Ticketing and RSVPs are linked below as available.
5:30 – 7:30 pm NMSW Launch Party & Bonfire Mt. Holiday Ski Lodge 3100 Holiday Rd
Kick-off event featuring outdoor innovation, founder’s corner, live music, appetizers, Hearth Sauna demo and FirstIgnite bonfire.
7:30 pm FirstIgnite Kick-off Bonfire at Mt. Holiday Ski Lodge 3100 Holiday Rd
8:30 — 10:00 am Changing Lanes Fireside Chat at 20Fathoms
Join us as the MEDC presents Changing Lanes a fireside chat on innovation in the state of Michigan.
9:00 — 11:00 am OoPs (Office of Possibilities) at Grove Incubator 414 E Eighth St
Come hear how OOPs and NMC support innovation throughout the region from higher education to start-ups and everything in between. Network with the OOPs team, innovation leaders, and recipients of OOPs support and funding.
11:00 -12:00 pm Inside the MI Startup & VC Landscape at Grove Incubator 414 E Eighth St
The conversation continues as local early-stage founders are joined by support and acceleration experts to explore Michigan’s startup and VC landscape in a candid Q&A.
10:30 – 11:30 am Demystifying Venture Capital, presented by ID Ventures & MI Rise at 20 Fathoms 10850 E Traverse Hwy
Panel discussion with investors from ID Ventures, Red Cedar Ventures & MI Rise discussing startup funding strategies.
12:00 – 3:00 pm Invitation to Pitch for ID Ventures, Red Cedar Ventures & MI Rise
By-appointment office hours in front of venture capital firms
4:30 – 7:00 pm TCNewTech Pitch Competition at City Opera House 106 E Front St
University Demo followed by pitch competition featuring local and statewide entrepreneurs. Afterparty at 7 Monks.
7:00 pm After Hours Networking at 7 Monks 128 S Union St
9:00 — 10:30 am Innovation Showcase at the NMC Innovation Center 1701 E Front St
Join us for an inspiring showcase of innovative projects presented by Northwestern Michigan College.
10:30 – 3:30 pm Wellness Workshop Brainstorm at the NMC Innovation Center 1701 E Front St
Wellness brainstorm session for entrepreneurs, including mindfulness, work-life balance, and mental health topics.
5:00 – 7:00 pm Women in Tech Meetup & Panel Discussion at Tank Space 1110 East Eighth St
Networking and content-focused meetup for women in tech and entrepreneurship.
7:00 – 9:00PM Featured Founder Event: Flabocce Springtime Doubles at Right Brain Brewery 225 E Sixteenth St
Come test your skills and compete to win cash and prizes. If you don’t know what Flabocce is, now is the time to try something new and have some fun finding out!
10:00 – 12:00 pm Founder Coffee Connects at Various Locations
Pre-scheduled one-on-one coffee meetings with investors and mentors.
12:00 — 4:00 pm Afternoon Founders Hike to Sleeping Bear Dunes SOLD OUT
Casual networking event in nature with fellow entrepreneurs, pick-up/drop-off downtown.
1:00 – 4:00 pm Startup Coaching at 20Fathoms
Meet with a startup coach – bring your business questions!
5:00 – 7:00 pm NMSW Wrap Party hosted by 20Fathoms at The Little Fleet 448 E Front St
End-of-week celebration with founders and ecosystem partners. Food from Crocodile palace and cash bar.
