On the heels of last year’s amazing event in Ann Arbor, Michigan Tech Week 2024 is gearing up for an exciting change as the annual event moves to Detroit. Scheduled from October 1-4 at Michigan Central, the vibrant and inclusive 30-acre campus which serves as a convening place and real-world test bed for technologies advancing a more sustainable and equitable future—the conference will celebrate Michigan's growing influence as a hub for technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
The shift to Detroit reflects the city's transformation into a burgeoning tech and startup ecosystem fueled by substantial investments in sustainability, mobility, manufacturing, and digital infrastructure. As one of the Midwest's fastest-growing cities for tech jobs, Detroit offers an ideal backdrop for Michigan Tech Week's mission of fostering collaboration among the state’s tech leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs.
Michigan is making moves.
In recent years, Michigan has seen significant growth in its technology and venture capital landscapes, with the state’s tech industry now valued at over $27 billion. According to the Michigan Venture Capital Association (MVCA), the state saw a record-breaking $1.4 billion invested in 88 startups in 2023, marking a sharp increase from previous years. Detroit, in particular, has been a key player in this surge, with local venture firms and out-of-state investors flocking to the city’s thriving mobility and fintech sectors. Michigan Tech Week 2024 will highlight this momentum, providing a platform for emerging startups to pitch their innovations to potential investors— with $300k in cash prizes to be awarded across pitch competition events.
The conference will feature panels and discussions centered on key industries such as sustainability, automotive tech, cybersecurity, and AI, all of which have strong roots in Michigan. The state has long been a leader in advanced manufacturing and mobility innovation, and recent developments in electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous driving technology have only solidified its position. As the birthplace of the American automotive industry, Detroit has become a central player in this tech revolution, with companies like General Motors and Ford making substantial investments in EV technology and innovation hubs.
Entrepreneurship for everyone.
Beyond industry-specific growth, Michigan Tech Week 2024 aims to address the broader challenges of the state’s tech landscape, including the need for increased talent development and diversity in tech. While the state has made significant strides, tech workforce development remains a priority as companies seek to attract and retain skilled professionals. Efforts to support meaningful inclusion across the tech industry in addition to a day dedicated to students and upcoming entrepreneurs will also be a major focus of the event.
Content, Community, and Connection.
This year’s event will include some remarkable speakers and events, including:
Melissa Butler: The innovative force behind The Lip Bar, Melissa Butler, will share her entrepreneurial journey and how she’s changing the beauty industry with inclusive, socially conscious products.
Jason Raznick: As the founder of Benzinga, a leading financial media outlet, Jason will offer insights into building a media platform and creating value for the investment community.
Freada Kapor Klein: A visionary leader in venture capital, Freada will discuss how Kapor Capital focuses on impact investing and supporting companies bridging access and opportunity gaps.
Jon Oberheide: As co-founder of Duo Security, one of Michigan’s most successful tech companies, Jon will provide valuable lessons from his experience scaling a cybersecurity firm and navigating a successful exit.
Songe Laron: As co-founder and leader of SQUIRE, Songe’s company delivers the only all-in-one barbershop management platform to thousands of barbershops and has reached over $1 billion in sales.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:
- $300,000 in Pitch Prizes: Competitions will showcase emerging startups as they compete to win part of the $300,000 prize pool, helping them accelerate their growth and gain investor interest.
- Tech Exhibitions: Explore the latest tech innovations, featuring leading-edge products, services, and demonstrations from Michigan-based companies.
- Workshops: A series of workshops led by industry experts will offer hands-on learning opportunities covering topics such as AI, outdoor tech, startup funding, and business scaling.
- Networking Events: Michigan Tech Week will provide numerous networking opportunities, including an opening reception and closing ceremony, enabling connections with top tech leaders, investors, and peers from across the industry.
- Experience Michigan Central: Michigan Central hosts Michigan Tech Week this year. This vibrant and inclusive 30-acre campus is a convening place and real-world test bed for technologies advancing a more sustainable and equitable future. The week’s programming will be split between Michigan Central Station and Newlab at Michigan Central and outdoor activations on the campus.
With the move to Detroit, Michigan Tech Week 2024 will celebrate the state’s thriving tech ecosystem and spotlight Michigan's continued evolution as a leader in innovation on a national and global scale.
For more information, tickets, and media inquiries, please visit michigantechweek.com
