The University of Michigan Golf Course Clubhouse was abuzz with excitement on Friday, September 20, as Ann Arbor SPARK hosted the annual FastTrack Awards, a highlight of the a2Tech360 event series.

On Friday, September 20th, the Invest360 event, held at the University of Michigan Golf Course Clubhouse, celebrated some of Southeast Michigan’s most innovative early-stage companies.

For its ninth year, a2Tech360 will offer a dynamic lineup of events designed to connect, inspire, and engage the tech community.

Insight Voice, Inc. has developed a proprietary software service that streamlines content marketing for small to medium-sized businesses.

Designed to celebrate and champion businesses committed to eco-friendly practices, the A2 GBC aims to be more than just a certification program—it’s a movement to create a greener, more sustainable future.

The event gathered nearly 400 industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders to celebrate the accomplishments of 2023 and reflect on SPARK’s enduring impact.

Four early-stage companies pitched their ideas to a panel of judges for a chance to win the investment.

M3D is an innovative startup in the medical device industry founded in Ann Arbor that develops technology that provides real-time detection and 3D imaging of radiation.

SPARK's panel discussion aims to tackle the pressing need for innovation that not only propels businesses into the future but does so with a keen eye on environmental sustainability.

Security Snares specializes in advanced software sensors that effectively identify and neutralize security incidents or active threats, particularly from ransomware attacks.

The Annual Meeting and Economic Forum will celebrate the region’s economic development achievements and SPARK’s pivotal role over the past 20 years.

Get to know more about the new leader of an initiative to be held Sept. 20-27.

Recently published reports from the coalition showcase the extent to which families and providers are struggling and how those struggles are impacting local employers.

This year’s event is slated to take place from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22 at Venue by 4M on South Industrial Highway.

The Michigan organization received the 2023 Excellence in Economic Development Silver Award in the Internet & New Media category.

Winning startups were crowned in the mobility, life science, information technology and People’s Choice categories at the University of Michigan Golf Course Clubhouse.

This year’s accolades celebrated a diverse range of industries, including architecture, IT solutions, plush animals, genomic intelligence, medical imaging, professional chauffeur services, and more.

The event will explore the critical role women play in the tech field, the challenges they face and their impact as the industry continues to evolve and drive global progress.

Stop by booth 109 at the North American Detroit Auto Show’s AutoMobili-D to learn about innovative startups revolutionizing the mobility section.

Tech enthusiasts and industry leaders will see four inspiring trailblazers at this year’s Tech Talk speaker spotlight.

Attendees will have an opportunity to engage in insightful discussions, network with like-minded individuals and gain valuable insights into the world of angel investing and startup growth.

Ann Arbor Mobility Summit aims to spark insightful discussions, drive collaborative solutions, and catalyze new partnerships that will shape the future of transportation.

The highly-anticipated event will offer a pitch competition, networking opportunities for participants and educational workshops from Sept. 14-22.

The new effort brings together local child care providers, families, policymakers and businesses to develop and implement a regional action plan over the next year.

The initiative aims to support the growth of all small businesses, while advancing the objectives of diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as community investment.

Ann Arbor SPARK will host its annual meeting on Thursday, May 25 at the Eastern Michigan University Student Center.

Ann Arbor SPARK will lead a panel discussion at the SXSW Conference in Austin, Texas.

A new chapter of the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) is launching in southeast Michigan.

Simms has been with Ann Arbor SPARK since it was founded.

Ann Arbor SPARK has announced that former Ann Arbor City Administrator Tom Crawford will serve as financial officer of the Tree Town development agency.

“Jenn’s broad ties in our community, her solid track record of fundraising for a range of nonprofit organizations, her ability to build partnerships, and her passion for ensuring Ann Arbor is a vibrant, cultural destination made her the stand-out candidate for this role,” said A2AC board of directors chair Anne Cooper in a release.

Ann Arbor SPARK’s annual Tech Homecoming event returns this year to connect growing companies with job seekers.

The Michigan STEM Forward internship program recently placed its 500th intern.

Ann Arbor SPARK awarded $200,000 to startups during Invest360, a pitch competition that recognizes promising emerging companies in the mobility, healthcare, and information technology sectors.

Denovo Fertility was the Best of Boot Camp winner at Ann Arbor SPARK's 2022 Entrepreneur Boot Camp Celebration.

The 24th annual FastTrack Awards concluded the first day of a2Tech360 by highlighting some of the Ann Arbor area’s fastest-growing “gazelles.”

