Several Events Come Together June 13-15, 2018 to Showcase Ann Arbor as an “Area of Innovation”
At its annual meeting, Ann Arbor SPARK unveiled a2Tech360, an extension of its popular Tech Trek event, to be held this year on June 15, that includes extended programming designed to spotlight the region’s innovative people and businesses.
An Ann Arbor SPARK initiative, a2Tech360 dedicates itself to promoting the ecosystem of the Ann Arbor area of innovation. A week of tech-related events, a2Tech360 creates connections between key community actors – innovators, researchers, investors, businesses, education institutions, non-profits, job seekers and the general public – that meaningfully generates discussion, ideas, and new opportunities.
“a2Tech360 aligns with Ann Arbor SPARK’s mission and is a way to amplify our message that Ann Arbor is a destination for innovation, business location and growth, and for talented people to live and work,” said Paul Krutko, Ann Arbor SPARK president and CEO. “The entire team at Ann Arbor SPARK and supporters who are committed to this extension of our work are excited for the opportunity a2Tech360 provides to showcase the region as an area of innovation.”
The 2018 a2Tech360 events are:
Wednesday, June 13, 2 to 5 p.m., 2028: What the Future Holds, an event that will connect investors with next-generation tech emerging from the University of Michigan. Held on the University of Michigan campus, 2028: What the Future Holds is being presented by the Michigan Angel Fund and the University of Michigan’s Office of Tech Transfer and Business Engagement Center.
Wednesday, June 13, 6 to 8 p.m., early-stage companies will pitch investors at an event hosted by the Michigan Angel Fund. Event location will be announced soon.
Thursday, June 14, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at The Graduate Hotel, the Meeting of the Minds will host its first mobility industry leadership summit focused on emerging autonomous mobility and smart city solutions.
Thursday, June 14, 5 to 8 p.m., Ann Arbor SPARK will present its annual FastTrack Awards, recognizing public and private companies headquartered in Washtenaw County that have achieved consistent growth. The FastTrack Awards are sponsored by Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Business Consultants and Comcast Business. The location of the FastTrack Awards reception will be announced soon.
Friday, June 15, 9 a.m. to noon, Ann Arbor SPARK will host its second annual Tech Talk, featuring inspiring “TED”-style talks by 13 leading innovators. Held at the Michigan Theater, Tech Talk is sponsored by the PNC Foundation.
Friday, June 15, from 12 to 7 p.m., Bank of Ann Arbor will host its first annual Live at Tech Trek, featuring live bands from noon to 3 p.m. followed by a DJ spinning until 7 p.m. Live at Tech Trek will be held at the corner of Washington Street and Fifth Street in downtown Ann Arbor.
Also from 12 to 7 p.m. on Friday, June 15, Ann Arbor SPARK will present its inaugural Mobility Row, on Washington Street between Fifth Street and Division Street. From self-driving shuttles to leading-edge connected car technology, Mobility Row attendees will be able to see, first hand, the future of transportation.
Friday, June 15, from 3 to 7 p.m., Ann Arbor SPARK will offer its popular annual Tech Trek, a walking tour of tech businesses in downtown Ann Arbor. Featuring more than 70 companies offering displays, hospitality, fun, and games, Tech Trek is free and for those of all ages. Tech Trek is sponsored by the Ann Arbor/ Ypsilanti SmartZone (Local Development Finance Authority), Arbor Networks, Destination Ann Arbor, and Domino’s Pizza.
As part of this year’s Tech Trek, Ann Arbor SPARK will host Talent Terrace. The Talent Terrace, held in Liberty Plaza Park, will offer jobseeker’s resources from career advice to targeted job search capabilities. The Talent Terrace is powered by Washtenaw Community College, Michigan Works!, and TrueJob.
