June 2-10: a2Tech360 to Showcase Ann Arbor as an “Area of Innovation”

MAY 16, 2019 – ANN ARBOR, MICH. – Ann Arbor SPARK recently announced expanded a2Tech360 programming this year. a2Tech360 originated last year as an extension of its popular A2 Tech Trek event as a way to deliver broader programming to spotlight the region’s innovative people and businesses. a2Tech360 is presented by KLA with support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

An Ann Arbor SPARK initiative, a2Tech360 dedicates itself
to promoting the ecosystem of the Ann Arbor area of innovation. More than
a week of tech-related events, a2Tech360 creates connections between
innovators, researchers, investors, businesses, educational institutions,
non-profits, job seekers and the general public to generate discussion, ideas
and new opportunities.

“a2Tech360’s growth demonstrates that there is a strong desire for
collaboration and cohesion between the organizations and businesses looking to promote the region as a desirable
place to grow a business and a career,” said Paul Krutko, Ann Arbor SPARK president
and CEO. “It’s a labor of love for these organizations, including Ann Arbor
SPARK, to put our collective best foot forward in an impactful way that leaves
no doubt that the tech-related activity taking place here year-round is worthy
of attention and excitement.”

The 2019 a2Tech360 schedule:

Sunday, June 2

Student Demo Day, 1 to 3 p.m., at the Neutral Zone

In partnership with Ann Arbor Public Schools, Ann Arbor SPARK presents Student Demo Day. This interactive exhibit will feature original products developed by area high school students as well as presentations by leading business experts.

Monday, June 3

Ann Arbor SPARK East Innovation Center Open House and Live Design Challenge, 5 to 8 p.m., at the SPARK East Innovation Center

What’s old is new again at the Ann
Arbor SPARK East Innovation Center in Ypsilanti. To show off the updated space,
Ann Arbor SPARK is hosting a Live Design Challenge and Open House. The event is
being produced with support from DO (something).

Intermitten, 5 to 8 p.m., at The Ark

Intermitten explores how diverse
communities of innovative entrepreneurs can connect and use their creativity to
make the world a better place. This event is the conference pre-party and is presented
by Intermitten.

Tuesday, June 4

Intermitten, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., at The Ark

Intermitten, returning this year to Ann Arbor, is designed to empower
entrepreneurs. This year’s Intermitten speakers boast a range of backgrounds,
including local and renowned experts like Duo Security’s Dug Song, Backstage
Capital’s Monica Wheat, and globally-recognized policy and public affairs
expert Karin Korb and Kaplan Director Dr. Jeffrey Koetje, who will share how to
build companies that are not only successful but help make their people and
their communities successful as well.
In addition to a day of talks by 12 industry leaders,
Intermitten includes an after party at legendary music venue The Blind Pig.

Women in IT Leadership Conference, 6:30 to 9 p.m., at FordLabs

The Women in IT Leadership welcomes
three inspiring leaders who will discuss their experiences navigating the tech
industry. Following the speakers, there will be a Q&A discussion and
structured networking. This event is co-presented by Ann Arbor SPARK, DaySmart Software,
and FordLabs.

Wednesday,
June 5

2029:
What the Future Holds, 2 to 5 p.m., at Jeffries Hall,
#1225, University of Michigan Law School

At 2029: What the Future Holds, global
thought leaders will discuss trends and revolutionary products in healthcare,
IoT, AR/VR, mobility, and other driving industries with a foothold in the
region. This event is co-presented
by Ann Arbor SPARK and the University of Michigan Office of Tech Transfer.

Thursday, June 6

Ann Arbor SPARK’s
Mobility Summit, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., at
The Graduate Hotel and The American Center for Mobility

The Mobility Summit brings together
industry, government, academics, and others to discuss the future of mobility,
with a focus on emerging autonomous mobility and smart city solutions. The
day’s event will also include a tour and reception at the American Center for
Mobility. The Mobility Summit is presented by Ann Arbor SPARK and sponsored by
PlanetM.

