INSIDER
University of Michigan researchers develop tech to 3D print lightweight, waste-free concrete
Read full article: University of Michigan researchers develop tech to 3D print lightweight, waste-free concreteThe method could bring down costs and make way for more ecofriendly structures in the construction industry.
Michigan Medicine to deploy drones to deliver prescriptions to homes in Washtenaw County
Read full article: Michigan Medicine to deploy drones to deliver prescriptions to homes in Washtenaw CountyLook out above: Drones will soon be delivering prescription medications to households across Washtenaw County.
Ann Arborโs May Mobility to deploy autonomous vehicles globally with new partnership
Read full article: Ann Arborโs May Mobility to deploy autonomous vehicles globally with new partnershipMay Mobility has partnered with global transit technology company Via to launch thousands of AVs around the world.
University of Michigan President Santa Ono to deliver keynote address at Ann Arbor SPARKโs Annual Meeting
Read full article: University of Michigan President Santa Ono to deliver keynote address at Ann Arbor SPARKโs Annual MeetingAnn Arbor SPARK will host its annual meeting on Thursday, May 25 at the Eastern Michigan University Student Center.
Eastern Michigan University accepting applications for third entrepreneurial cohort
Read full article: Eastern Michigan University accepting applications for third entrepreneurial cohortThe eight-week hybrid program teaches entrepreneurs business skills, and offers professional coaching, networking and mentoring opportunities.
Jottful wins $100,000 Ann Arbor SPARK Invest360 Award
Read full article: Jottful wins $100,000 Ann Arbor SPARK Invest360 AwardAnn 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 wins $25,000 Ann Arbor SPARK Entrepreneur Boot Camp celebration prize
Read full article: Denovo Fertility wins $25,000 Ann Arbor SPARK Entrepreneur Boot Camp celebration prizeDenovo Fertility was the Best of Boot Camp winner at Ann Arbor SPARK's 2022 Entrepreneur Boot Camp Celebration.
Ann Arbor SPARK presents FastTrack Awards to 22 organizations with impressive growth records
Read full article: Ann Arbor SPARK presents FastTrack Awards to 22 organizations with impressive growth recordsThe 24th annual FastTrack Awards concluded the first day of a2Tech360 by highlighting some of the Ann Arbor areaโs fastest-growing โgazelles.โ
University of Michigan researchers develop durable coating that kills viruses, bacteria in minutes
Read full article: University of Michigan researchers develop durable coating that kills viruses, bacteria in minutesFormulated with polyurethane, the coating can kill SARS-CoV-2, MRSA, E. coli and several other pathogens.
University of Michiganโs Mcity gets $5M to expand access, enable remote autonomous vehicle testing
Read full article: University of Michiganโs Mcity gets $5M to expand access, enable remote autonomous vehicle testingU-M's autonomous vehicle technology testing facility has received $5.1 million from NSF to enable remote access to the public-private mobility partnership.
Ann Arbor SPARK presents sixth annual Tech Talk on Oct. 14
Read full article: Ann Arbor SPARK presents sixth annual Tech Talk on Oct. 14Ann Arborโs top tech visionaries will offer inspirational talks and personal stories on entrepreneurship, inclusion, creativity, and technology during a2Tech360 series.
Got ideas? Eastern Michigan University is looking for local entrepreneurs
Read full article: Got ideas? Eastern Michigan University is looking for local entrepreneursThe hybrid program helps aspiring entrepreneurs hone business skills while offering professional coaching, networking and mentoring opportunities.
Ann Arbor SPARK annual meeting celebrates regional investments, reveals updated strategic plan
Read full article: Ann Arbor SPARK annual meeting celebrates regional investments, reveals updated strategic planAnn Arbor SPARK hosted its 2022 Annual Meeting on Thursday at Eastern Michigan Universityโs Student Center.
Ann Arbor SPARK to host in-person, virtual tech homecoming events to connect job seekers, employers
Read full article: Ann Arbor SPARK to host in-person, virtual tech homecoming events to connect job seekers, employersAnn Arbor SPARKโs annual Tech Homecoming event is being offered this year as an in-person and a virtual job fair.