Ann Arbor’s top tech visionaries will offer inspirational talks and personal stories on entrepreneurship, inclusion, creativity, and technology during a2Tech360 series.

Ann Arbor SPARK’s a2Tech360 will be held October 7-14.

Ann Arbor SPARK hosted its 2022 Annual Meeting on Thursday at Eastern Michigan University’s Student Center.

Ann Arbor SPARK has hired Jennifer Hayman to serve as senior vice president of marketing, communications and events.

Ann Arbor SPARK and EMU are offering 48 intern positions this summer.

As part of EMU’s eight-week Executive Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Venture Challenge program, enrolled entrepreneurs pitched their ideas to local business leaders for the chance to win funding.

The event is attended by business, government and academic leaders from around the Ann Arbor area.

Oxford Companies announced the launch of the Oxford Instant Office Simple Agreement for Future Equity program for local tech startups.

Ann Arbor SPARK is launching a free online event series designed for small business owners.

Ann Arbor SPARK’s annual Tech Homecoming event is being offered this year as an in-person and a virtual job fair.

Jenn Cornell Queen (D-Ward 5) has announced her run for Ann Arbor City Council.

Invest360 is a pitch competition that recognizes promising emerging companies in the mobility, healthcare, and information technology sectors.

Ann Arbor SPARK presented its 23nd annual FastTrack Awards to 18 companies located in Washtenaw and Livingston counties.

Biopharmaceutical company to generate 160 high-wage jobs in Ann Arbor with new Center of Excellence Facility.

The city's Green Fair will take over Main Street on Friday evening.

A2GO will officially kick off on Oct. 11.

The annual FastTrack Awards honors fast-growing "gazelle" companies headquartered in Washtenaw and Livingston counties.

Students and companies can still apply to participate in the new Michigan STEM Forward program.

Free ride service A2GO is turning to the public to name one of its autonomous shuttles.

Ann Arbor SPARK’s a2Tech360 will be held October 1 through 8 online and in various in-person locations throughout the city.

Ann Arbor SPARK’s a2Tech360 will be held October 1 through 8 online and in various in-person locations throughout the city.

New program designed to help small business owners learn new skills and reinforce best business practices by learning from subject matter experts in finance, sales, marketing and accounting.

New program designed to help small business owners learn new skills and reinforce best business practices by learning from subject matter experts in finance, sales, marketing and accounting.

The grant will be accompanied by $600,000 in local funding for the effort.

The grant will be accompanied by $600,000 in local funding for the effort.

Any high-growth company with 20 percent increased average revenue for three years can apply for a FastTrack Award.

Any high-growth company with 20 percent increased average revenue for three years can apply for a FastTrack Award.

The winners were selected by an esteemed panel of experts, based on the business’s investor pitch.

The winners were selected by an esteemed panel of experts, based on the business’s investor pitch.

The program aims to promote job retention in the state while supporting local companies.

The program aims to promote job retention in the state while supporting local companies.

At its annual meeting, Ann Arbor SPARK honored leading regional businesses and released its annual report.

At its annual meeting, Ann Arbor SPARK honored leading regional businesses and released its annual report.

A new type of shuttle service will be hitting the streets of Ann Arbor in the name of research.

The virtual event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 18.

The virtual event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 18.

Here's a look at five innovative businesses in Ann Arbor.

Here's a look at five innovative businesses in Ann Arbor.

EMU is accepting applications for 48 paid summer intern positions.

Two projects building on Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Back to Work Michigan plan expected to generate total private investment of $27.2 million, create 279 jobs.

Two projects building on Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Back to Work Michigan plan expected to generate total private investment of $27.2 million, create 279 jobs.

The internships will be funded by Ann Arbor SPARK and a grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund. ANN ARBOR – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) will partner with Ann Arbor SPARK to launch the Michigan STEM Forward internship program on a statewide level. SPARK has run the program on a local level through the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti SmartZone with a decade of positive results. In scaling the program up, MEDC will work in partnership with SPARK to place 425-450 STEM students currently attending Michigan colleges annually into STEM-focused internships throughout Michigan. “Ann Arbor SPARK is thrilled to leverage our decade of experience running our own Ann Arbor-based internship program and take the opportunity to administer the Michigan STEM Forward program on behalf of the state,” said Bill Mayer, Ann Arbor SPARK’s vice president of entrepreneurial services.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation will partner with Ann Arbor SPARK to launch the Michigan STEM Forward internship program on a statewide level.