Tech on the Edge: Electronics and
Life Science Tech Expo, 3 to 8 p.m., at MI-HQ

Tech on the Edge spotlights the growing
number of science-based companies that make chemicals, medicines, materials and
devices for the automotive, electronics, environmental and healthcare sectors.
The event will feature a keynote speaker, tours of MI-HQ’s wet labs and
offices, and companies showcasing their work. The after party includes a BBQ
and live music. This event is hosted by MI-HQ.

WXW Summer She-bang, 4 to 6 p.m.,
at The Circ Bar

Celebrate the start of summer with
old friends and new at WXW’s Summer Shebang. There’s no agenda, no program –
just fun, food and drinks. This event is presented by the Women’s Exchange of
Washtenaw.

Friday, June 7

Tech Talk 2019,
doors open at 9 a.m. and the program
runs 10 to 11:30 a.m., at Michigan Theater

Join Ann Arbor SPARK for an
inspiring morning and hear from the brilliant minds behind the region’s
innovative companies. From origin stories to behind-the-scenes accounts of the
fascinating technologies being developed here. Tech Talk features TED-style
talks by leading innovators. This event is presented by Ann Arbor SPARK and
sponsored by Wacker Chemical and PNC Bank.

Live
@ Tech Trek, 12 to 7 p.m., Washington Street at Fifth Street, downtown
Ann Arbor

Bank of Ann Arbor will once again
provide an amazing soundtrack for the day as Live @ Tech Trek returns to
Mobility Row.

Mobility Row,
12 to 7 p.m., Washington Street between Fifth Street and Division Street,
downtown Ann Arbor

Leading-edge
connected and autonomous vehicles will be on display in this exhibit-style
street fair. From self-driving shuttles to leading-edge connected car
technology, attendees will begin to rethink how they move through the world and
how advancements in mobility will define our futures.

Tech Trek,
3 to 7 p.m., downtown Ann Arbor

Tech Trek is a walking tour of
downtown Ann Arbor’s tech businesses. Through a combination of open house
events and interactive demonstrations, the public has the opportunity to learn
about exciting tech happening right here in Ann Arbor. This event is presented by
Ann Arbor SPARK and sponsored by DaySmart Software.

Saturday and
Sunday, June 8 and 9

HackA2, Saturday 1 p.m. through Sunday 3 p.m., at NETSCOUT

Ready to take on big challenges
with innovative solutions, the inaugural HackA2 will challenge teams of local
developers to solve a problem facing our community. Because there is strength
in numbers, Ann Arbor SPARK is co-presenting the hackathon with NETSCOUT,
Nexient, ITHAKA, and Tech-Inclusive.

Monday, June 10

FastTrack Awards, 6 to 8:30 p.m., at University of Michigan Golf Club

The annual FastTrack awards recognize public and private companies headquartered in Washtenaw and Livingston counties that achieved consistent growth. New to this year’s event the Entrepreneur Boot Camp Award winners and the A2 Tech Trek People’s Choice Award winners will also be announced. The FastTrack awards are hosted by Ann Arbor SPARK and sponsored by Northstar Bank.

Thanks to a partnership with the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority, a2Tech360 event attendees can take TheRide to events for free. Details will be emailed to registrants prior to the event.

a2Tech360 is sponsored by the Michigan SmartZone/ Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA), KLA and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. with media sponsor Russell Video. For more information about a2Tech360, please visit www.a2Tech360.com.

About Ann Arbor SPARK

Ann Arbor SPARK, a
non-profit organization, is advancing the region by encouraging and supporting
business acceleration, attraction and retention. The organization identifies
and meets the needs of business at every stage, from start-ups to large
organizations. Ann Arbor SPARK collaborates with business, academic,
government, and community investor partners. For more information, please
call (734) 761-9317 or visit www.AnnArborUSA.org.

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Source: SPARK