Ann Arbor SPARK awards $200,000 to tech startups during Invest360 competition
Read full article: Ann Arbor SPARK awards $200,000 to tech startups during Invest360 competitionInvest360 is a pitch competition that recognizes promising emerging companies in the mobility, healthcare, and information technology sectors.
Ann Arbor SPARKโs FastTrack Awards honor 18 companies for significant, consistent growth
Read full article: Ann Arbor SPARKโs FastTrack Awards honor 18 companies for significant, consistent growthAnn Arbor SPARK presented its 23nd annual FastTrack Awards to 18 companies located in Washtenaw and Livingston counties.
University of Michigan is โtrainingโ these robots in disaster response
Read full article: University of Michigan is โtrainingโ these robots in disaster responseA pair of U-M researchers received a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation to develop technology to help robots better traverse difficult terrain.
Ann Arbor SPARK to celebrate high-growth companies during FastTrack Awards on Oct. 1
Read full article: Ann Arbor SPARK to celebrate high-growth companies during FastTrack Awards on Oct. 1The annual FastTrack Awards honors fast-growing "gazelle" companies headquartered in Washtenaw and Livingston counties.
Annual event celebrating Ann Arborโs spirit of innovation in STEAM is October 1โ8
Read full article: Annual event celebrating Ann Arborโs spirit of innovation in STEAM is October 1โ8Ann Arbor SPARKโs a2Tech360 will be held October 1 through 8 online and in various in-person locations throughout the city.
Annual event celebrating Ann Arborโs spirit of innovation in STEAM is October 1โ8
Read full article: Annual event celebrating Ann Arborโs spirit of innovation in STEAM is October 1โ8Ann Arbor SPARKโs a2Tech360 will be held October 1 through 8 online and in various in-person locations throughout the city.
Ann Arbor SPARK launches new ACE event series to provide small business education, networking
Read full article: Ann Arbor SPARK launches new ACE event series to provide small business education, networkingNew 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.
Ann Arbor SPARK launches new ACE event series to provide small business education, networking
Read full article: Ann Arbor SPARK launches new ACE event series to provide small business education, networkingNew 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.
University of Michigan researchers develop microphone for smart speakers that doesnโt eavesdrop
Read full article: University of Michigan researchers develop microphone for smart speakers that doesnโt eavesdropNew technology developed at U-M could prevent smart speakers from listening to our conversations.
Ann Arbor SPARK reports business growth, results of COVID-related grant activity at Annual Meeting
Read full article: Ann Arbor SPARK reports business growth, results of COVID-related grant activity at Annual MeetingAt its annual meeting, Ann Arbor SPARK honored leading regional businesses and released its annual report.
Ann Arbor SPARK reports business growth, results of COVID-related grant activity at Annual Meeting
Read full article: Ann Arbor SPARK reports business growth, results of COVID-related grant activity at Annual MeetingAt its annual meeting, Ann Arbor SPARK honored leading regional businesses and released its annual report.
Business expansions bring high-wage jobs, new investments to Ann Arbor region
Read full article: Business expansions bring high-wage jobs, new investments to Ann Arbor regionTwo projects building on Governor Gretchen Whitmerโs Back to Work Michigan plan expected to generate total private investment of $27.2 million, create 279 jobs.
Business expansions bring high-wage jobs, new investments to Ann Arbor region
Read full article: Business expansions bring high-wage jobs, new investments to Ann Arbor regionTwo projects building on Governor Gretchen Whitmerโs Back to Work Michigan plan expected to generate total private investment of $27.2 million, create 279 jobs.
Ann Arbor startup helps Jetโs Pizza launch text-to-order technology
Read full article: Ann Arbor startup helps Jetโs Pizza launch text-to-order technologyANN ARBOR โ Jetโs Pizza is hoping to disrupt the industry with its new text-to-order technology. The pizza company has partnered with Ann Arbor-based startup Ordr AI to make text orders for customers a reality. More than 75% of stores are currently operating the technology and more than 1 million text orders have been placed since its launch. Jetโs Pizza is now offering 20% off pizzas to customers to text in their orders. โWe teamed up, we hustled, we innovated, and we made something great,โ John Jetts, President of Jetโs Pizza said in a statement.
