Community-hosted events expand the lineup with new ways to learn, connect and experience the region’s innovation ecosystem
Running September 22 through October 2, a2Tech360 is Ann Arbor SPARK’s annual celebration of the region’s technology and innovation ecosystem, bringing together founders, investors, industry leaders, researchers, students, job seekers and the broader community. This year’s lineup spans startup pitches and career connections to mobility, life sciences, leadership and emerging technology, with signature events including Tech Homecoming Career Fair, Invest360 Pitch Competition & Summit, the FastTrack Awards, Women in Tech, Business of Life Sciences, Ann Arbor Mobility Summit, Tech Talk and Tech Trek.
Adding even more ways to experience the series, Partner Events hosted by organizations throughout Washtenaw County bring entrepreneurship, emerging technology, art, advanced medical devices, social impact and more into the lineup. Created specifically for the annual celebration, each event is innovation-themed and contributes to the broader goal of showcasing the Ann Arbor region as a destination where companies, entrepreneurs and talented people can connect, grow and thrive.
“Partner Events bring such a unique mix of organizations, ideas and experiences into the lineup, and that’s exactly what makes them so valuable,” said Lydia Mitchell, a2Tech360 Program Manager. “They give our community partners an opportunity to showcase their expertise and creativity while giving attendees even more ways to learn something new, make connections and experience what makes this region’s innovation ecosystem special. We’re really excited about the variety in this year’s lineup.”
The 2026 Partner Event lineup includes:
- Ready, Set, Network: Your a2Tech360 Networking Playbook, hosted by Yeo & Yeo HR Advisory Solutions
Tuesday, September 22 | 12–12:45 p.m. | Virtual
A practical session designed to help attendees make the most of the connections and networking opportunities available throughout the series. - Celebrate Invention, hosted by University of Michigan Innovation Partnerships
Thursday, September 24 | 3–6 p.m. | Michigan Union
An annual celebration of U-M inventors and the growing impact of university innovation, featuring demonstrations from promising startups, a panel with leading inventors and alumni, networking, and the Distinguished University Innovator of the Year Award presentation. This year’s program honors H. David Humes, M.D., for his work developing the Selective Cytopheretic Device. - Healthy Founders, Healthy Exits, hosted by New Enterprise Forum
Thursday, September 24 | 5–7:30 p.m. | NETSCOUT
A conversation exploring the founder journey and what it takes to build toward successful outcomes. - Start Your Modern Career, hosted by Digital Summer Clinic
Friday, September 25 | 10 a.m.–1 p.m. | SPARK East Innovation Center
A hands-on career workshop featuring panels and interactive exercises focused on landing internships and early-career opportunities, building a strong resume and network, and navigating AI-powered hiring tools. - JacHacks A2Tech, hosted by JacHacks
Saturday, September 26–Sunday, September 27 | 8 a.m.–8 a.m. | University of Michigan
A two-day hackathon bringing builders together to create with Jac and agentic AI, turning ideas into working projects while collaborating, experimenting and competing alongside fellow technologists. - Open House: 15th Anniversary, hosted by Maker Works
Saturday, September 26 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | Maker Works
A celebration of 15 years of making, building and creativity with an inside look at the tools, resources and community at Maker Works. - Ann Arbor Art Center Experiences
Monday, September 28 | 3:30–5:30 p.m. | Ann Arbor Art Center
A facilities tour, digital painting course and introduction to 3D modeling offer opportunities to explore the intersection of creativity, technology and digital tools. - YpsiTasty, hosted by the A2Y Regional Chamber
Tuesday, September 29 | 4–8 p.m. | Ypsilanti
A self-paced grub crawl through Downtown Ypsilanti, Depot Town and Cross Street, featuring signature tastes from local restaurants, shopping at independent retailers, live entertainment and a hop-on, hop-off trolley connecting stops along the way. - Michigan Medical Device Summit, hosted by MichBio
Wednesday, September 30 | 8 a.m.–6:30 p.m. | Washtenaw Community College
This annual event brings together medtech leaders, innovators, researchers, manufacturers and investors to explore AI, emerging technologies, commercialization, regulation and the future of the industry. The program features a keynote conversation with Dr. Michelle Tarver, Director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, on advancing innovation, AI oversight and accelerating patient access to breakthrough technologies. - 1 Million Cups Open House
Wednesday, September 30 | 8:30–10 a.m. | Bamboo Ann Arbor
An opportunity to experience the entrepreneur-focused 1 Million Cups community and connect with founders and supporters. - Systems that Serve: Intentional Technology and Entrepreneurship, hosted by ZingTrain
Thursday, October 1 | 9–11 a.m. | ZingTrain
A coffee chat with Tom Root of Zingerman’s Mail Order and Maker Works exploring how thoughtful technology choices can strengthen customer service, organizational culture and business operations — while ensuring technology serves the mission, rather than driving it. - Reimagining Impact: Innovation at the Intersection of Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Social Good, hosted by Samaritas
Thursday, October 1 | 4:30–7 p.m. | Venue by 4M
A discussion exploring how innovation and entrepreneurship can be applied to social challenges and community impact. - a2Tech360 After Party, hosted by the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
Friday, October 2 | 6–9 p.m. | Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum | 21+
An adults-only evening offering a playful way to experience the museum and close out the series.
Partner Events are hosted and managed independently by participating organizations and require separate registration from a2Tech360 signature events. Most are free to attend, while some may require a separate ticket or registration fee.
The complete lineup, including full event details and registration information, is available at a2Tech360.com. Attendees can click on each Partner Event tile to learn more and access the host organization’s registration page.
Ann Arbor SPARK is grateful to Oracle and OpenAI for their presenting sponsorship of a2Tech360 and Washtenaw Community College for its supporting sponsorship of SPARK’s signature events.
