Registration is now open for Ann Arbor SPARK’s annual a2Tech360, a premier event series celebrating technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Now in its ninth year, a2Tech360 offers a dynamic program of events aimed at connecting, inspiring and engaging the tech community.

This year’s series, produced in partnership with the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA), runs September 20-27 and features both new and returning highlights that are sure to captivate attendees.

Since the first Tech Trek event in 2015, a2Tech360 has been Ann Arbor’s premier technology event. The annual gathering goes beyond traditional conferences and festivals to provide a 360-degree perspective of Ann Arbor’s regional entrepreneur ecosystem. In 2023, more than 3,800 people attended events that included panel discussions, keynote presentations, interactive workshops, pitch competitions, industry trends, and a showcase of tech advancements.

Throughout the week, a2Tech360 will feature an impressive lineup of notable speakers and industry leaders. Attendees can expect insights from Kathryn Snorrason, Vice President and Deputy Chief Mobility Officer at the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME), Alan Amici, President and CEO of the Center for Automotive Research, Jasmine Burns, Chief People Officer at Censys, Christa Chambers-Pierce, Founder of Entre-SLAM, Jasmit Kaur, Founder and CEO of Culturebie, and many others.

The events featured include:

Invest360 Investor Show | Friday, September 20 | University of Michigan Golf Clubhouse

• Michigan’s investment community will come together to watch a select group of high-growth companies compete for a $50,000 investment in three categories: healthcare, information technology and mobility. The top three winners will then vie for the People’s Choice Award and an additional $50,000 investment. Invest360 offers a unique opportunity to connect with leading investors and industry representatives.

FastTrack Awards | Friday, September 20

• These annual awards recognize both established and emerging companies, highlighting their achievements and positive impact on the community. Known as “Gazelle” companies, these high-growth companies have increased their average revenue by 20% in three years, starting from a base of at least $100,000. Thank you to our visionary sponsor Rehmann.

Mobility Summit in Ann Arbor | Monday September 23rd | Washtenaw Community College

• Industry leaders will discuss innovative mobility solutions and the latest trends transforming the transportation sector. The summit will also include a mobility project showcase with contributions from Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw Community College and the University of Michigan. We thank our pioneering sponsor, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (MEDC OFME).

Sustainable Future Forum | Tuesday, September 24th | Venue: 4M.

• New to the a2Tech360 schedule, this event will feature discussions on innovative solutions in sustainability and environmental innovation with insights from green technology experts. In partnership with the City of Ann Arbor’s Office of Sustainability and Innovation, it will also recognize participants in the Green Business Challenge, which recognizes companies that have excelled in adopting environmentally friendly practices. Sponsored by Wacker Chemical.

Technical discussion | Tuesday, September 24th | Venue: 4M.

• “Placemaking: Technology, Talent, and Ann Arbor’s Evolution” will feature engaging discussions with technology industry leaders, exploring how economic development and technology impact community growth, the future of work, and the role of talent in regional development.

Women in Technology | Wednesday, September 25th | Sheraton Hotel.

• This event will include panel discussions and workshops that will explore the role of women in the technology industry, strategies for career advancement, and overcoming industry barriers. It is an ideal opportunity for anyone interested in technology careers, gender studies, and leadership to gain insights and network with successful women in the field.

Michigan Startup Capital Summit | Thursday, 26 September | Graduate Hotel

• An evolution of last year’s Michigan Angel Summit, this event will explore how startups raise funding and examine current investment trends. It will provide numerous opportunities to network with key players in the investment world, making it a must-attend event for anyone interested in the business and entrepreneurial landscape. We thank our pioneering sponsor, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

Technical Trek | Friday, September 27th | Liberty Street between Division and 5th Ave.

• This street fair-style event showcases the latest technological advancements and offers interactive experiences with innovative companies. Attendees can see new technologies in action and meet industry leaders. New to the event this year is the inclusion of food vendors from Washtenaw Community College’s Entrepreneurship Center’s Startup Incubator Program: Marupo’s, Blue Lemon Thai, Corned Beef Queen and Chow Hall. Thank you to our pioneering sponsor Kapnick Insurance.

In addition to these core events, a2Tech360 offers a growing number of Partner eventsincluding the A2ZERO Green Fair, the A2AC Artlab Hands-On Open House, “Get a Grip on Your Business” by Cahoots, the “Spark Your Elevator Pitch” workshop by Amy Cell Talent, the YpsiTasty Grub Crawl, “Lunch & Learn” from Venue Connect with Amy Peterson from Rebel Nell, Digital Summer Clinic’s Selling with Video & Data, the Nucleate Michigan Life Sciences Career Fair, the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum Tech Trek After Party and more.

“a2Tech360 plays a pivotal role in connecting local technology companies with the community, driving economic growth and creating jobs. This series of events highlights the ingenuity and creativity in Ann Arbor while serving as a catalyst for attracting and retaining top talent to ensure our region remains vibrant and innovative,” said Paul Krutko, President and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK. “It also provides everyone in the region, tech and non-technical, a glimpse into how we leverage the University of Michigan’s status as one of the world’s leading research institutions.”

To enhance the overall experience, the All Access Pass is back, offering a discounted ticket that grants access to Invest360, Michigan Startup Capital Summit, Sustainable Future Forum, Ann Arbor Mobility Summit, Women in Tech, and Tech Talk, and is automatically registered for Tech Trek. Purchasers also receive an exclusive swag box and additional drink coupons.

Ann Arbor SPARK would like to thank our major sponsors: University of Michigan Innovation Partnerships, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, DTE Foundation, Kapnick Insurance, Rehmann, MI-HQ and Wacker Chemical.

Early bird pricing and all-access pass availability ends Friday, August 23, so early registration is recommended.

Register, view event schedules and read speaker biographies at a2tech360.com.