Ann Arbor SPARK to manage statewide Michigan internship program
Read full article: Ann Arbor SPARK to manage statewide Michigan internship programThe internships will be funded by Ann Arbor SPARK and a grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund. ANN ARBOR โ 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. โAnn 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,โ said Bill Mayer, Ann Arbor SPARKโs vice president of entrepreneurial services.
Ann Arbor SPARK to manage statewide Michigan internship program
Read full article: Ann Arbor SPARK to manage statewide Michigan internship programThe Michigan Economic Development Corporation will partner with Ann Arbor SPARK to launch the Michigan STEM Forward internship program on a statewide level.
Take a look inside University of Michiganโs new Ford Motor Co. robotics complex
Read full article: Take a look inside University of Michiganโs new Ford Motor Co. robotics complexAn aerial view of the Ford Robotics Building at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich.ANN ARBOR โ University of Michigan and Ford Motor Co. are opening a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to developing robots and roboticists. The Ford Motor Company Robotics Building is on U-Mโs North Campus. The buildingโs fourth floor holds a robotics and mobility research lab for Ford -- the first on any university campus, as well as 100 Ford engineers and researchers. AdA workspace in the Ford Robotics Building at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI. The atrium of the Ford Robotics Building at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich.
Picture this: University of Michigan students create toaster that burns images onto bread
Read full article: Picture this: University of Michigan students create toaster that burns images onto breadThree engineering students at the University of Michigan invented a mechanism that โprintsโ images onto toast as part of an entrepreneurship class taught by Dr. Eric Fretz. โWe were looking for a fun class to take alongside our heavier engineering classes,โ said Niket Parikh. AdOn the first day of the course, Dr. Fretz told his students to split into groups for the semester. (Niket Parikh)They pitched it to Dr. Fretz, who liked it so much he challenged them to print one of U-Mโs most iconic figures on bread. With periodic check-ins and energetic mentoring Dr. Fretz ensures each team has the best chance to reach their full potential.
Ann Arbor SPARK, Michigan House to host panels at SXSW
Read full article: Ann Arbor SPARK, Michigan House to host panels at SXSWANN ARBOR โ Michigan House is again preparing to serve as a platform for the stateโs 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,โ 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.โAdOver 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 SXSWโs digital platform. AdSee the schedule below for the panels, organized by Ann Arbor SPARKโs 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.
Concordia University Ann Arbor: Why we use augmented, virtual reality in the classroom
Read full article: Concordia University Ann Arbor: Why we use augmented, virtual reality in the classroomANN ARBOR โ Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are not the same thing. There are some overlaps between AR and VR, but each field is trying to accomplish something conceptually different. Concordia nursing students, for example, can build their bedside manner as well as their skillset using AR and VR. AR and VR evokes a sense of wonder and critical thinking, while allowing students to be immersed in the chosen content. AdHands-on learning with AR and VR at ConcordiaAre you thinking about a career in nursing or something healthcare related?
Ann Arbor tech startup reimagines keyless home entry and smart access
Read full article: Ann Arbor tech startup reimagines keyless home entry and smart accessANN ARBOR, Mich โ Although relatively new to Tree Town, technology startup PassiveBolt Inc has already gained traction for its innovative smart access module and its reimagining of keyless home entry. One of the first of its kind, the smart lock also freezes a doorโs deadbolt when it senses an attempted security breach, like lock picking. Founded in 2018, Ann Arbor's PassiveBolt is introducing consumers to smart access. (PassiveBolt Inc)Maiga said that PassiveBoltโs first year was spent further developing its Shepherd Lock but when the COVID-19 pandemic hit things slowed down. It also intends to expand into other areas of keyless entry and smart access as time goes on.
See how the Ann Arbor region compares to other U.S. tech hubs
Read full article: See how the Ann Arbor region compares to other U.S. tech hubsANN ARBOR โ 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. โAggregate statistics are sometimes useful, but they tend to hide disparities in opportunity,โ stated the reportโs author Alex West, director of research at Ann Arbor SPARK.
