, will establish its corporate headquarters and create up to 800 new jobs in Detroit, Mayor Mike Duggan announced today. The Hanover, Maryland based company is in the process of acquiring the Bedrock-owned Icon building at 200 Walker Street. Located along the city’s east riverfront, the 420,000-square-foot facility will house various Eccalon functions and its related entities, including but not limited to: office and manufacturing operations, an on-site training program, an innovation center and broadcasting operations.

"A successful high-tech company like Eccalon could have taken their headquarters to Silicon Valley or Austin or Chicago but saw Detroit as the best place for them to flourish and grow,” said Mayor Mike Duggan. “The fact that Eccalon chose Detroit over other cities shows that Detroit has established itself as a desirable location for major high-tech companies.”  

Eccalon Chairman & CEO André Gudger said that Detroit’s resurgence as a high-tech innovation destination is what attracted the company to the city as a potential site for relocation. Eccalon’s new headquarters in Detroit will serve as a center of excellence for product development, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing and automation.

“With the exciting momentum in Detroit, we are proud to establish our headquarters at The Icon building,” said André Gudger, Chairman & CEO of Eccalon. “Eccalon will help attract and train skilled talent in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and digital manufacturing and nurture a resilient and adaptive workforce.”

The Icon building also currently houses other tenants, including the Pensole-Lewis College of Business & Design, which is Detroit’s only HBCU. Gudger said that his team is in talks with school leadership about potential opportunities to collaborate. Gudger has been involved with the National Collegiate Lacrosse League (NCL), which seeks to grow lacrosse on college campuses, particularly at HBCUs, and is the previous owner of the Major Lacross League team, the Atlanta Blaze.

“Eccalon will be a powerful addition to our community, and their decision to build in Detroit demonstrates their confidence in our future,” noted Kevin Johnson, President & CEO of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. “We have what defense contractors need – world-class manufacturing DNA, a diverse talent pipeline, and partners ready to develop the workforce of tomorrow through our schools and institutions. The 800 high-paying jobs and deep community investments they’re bringing will positively impact Detroit’s economy.”

Eccalon anticipates the Detroit headquarters will result in capital investment of approximately $71,000,000 and the creation of up to 800 new local jobs with average wages of $60.80 per hour plus benefits. All but 25 of the new positions will have starting wages above the Regional Median Wage of $24.69 per hour, ranging from $25 per hour up to $100 per hour.

The company will also establish a dedicated training center within The Icon, equipped with immersive simulation environments, cyber ranges and hands-on manufacturing labs to enable experiential learning.

“I’m so proud that cutting-edge companies like Eccalon are choosing to put down roots in Detroit, another sign of the city’s growing economic momentum,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “With their new headquarters, the latest in a string of exciting announcements we’ve seen across the city in 2025, Eccalon will invest $71 million to build a brand-new innovation hub and create at least 800 good-paying jobs. We will continue working together to make Michigan the best state to do business and build something new.”

Eccalon’s Flagship Innovations

Eccalon is an award-winning business at the forefront of scientific research and technology. Today, the company and its related entities have approximately 400 employees, with more than 300 science and technology jobs in a variety of disciplines such as engineering, computer science, information technology, the sciences and business administration.

With deep expertise in cybersecurity, AI, machine learning, DevSecOps, program management, workforce development, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), the company is committed to delivering impactful solutions that align with mission-critical objectives to foster innovation, workforce growth and small business success. Eccalon accelerates innovation, improves security and drives measurable results with flagship innovations such as:

• Project Spectrum - a comprehensive, cost-effective platform that provides information, resources, tools and training to increase cybersecurity awareness and maintain cybersecurity compliance in accordance with Department of Defense contracting requirements. Competencies include Cyber Readiness Checks, Cybersecurity Dashboard, Cyber Curriculum Development, Cybersecurity Training Courses, Continuous Threat Research, Security and Risk Assessments, Compliance Guidance, and System Security Plan Reviews.
• LYNX - A web-based, artificial intelligence/machine learning-driven virtual network that simplifies engagement with the Department of Defense (DoD). LYNX reduces barriers to entry for companies seeking to do business with the DoD, while helping the DoD more efficiently identify and engage with diverse, innovative small business solutions.
• Valion Cloud - This platform helps businesses comply with federal and Department of Defense (DoD) cybersecurity standards, protecting intellectual property, Controlled Unclassified Information and Federal Contract Information. It provides a secure hosting environment that gives them a competitive edge in securing DoD contracts by operating within the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification compliant enclave.
• Chessie - This proposed Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) platform will have an estimated sensing time of 400 hours and a range of 248 miles at 3 knots. Chessie is intentionally designed to be low-cost and capable of supporting a wide range of sensor payloads and mission types. This unlocks a “many-sensors-many-missions” model, where users can deploy fleets of Chessies rather than single expensive units, improving spatial and temporal resolution of underwater data collection.

“DTE Energy is proud to have played a key role in bringing Eccalon together with the State of Michigan and the City of Detroit to make this project possible,” said Joi Harris, President & Chief Executive Officer of DTE Energy. “Detroit is experiencing a powerful moment of growth, and we are committed to fueling that momentum—not only by delivering safe and reliable energy, but by helping attract companies that create good paying jobs and long-term opportunity for our residents.”

Eccalon’s Community Focus

The company feels strongly about their involvement in the Detroit community and plans to implement a number of long-term initiatives. For example, leveraging The Icon space to support Detroit’s growing film, digital arts and immersive content ecosystem; workforce development efforts such as partnering with Detroit Public Schools, HBCUs and community colleges to create direct pipelines into tech, engineering, and business roles; and developing talent pipelines from underrepresented communities in Detroit by offering apprenticeships, boot camps and internship programs.

Learn more about Eccalon at Eccalon.com and access additional information and images HERE.

ABOUT ECCALON

Founded in 2017, Eccalon was built to solve the complex, rapidly evolving challenges facing government and industry. The company began with a simple yet ambitious idea: to fuse deep subject-matter expertise with bold thinking and real-world execution. Today, that idea powers everything they do.

With roots in defense, aerospace, and health sciences, Eccalon brings together strategists, engineers, and analysts who thrive at the intersection of emerging technologies and mission-critical needs. From AI and cybersecurity to DevSecOps and cloud modernization, Eccalon is not just keeping pace with change—they’re driving it.

Guided by trust, creativity, and adaptability, Eccalon advances breakthrough research and accelerates technology commercialization to improve lives today—and ignite the promise of tomorrow.