We’re excited to announce that Ann Arbor SPARK is returning to SXSW to support Midwest House! As proud co-sponsors of Michigan Day on Monday, March 11 — alongside the MEDC, Grand Rapids SmartZone, and more — we’re thrilled to showcase the spirit of innovation that drives the Ann Arbor region.
Don’t miss the opportunity to attend our panel, moderated by our very own Margarita Hernandez, focusing on the pioneering sustainability and green tech initiatives in the Ann Arbor region.
We’re especially excited to connect with fellow Michiganders, share our stories, and build lasting relationships. So, make sure to swing by Midwest House on Michigan Day, March 11, to grab the coolest A2 swag and join the conversation. We can’t wait to see you there and celebrate the vibrant spirit and ingenuity of our great state together!
Join us at SXSW for a deep dive into Ann Arbor’s thriving green and sustainable ecosystem. Our panel, Green Horizons, will bring together thought leaders, changemakers, founders driving sustainability, and voices from initiatives like NextCycle and the Green Business Challenge. Explore how Ann Arbor is shaping the future of green business, fostering innovation, and positioning itself as a hub for sustainable growth. Gain insights, connect with industry pioneers, and discover how our community is actively shaping a greener tomorrow. Let’s unravel the potential of sustainable initiatives and elevate Ann Arbor’s green business reputation on a global stage.
Half Step Bar on Rainey
75 1/2 Rainey St, Austin, TX 78701
Moderator: Margarita Hernandez
Vice President, Entrepreneurial Services
Ann Arbor SPARK
Meet Margarita
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A screening of Sure as the Wind, a short film about the decades-long fight for environmental justice in SE Michigan. This documentary explores the recent efforts of Darren Riley and the team at JustAir as they work alongside longstanding organizations, such as Green Door Initiative, to turn the tide of environmental injustice in communities surrounding Grand Rapids and Detroit. Showing at Midwest House, produced by A2XL, as part of the Gather Around MI series.
Midwest House is proud to work with ecosystem partners around the Midwest to provide this platform for entrepreneurs.
Led by Crowe, LLP together with Startup Grind, Midwest House will host some of the freshest startups in the region to SXSW for an early-stage pitch competition with the distinct flavor of March. This includes three Ann Arbor-based companies pitching on Sunday, March 10, 1 – 3 p.m. CST: OrbAid, FreightMiner, and Pathless Productions.
The application period for a chance to be part of the first field of 64 startups closed on February 17. Stay tuned to learn who the Elite 8 will be and be sure to watch them compete on stage at the Midwest House inside the Half Step on Rainey Street during SXSW.
Midwest Madness will include a $10,000 cash prize for the winner and travel stipends for the Elite 8!