University of Michigan students go viral with their Scrunchie Shots
Read full article: University of Michigan students go viral with their Scrunchie ShotsโThe morning of, I had an idea for a scrunchie shot,โ said Chief Executive Officer Gaynor, who was a junior at the time. They sold their first Scrunchie Shots on campus at a deep discount in November ahead of the U-M vs. Michigan State game. Scrunchie Shot co-founders Justine Abbo (left) wearing Mojito, Catherine (middle) wearing Mojito, Heather Gaynor (right) wearing Shamrock Shooter. AdTo date, they have sold more than 300 units and e-commerce platform Shopify placed Scrunchie Shot in the top 6% of all stores that launched same week they did. Scrunchie Shot launched its St. Patrick's Day collection on Feb. 22, 2021.
Here are the 21 largest employers in Washtenaw County
Read full article: Here are the 21 largest employers in Washtenaw CountyPizza Prep School in the Domino's Pizza World Resource Center in Ann Arbor. The advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. ANN ARBOR โ One way to reflect on a regional economy is to check out the top employers and their industries, including public and private organizations. Hereโs the latest list identifying the top employers in Washtenaw County compiled by Ann Arbor SPARK. Ann Arbor SPARK updates the list annually in January.
Ann Arborโs PassiveBolt Inc named CES Innovation Awards Honoree for second consecutive year
Read full article: Ann Arborโs PassiveBolt Inc named CES Innovation Awards Honoree for second consecutive yearANN ARBOR โ 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 worldโs 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. PassiveBoltโs Shepherd Lock Gen2 is a home lock which features keyless entry technology and provides access based on facial recognition and touch. โWe are thrilled to win this highly prestigious award two years in a row,โ Kabir Maiga, PassiveBolt co-founder said in a news release.
Metro Detroit small businesses turn to social media to stay afloat
Read full article: Metro Detroit small businesses turn to social media to stay afloatDETROIT โ Many Metro Detroit businesses had to come up with a new way to sell when the first stay-at-home orders were issued in March. Jessica Hall, a teacher turned business owner, runs Urban Crown from the basement of her home. She uses Facebook live streams to help sell items. Like many small businesses, Hall and Gaskins had to reinvent themselves when COVID hit. One Metro Detroit store decided to put safety first and the response from customers has been more than they ever imagined.
U-Mโs Mott named among nationโs most innovative childrenโs hospitals by Parents Magazine
Read full article: U-Mโs Mott named among nationโs most innovative childrenโs hospitals by Parents MagazineMott Childrenโs Hospital is named in Parents Magazineโs January 2021 issue as one of the most innovative childrenโs hospitals in the nation. The publications surveyed the countryโs 50 leading childrenโs hospitals about their newest innovations, technology and response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the second time the magazine has ranked pediatric hospitals for innovation. Parents spotlighted Mott for its innovation in research and treatment of pediatric brain tumors. Research at Mott has demonstrated that tumor DNA in spinal fluid could help diagnose and treat young cancer patients with aggressive brain tumors.
Recent college grad returns to Ann Arbor, lands job as result of a2Tech360 job seeker trek
Read full article: Recent college grad returns to Ann Arbor, lands job as result of a2Tech360 job seeker trekANN ARBOR โ 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 โ two things that were important considerations for me. A good friend who had previously interned with SPARK pointed her toward the organizationโs job seeker resources, including the job portal. "I think going through the SPARK job portal helped my resume standout more.โClaire was also getting ready to participate in the virtual a2Tech360, including A2 Tech Trek and its inaugural Job Seeker Trek.
Recent college grad returns to Ann Arbor, lands job as result of a2Tech360 job seeker trek
Read full article: Recent college grad returns to Ann Arbor, lands job as result of a2Tech360 job seeker trekAnn 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 Arborโs Llamasoft acquired by Coupa Software for $1.5B
Read full article: Ann Arborโs Llamasoft acquired by Coupa Software for $1.5BANN ARBOR โ California-based Coupa Software announced Monday that it has acquired AI supply chain company Llamasoft for approximately $1.5 billion. Llamasoftโs AI-powered cloud platform helps companies make quick, informed supply chain decisions. Now more than ever, supply chain agility remains critical as economic conditions, consumer preferences and the political landscape continue to change amid the global pandemic. At the beginning of the year, Llamasoft launched its newest product llama.ai, which helps bring forward valuable insights via proven supply chain algorithms. โWe are very excited about joining forces with Coupa,โ Razat Gaurav, CEO at LLamasoft said in a news release.
