Ann Arbor’s streets and plazas will come alive on Friday, October 3 as Tech Trek and Tech Talk return as part of a2Tech360, the region’s celebration of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Produced by Ann Arbor SPARK in partnership with the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA), these free events welcome the public to explore the technologies shaping our future.
Tech Trek, now in its tenth year, will transform Liberty Street between Division and Fifth into a walkable showcase of innovation from more than 60 leading companies, startups, and organizations. Attendees can explore cutting-edge demos inside offices, at pop-up spaces, and along the street—meeting the people behind the technologies driving change in mobility, health, IT, and beyond. Offsite stops will also be accessible thanks to complimentary pedicab rides, ensuring visitors can see as much innovation as possible. Companies that register to participate by August 29 will also have their logo featured on the iconic Tech Trek t-shirt, a downtown tradition proudly worn by attendees.
New this year, Tech Trek will also feature a Student Trek, designed to strengthen the career pipeline by connecting local students with the region’s tech community. Participants will include Washtenaw County Career & Technical Education (CTE) students, robotics teams, and Washtenaw Community College’s FAME program, with additional engagement from the Neutral Zone. The Student Trek offers companies a unique opportunity to showcase their work while providing students with hands-on exposure to tech careers.
In Liberty Plaza, Tech Talk will add an exciting new dimension with live, interactive tech demonstrations on stage—and this year, it’s free to attend. Highlights include:
- Navitas powering the Tech Talk stage with advanced lithium batteries designed for industrial and military applications.
- TreeTown Tech introducing “Sven the Robot,” a demonstration of next-generation robotics and human-machine interaction.
- GripFusion showcasing the ForceBall, a sensor-enabled baseball that connects data and performance in real time.
- APT Solar Solutions unveiling a portable solar panel that rolls out from a compact tube to deliver energy anywhere it’s needed.
- Backyard Brains offering a hands-on look at neuroscience tools that allow people to explore the electrical signals in their own bodies.
- Thought Labs presenting a trailer-based folding solar NanoGrid that can provide clean power for homes, events, and more.
- Community High School Robotics Team demonstrating their student-built robot capable of throwing a football with precision.
- AdAdapted presenting an interactive look at innovative mobile marketing solutions, offering insights into how technology is reshaping the AdTech industry.
“Tech Trek and Tech Talk are about more than innovation—they’re about connecting people,” said Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK. “Whether you’re a student, a job seeker, or just curious about the technologies shaping our region, these events are the best way to see and experience what makes Ann Arbor a hub for discovery.”
Attendees can also savor offerings from local food entrepreneurs at Washtenaw Community College — including Chow Hall, Bridge Café, and Blue Lemon Thai — adding even more flavor to this community-wide celebration.
The celebration continues into the evening with the Official After Party at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, where adult guests can enjoy an interactive, science-filled experience alongside fellow innovators and community members.
Event Details
- Tech Trek: Friday, October 3, 1–5 p.m. | Liberty Street, Downtown Ann Arbor
- Tech Talk: Friday, October 3, 1–5 p.m. | Liberty Plaza, Ann Arbor (free this year)
- Official 21+ After Party: Friday, October 3, 6 – 9 p.m. | Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
These events are free and open to the public. For more information and registration, visit www.a2Tech360.com.
Tech Trek and Tech Talk are made possible with the support of generous sponsors, including Applied Innovation, Comcast Business, and Cahoots for Tech Talk, and Michigan Engineering Online & Professional Education, University of Michigan Credit Union, Applied Innovation, First Martin, Kapnick, Switchbox, Treetown Tech, BrightWorks Coworking, and Vanguard Hotel for Tech Trek.
