Michigan Tech Week 2024: A Transformative Gathering of Innovation and Collaboration

Michigan’s leadership in innovation has never been more evident than during Michigan Tech Week 2024. From October 1 to October 4, 2024, this vibrant event showcased the state’s entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and tech ecosystem. With over a thousand attendees from both peninsulas gathering at the newly renovated Michigan Central in Detroit, the week was a testament to Michigan’s growing prominence as a hub for technology and entrepreneurship.

A Celebration and a Collaboration

Michigan Tech Week served not just as a celebration of hard work but as a launchpad for greater progress. Entrepreneurs, founders, and innovators from across the state came together to share ideas, forge connections, and celebrate their successes. This gathering highlighted the shared commitment to building a thriving ecosystem that positions Michigan as a leader in the tech world.

MTW’s success was made possible by the collaboration of many partners and sponsors. Michigan Founders Fund presented this year’s 4-day event, which for the first time was hosted by Michigan Central. Many partners played pivotal roles at the primary events and almost two-dozen affiliated events across Detroit – thank you to our 2024 Planning Council,  and partners, and many sponsors! Anchor sponsors such as Song Foundation, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, William Davidson Foundation, and the University of Michigan also deserve special recognition for their unwavering support to develop and grow our ecosystem. 

Highlights of the Week

Pitch Competitions: Showcasing Talent

The pitch competitions were a standout feature, spotlighting Michigan’s top talent and innovative startups. A total of over $300,000 was awarded to the winners, including:

• MFF Venture Together Competition: Reciprocity, Farmish, Pluck.eco, and Strut shared a top prize of $120,000 in cash and $20,000 in free legal services. These companies represent a diverse array of innovative solutions, from sustainability-focused initiatives to tech-driven community enhancements.
• Outdoor Innovation Pitch Competition: Pangoo Apparel secured the $50,000 top prize for their innovative approach to outdoor gear, blending functionality with sustainability.

• eLab AI Launchpad Pitch Competition: MOTMOT won first place with $50,000, while Tour took second with $25,000. These startups showcased groundbreaking applications of artificial intelligence in various industries.
• Student Pitch Competition: Students from over a dozen campuses came to Detroit to compete, where Alivio Medical, led by students from the University of Michigan, claimed the $7,500 top prize. CyberBuddy from Eastern Michigan University followed with $4,000, and Odin Classroom from Michigan State University earned $2,500. Wave RF, another University of Michigan initiative, captured the People’s Choice Award.

Inspiring Panels

The event featured over 100 speakers who shared valuable insights and experiences. Highlights included:

• A panel on accelerators with experts like Dre Wallace, Prentice Keller, and Katie Kirsch, providing guidance on the benefits and challenges of joining these programs. This session was particularly valuable for early-stage startups seeking strategic growth avenues.
• A discussion on venture capital trends, led by Adrian Fortino, Ben Bernstein, and Monica Wheat. Attendees gained a comprehensive understanding of Michigan’s position in the venture capital landscape and strategies to attract investment.
• A MEDC-sponsored panel on Michigan’s future as an innovation ecosystem. This session delved into opportunities for growth, with a special focus on mobility startups.
• Stories from Black women founders, moderated by Tessa Flippin, offering inspiration and advice on navigating fundraising challenges. Speakers like Karrissa Yve and Crystal Brown shared their journeys, highlighting resilience and innovation.
• A mental health session for entrepreneurs, emphasizing self-awareness and authentic leadership. Zachariah Booker, Ryan Vaughn, and Margarita Hernandez shared practical tips for balancing entrepreneurial pressures with personal well-being.
• An Ask Me Anything session with founders Robert Wolfe and Sara Chen, where they shared practical tips for scaling businesses and overcoming challenges. Their candid advice resonated with entrepreneurs at various stages of their journeys.

Student Hackathon

The Student Hackathon showcased the next generation of innovators. Winners included:

• Pathwayze: First place ($4,000) and People’s Choice winners. Their solution demonstrated a creative and practical approach to a pressing challenge.
• Digital Dreamers: Second place ($3,000), impressing judges with their innovative use of technology.
• Ride Buddy: Third place ($2,000), showcasing an engaging and user-friendly solution for transportation.

This hackathon highlighted the ingenuity of Michigan’s students and their potential to drive future innovation.

Networking and Meet-ups

Networking events were a key component, allowing attendees to have intentional connections with peers, mentors, and investors. Regional meet-ups, happy hours, and industry-specific gatherings fostered collaboration and camaraderie. The vibrant atmosphere extended beyond formal sessions, with movie screenings, house parties, and topic-specific conferences enriching the week’s activities.

Industry gatherings offered focused discussions on funding strategies, technology trends, and entrepreneurial challenges. Affinity groups also provided a platform for diverse communities within the tech ecosystem to share their experiences and insights. The collective energy and enthusiasm were palpable, underscoring the importance of such gatherings in building a cohesive tech community.

A Showcase of Innovation

Michigan Tech Week was not just a platform for startups but also a showcase of cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions. Exhibits and demonstrations throughout the event provided a glimpse into the future of industries such as mobility, healthcare, and artificial intelligence. From autonomous vehicle prototypes to AI-driven applications, attendees were inspired by the groundbreaking work happening within Michigan’s borders.

The Road Ahead

Michigan Tech Week 2024 underscored the state’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. The energy and enthusiasm generated during the event promise to fuel future initiatives and collaborations. Attendees left with not only valuable connections and insights but also a renewed sense of purpose and possibility. As the stories and lessons from the week continue to unfold, one thing is clear: Michigan’s tech ecosystem is thriving, and its best days are yet to come.

The event’s impact extends beyond its immediate participants. By celebrating and supporting entrepreneurship, Michigan Tech Week has laid the groundwork for sustained growth and innovation. The collaborative spirit, combined with the state’s resources and talent, positions Michigan as a beacon for tech-driven progress.

Together, we are building a brighter future for Michigan’s innovators and entrepreneurs. As we look ahead, the momentum from this week will undoubtedly drive Michigan’s tech ecosystem to new heights. Here’s to another year of innovation, collaboration, and success!

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