ANN ARBOR – Michigan House is again preparing to serve as a platform for the state’s innovators and creatives to connect with the worldwide audience that attends the South by Southwest Conference and Festival (SXSW) next week. In the moment it was devastating, but even within a couple days it was clear the right decision had been made,” said Ted Velie, a co-founder of Michigan House. We were thrilled then, that SXSW found a way for us to still connect this year.”AdOver the course of the five day virtual conference, Michigan House will host three Official SXSW Panel Discussions, a virtual meet-up for entrepreneurs, a Michigan Startup Portfolio, and a Michigan House Booth on SXSW’s digital platform. AdSee the schedule below for the panels, organized by Ann Arbor SPARK’s Komal Doshi, and the Michigan-focused SXSW event. Hosted by Start Garden, Ann Arbor SPARK, Detroit Startup Week & MEDCTo attend the free event, register here.

SXSW will have a series of Michigan-focused events this year.

ANN ARBOR – Ann Arbor SPARK recently released the third iteration of its Benchmarking the Ann Arbor Region report. Across the remaining set of metrics, Ann Arbor ranked:Third in population movement, or net migration, up from fifth place in 2018. As a result of controlling for population, Ann Arbor continues to rise above the rest. However, when comparing to Austin, Berkeley, Boulder, and Portland, Ann Arbor is relatively inexpensive. “Aggregate statistics are sometimes useful, but they tend to hide disparities in opportunity,” stated the report’s author Alex West, director of research at Ann Arbor SPARK.

Ann Arbor SPARK releases its 2020 Benchmarking report.

Two companies will soon bring 266 new jobs to the Ann Arbor area. ANN ARBOR – Two major projects will bring well-paying jobs and new investments to the Ann Arbor area, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced on Tuesday. Homepoint, a national mortgage lender, will also be expanding in Ann Arbor with plans to add 155 area jobs. Homepoint is looking to create 155 new jobs and generate an additional private investment of $3.7 million by adding an operations center in Ann Arbor. Ann Arbor SPARK is supporting the company with resources and staff time.

ANN ARBOR – Ann Arbor has uniquely positioned itself as a “sweet spot” for high tech. Extended Reality (XR) is an evolving industry that encompasses virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). Ann Arbor SPARK, in partnership with the University of Michigan, has created an internship program to connect students with growing startups in gaming and XR. We’re also able to support local companies which fuels growth within our ecosystem and economy,” said Margarita Hernandez, director of entrepreneurial services at Ann Arbor SPARK. Since then, all participating students have maintained full-time or consulting positions and four students reside in Ann Arbor.

The program is the brainchild of Austin Yarger, CEO of Arbor Interactive and Game Development Lecturer at U-M, and SPARK’s entrepreneurial services team.

The advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. ANN ARBOR – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently re-opened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. To help small business owners understand the eligibility requirements and application process, 20Fathoms and Ann Arbor SPARK are cohosting a webinar presented by Robert Scott, Regional Administrator for the SBA. “Robert Scott is the architect of the PPP which has been a lifeline to small businesses. “Hearing the details of the program directly from Scott will help these companies most effectively benefit from the support it can provide.”Event details:

Small business owners in Michigan are invited to attend webinar Thursday evening.

ANN ARBOR – PassiveBolt Inc. announced Monday it has been named a CES 2021 Innovation Awards Honoree for the second year in a row for its newest Shepherd Lock product. The world’s most influential technology event, CES 2021 is taking place for the first time digitally now through Jan. 14. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Assiciation, the annual CES Innovation Awards program is a competition which recognizes groundbreaking consumer technologies across 28 product categories. PassiveBolt’s Shepherd Lock Gen2 is a home lock which features keyless entry technology and provides access based on facial recognition and touch. “We are thrilled to win this highly prestigious award two years in a row,” Kabir Maiga, PassiveBolt co-founder said in a news release.

ANN ARBOR – Claire Stetten recently started a new job with Ann Arbor-based DocNetwork, a tech startup that provides electronic health record systems for summer camps, childcare and schools. DocNetwork hired Claire after connecting with her during the 2020 A2 Tech Trek virtual job seeker trek as part of a2Tech360. "Ann Arbor is a gem in the Midwest with its great restaurants and accessible recreational areas — two things that were important considerations for me. A good friend who had previously interned with SPARK pointed her toward the organization’s job seeker resources, including the job portal. "I think going through the SPARK job portal helped my resume standout more.”Claire was also getting ready to participate in the virtual a2Tech360, including A2 Tech Trek and its inaugural Job Seeker Trek.