Ann Arbor SPARK to connect job seekers, employers at Tech Homecoming on November 24
Read full article: Ann Arbor SPARK to connect job seekers, employers at Tech Homecoming on November 24ANN ARBOR โ Ann Arbor SPARKโs 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. โOriginally 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,โ 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 SPARK receives Excellence in Economic Development Award
Read full article: Ann Arbor SPARK receives Excellence in Economic Development AwardANN ARBOR โ 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. โOnce again, Ann Arbor is recognized as a region that excels in innovation and collaboration,โ said Paul Krutko, Ann Arbor SPARK president and CEO. Ann Arbor SPARK works closely with the regionโs 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. โThe winners of IEDCโs 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,โ said 2020 IEDC Board Chair and One Columbus CEO Kenny McDonald.
Mobility veteran joins Ann Arborโs Refraction AI as new CEO
Read full article: Mobility veteran joins Ann Arborโs Refraction AI as new CEOANN ARBOR, Mich. โ Mobility industry veteran Luke Schneider has been named as the new chief executive officer of Ann Arbor-based Refraction AI. Schneider has had over 25 years of experience in the mobility and transportation industries, including executive positions Zipcar, wejo, Flexcar and Silvercar. As CEO, Texas-based Schneider will work on Refraction AIโs expansion plan while cementing the startupโs involvement with contactless delivery. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Refraction AI has received a four-fold increase in delivery orders from its partnering Ann Arbor eateries and has begun to scaleup its fleet of autonomous vehicle robots. In June it began using its robots to help deliver groceries through a partnership with the Produce Station.
Ann Arborโs Llamasoft wins local business award for thirteenth consecutive year
Read full article: Ann Arborโs Llamasoft wins local business award for thirteenth consecutive yearANN ARBOR โ 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!โThis yearโs 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. โWe are honored to be recognized by Ann Arbor SPARK as a FastTrack company,โ Sandra Moran, LLamasoftโs Chief Marketing Officer, said in a statement. โTo achieve consistent growth for over 13 years we have remained focused on delivering value to our global customers.
Concordia University Ann Arborโs School of Nursing innovates virtual learning during pandemic
Read full article: Concordia University Ann Arborโs School of Nursing innovates virtual learning during pandemicANN ARBOR โ For the past 12-18 months, Concordia University Ann Arborโs School of Nursing has been working on the development of enhanced virtual learning for their students. One of those enhancements being the mobile camera unit. Mobile Camera UnitThe mobile camera unit is comprised of three cameras simultaneously directed at a patient that provides viewpoints from the ceiling, front, back, and sides of the room. Mobile camera unit platform used by CUAA nursing staff - allowing students to choose the camera angle that fits their learning needs. Within the next few months, the SON also plans to start embedding information from the mobile camera unit into AR & VR headsets.
Regional companies celebrated for remarkable growth at annual a2Tech360 FastTrack Awards
Read full article: Regional companies celebrated for remarkable growth at annual a2Tech360 FastTrack AwardsANN ARBOR โ 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 SPARKs annual a2Tech360 goes virtual for 2020
Read full article: Ann Arbor SPARKs annual a2Tech360 goes virtual for 2020ANN ARBOR, Mich. Ann Arbor SPARK recently announced its popular annual a2Tech360 programming will be delivered virtually this year, September 18-26, 2020. An Ann Arbor SPARK initiative, a2Tech360 promotes the Ann Arbor region as an area of innovation. In light of public health guidelines around COVID-19, Ann Arbor SPARK and its partners determined the safest way to achieve the mission of a2Tech360 was to deliver the events virtually this year, said Ann Arbor SPARK president and CEO, Paul Krutko. Tuesday, September 22Ann Arbor SPARK Annual MeetingThe Ann Arbor SPARK Annual Meeting offers business, government, and academic leaders a unique opportunity to hear about successes in the region over the past year. Ann Arbor SPARKs annual meeting is sponsored by DTE Foundation, Comcast Business, First Martin Corporation, Bank of Ann Arbor, PNC Bank, Toyota, Yeo & Yeo, Comerica, Consumers Energy, Destination Ann Arbor, ITC Michigan, J.S.