An offshoot of Detroit techno, minimal techno originated in the early '90s at about the same time that German and U.K. DJs were producing hard techno. Detroit techno stalwarts Richie Hawtin (a.k.a. Plastikman), Jeff Mills, and John Acquaviva co-opted the early style of Detroit techno, then defined the parameters of minimal techno by infusing light electronic drum programming, subtle percussive loops, and hypnotic string arrangements; this gave the music a softer edge and more widespread appeal. After many seminal tracks from the likes of Hawtin's Plus 8 and Minus labels and Mills' Underground Resistance, the face of modern Detroit techno changed, sparking a creative renaissance. Later figures include Cristian Vogel, Sutekh, Stewart Walker, and Kit Clayton.

Notable Artists: Robert Hood, Kit Clayton, Sutekh