Ann Arbor-based DocNetwork hired Claire Stetten after connecting with her during the 2020 A2 Tech Trek virtual job seeker trek as part of a2Tech360.

ANN ARBOR – Ann Arbor SPARK’s annual Tech Homecoming event is going virtual this year. Tech Homecoming, an event that connects growing companies and job seekers, will be held online this year on Tuesday, November 24, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Although Tech Homecoming is free, registration is required. “Originally conceived as a way to kick off the long Thanksgiving weekend, Tech Homecoming is a chance to show off the abundant career opportunities Ann Arbor has to offer,” said Jenn Cornell Queen, Ann Arbor SPARK senior vice president, marketing, communications, and events. For more information about jobs available in the Ann Arbor region, visit: www.annarborusa.org/jobs.

ANN ARBOR – Ann Arbor SPARK won a gold category award for its Ann Arbor as a Mobility Living Lab, a project in the Public-Private Partnerships category of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC)'s 2020 Excellence in Economic Development Awards Program. “Once again, Ann Arbor is recognized as a region that excels in innovation and collaboration,” said Paul Krutko, Ann Arbor SPARK president and CEO. Ann Arbor SPARK works closely with the region’s academic institutions, public officials, and private sector businesses to build an environment that attracts mobility companies and talent to the region. Ford has partnered with the city of Ann Arbor for its Ford City Insights Platform. “The winners of IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development awards represent the very best of economic development and exemplify the ingenuity, integrity, and leadership that our profession strives for each and every day,” said 2020 IEDC Board Chair and One Columbus CEO Kenny McDonald.

The honor was presented at an awards ceremony during the IEDC Annual Conference.

ANN ARBOR – For the thirteenth year in a row, AI supply chain software company Llamasoft has been named a FastTrack winner by Ann Arbor SPARK. The annual awards are given to companies in Washtenaw and Livingston counties that demonstrate year over year growth. Congratulations to LLamasoft!”This year’s FastTrack winners were required to have an annual growth of 20 percent over the last three years and a revenue of at least $100,000 in 2016. “We are honored to be recognized by Ann Arbor SPARK as a FastTrack company,” Sandra Moran, LLamasoft’s Chief Marketing Officer, said in a statement. “To achieve consistent growth for over 13 years we have remained focused on delivering value to our global customers.

ANN ARBOR – Kicking off a2Tech360, Ann Arbor SPARK presented its 22nd annual FastTrack Awards to 19 companies located in Washtenaw and Livingston counties. More than half of the 2020 FastTrack Award recipients were multiple-year winners. Rehmann is the 2020 Ann Arbor SPARK FastTrack Awards accounting partner and verified all of the award applications. FastTrack Award winners were recognized on Friday, September 18, during a virtual celebration and supported by presenting sponsor Northstar Bank. Eight-year award winnerOxford Companies is rooted in acquiring, managing, leasing, and constructing commercial and multifamily properties in the Ann Arbor area.

ANN ARBOR – Ann Arbor SPARK will host the second annual Women in Tech event on Wednesday, Sept. 23. (Ann Arbor SPARK)Dr. Lauren Bigelow is the executive director of Traverse City-based economic development organization 20Fathoms. Women in Tech is part of Ann Arbor SPARK’s a2Tech360 program, featuring seven days of 16 inspiring events showcasing Ann Arbor’s spirit of innovation to the world. a2Tech360 is sponsored by KLA and the Ann Arbor Ypsilanti SmartZone/ Local Development Finance Authority. Women in Tech is a free event, but registration is required.

Interactive Tech Trek and Mobility Row MapAttendees will access the virtual experience via an interactive map where each company location features a behind-the-scenes video produced for Tech Trek and Mobility Row. The map functionality will also include a quick filter for companies participating in the virtual Mobility Row. Tech Trek T-ShirtsOne of the traditions that Ann Arbor SPARK will continue for the virtual 2020 Tech Trek is the free t-shirt to participating attendees. About Ann Arbor SPARKAnn Arbor SPARK, a non-profit organization, is advancing the region by encouraging and supporting business acceleration, attraction and retention. Ann Arbor SPARK collaborates with business, academic, government, and community investor partners.