From AA Spark
a2Tech360, Ann Arbor’s premier week-long celebration of technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship, wrapped up on Friday, September 27, drawing thousands of attendees across a variety of events that highlighted the region’s thriving tech ecosystem. Organized by Ann Arbor SPARK and the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti Local Development Finance Authority, the ninth edition of a2Tech360 reinforced Washtenaw County’s status as a national hub for innovation, with each event offering unique insights into mobility, sustainability, investment, and entrepreneurship.
The 2024 series, which ran from September 20 to September 27, featured eight signature events and 12 partner events that spanned everything from investment showcases to sustainability forums, culminating in the popular street-fair-style Tech Trek, which transformed downtown Ann Arbor into a live display of cutting-edge technology.
“The energy throughout the week was truly incredible,” said Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK. “a2Tech360 continues to be a platform where we showcase the immense entrepreneurial talent and technological innovation rooted in our region. It also gives us national exposure, attracting investors, industry leaders, and partners who are interested in collaborating with Ann Arbor’s dynamic startup ecosystem.”
Event Highlights:
- Invest360 kicked off the week with a dynamic pitch competition, where startups from the healthcare, information technology, and mobility sectors competed for a $50,000 investment in their category. Decimal Code emerged as the standout, winning the top prize in the Healthcare category and securing an additional $50,000 through the People’s Choice vote.
- The FastTrack Awards honored sixteen high-growth “gazelle” companies for their remarkable contributions to the regional economy. Among the honorees, DocNetwork stood out by winning the award for the ninth consecutive year. It was a night of recognition and celebration, showcasing the achievements of these standout companies. View the awardee videos here.
- The Ann Arbor Mobility Summit brought together industry experts to discuss the future of transportation, featuring notable insights from the University of Michigan and local community colleges. Keynote speaker Kathryn Snorrason, Vice President and Deputy Chief Mobility Officer at the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME), led the event, which focused on themes such as innovation, equity in transportation, the role of AI in automotive advancements, and the impact of educational institutions on shaping the mobility landscape.
- The Sustainable Future Forum made its debut this year, offering valuable insights into sustainable business practices and environmental innovation while honoring participants of the City of Ann Arbor’s Green Business Challenge. Emceed by Dunrie Greiling, Ph.D., Entrepreneurial Ecologist, the event featured panel discussions on actionable ESG strategies from global organizations and showcased innovations in emerging green technologies. The keynote address was delivered by Jennifer Haverkamp, Graham Family Director of the Graham Sustainability Institute at the University of Michigan.
- Tech Talk also took place at Venue by 4M, featuring engaging discussions with tech leaders around the theme “Placemaking: Tech, Talent, and the Evolution of Ann Arbor.” The event explored how economic development and technology shape community growth, the future of work, and the role of talent in regional development. Bia Hamed of SEMI Foundation, Noah Kaplan of Leon Speakers, and Wonwoo Lee of Oxford Properties took the stage to share insights on various aspects of placemaking, followed by a fireside chat that delved into child care challenges, solutions, and their economic impact.
- Women in Tech gathered attendees from across the region for an afternoon of dynamic discussions and networking, celebrating the career journeys of women in the tech industry. The well-attended sessions covered key topics like mentorship, building influence within the tech community, and navigating later career stages, each delivering valuable insights and engaging the audience. The programming concluded with an entertaining fireside chat featuring Cynthia Wilbanks and Maria Thompson, followed by a lively networking reception where attendees participated in an interactive mural activity led by Rebel Nell, fostering creativity, conversation, and connection through art.
- The Michigan Startup Capital Summit, hosted at the Graduate Hotel in partnership with the University of Michigan’s Innovation Partnerships, featured a keynote from Kelly Sexton, Associate Vice President for Research – Innovation Partnerships and Economic Impact at the University of Michigan. The event also showcased pitches from rising tech companies, offering key insights into securing startup funding and the latest trends in investment. With abundant networking opportunities among top investment leaders, it proved to be a must-attend event for those interested in the ever-evolving business and entrepreneurship landscape.
- Tech Trek wrapped up a2Tech360 with well over 1,000 visitors exploring more than 60 local tech companies through interactive demos, hands-on activities, off-site tours, and food vendors from Washtenaw Community College’s entrepreneurial program. Highlights included Censys’ tech-themed carnival, Skyspecs’ drone demonstrations, tours at Cahoots, and rooftop music with Bamboo and Midwest House, with Boober Tours’ pedicabs shuttling attendees between stops. Job seekers had the chance to connect with dozens of hiring companies, while mobility companies showcased cutting-edge technologies, including autonomous robots and electric vehicles. Powered with electrical by Navitas, the event also embraced sustainability with eco-friendly initiatives like refillable water bottles and a water refilling station, compost receptacles and more.
Throughout the week, a2Tech360 attracted over 2,000 attendees, including entrepreneurs, founders, inventors, community leaders, venture capitalists, government officials, and academic representatives. This diverse participation highlights Ann Arbor’s position as a thriving hub of innovation, driving economic growth and solidifying its role as a leader in the national tech landscape.
“This year’s a2Tech360 demonstrated the power of collaboration and community, providing opportunities for startups to secure investments, entrepreneurs to network with industry leaders, and attendees to learn about cutting-edge trends shaping our future,” added Krutko. “Ann Arbor’s unique mix of tech talent, academic resources, and a vibrant entrepreneurial community makes this event series a critical piece of our continued economic growth.”
Ann Arbor SPARK extends its gratitude to the speakers, emcees, participating companies, and the sponsors and partners who made this year’s a2Tech360 a success. Special thanks to Applied Innovation, Bank of Ann Arbor, Barnes & Thornburg, Bodman, BrightWorks Coworking, Comcast Business, DaySmart Software, Destination Ann Arbor, DTE Foundation, EAVX, First Martin, getDowntown, ID Ventures, Kapnick Insurance, MI-HQ, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund, Michigan Rise, Northstar Bank, Rehmann, Russell Video, Saganverse, Sartorius, Shine & Rise, Taft, Underground Printing, University of Michigan Credit Union, University of Michigan Innovation Partnerships, Varnum, Wacker, Washtenaw Community College, and XO Cyber for their invaluable support in bringing these events to life.
