Innovation Showcase 2024
September 18, 2024 - September 20, 2024
The Michigan Technological University (MTU) Office of Innovation and Commercialization (OIC), MTEC SmartZone, and Kupari Ventures are hosting innovation and entrepreneurship leaders on campus at the beginning of the upcoming school year. Our goal is to take stock of entrepreneurial endeavors and available support, facilitate round table discussions, showcase new initiatives, and network while taking in the beauty of the Copper Country.
AGENDA:
Day 0 - Tuesday Foundry Day (September 17)
Arrive early and participate in MTU’s Career Fest Foundry Day: Full schedule for Career fair week here: https://www.mtu.edu/career/events/
Day 1 - Welcome (Wednesday, September 18)
6-8pm | Opening Reception
Observatory Lounge in the Hampton Inn
Kickoff to the Innovation Showcase, highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation in the Keweenaw.
Welcome Remarks: Andrew Barnard (MTU VP of Research), Carolyn Yarina (Kupari Ventures Managing Partner), David Rowe (CEO of MTEC SmartZone), hosted by Jim Baker (MTU Assoc. VP Research Administration).
Day 2 - Main Day (Thursday, September 19)
9-10am | Ecosystem & Programming Overview
MTU Campus, Great Lakes Research Center, Room 202
Join us to hear about current initiatives underway to develop the regional ecosystem, and to encourage and support founders and innovators.
11-2pm | MTU Mobility Day [MTU Career Fest Event]
Campus Mall, MTU Campus - Register at this link
A MTU Career Week recruiting event exclusively for mobility industry companies providing vehicles and infrastructure for transportation, located at the Campus Mall.
2-5pm | Student Research Poster Presentation Contest
MTU Lakeshore Center, First Floor, Room 123
Students are invited to present their research at a poster contest. Prizes will be offered for the most innovative research and the most commercial potential. The format will include a one minute elevator pitch and then a longer presentation to a smaller panel of judges.
5:45-6:45pm | Shuttle Service to Copper Harbor for Cruise
Sign up for a shuttle service from the MTU Lakeshore Center to the Isle Royale Ferry Sunset Cruise *advance registration required
7:15-9pm | Isle Royale Queen Superior Cruise
Copper Harbor, Departs from Isle Royale Ferry Services
Join the MTU Office of Innovation & Commercialization, MTEC, and Kupari Ventures team to see a beautiful view of Lake Superior and discuss the future direction of Entrepreneurship in the Keweenaw.
9:20-10:20pm | Shuttle Service to Houghton
Sign up for a shuttle service from the Isle Royale Ferry back to the MTU Lakeshore Center in Houghton *advance registration required
Day 3 - Closing Friday (Friday, September 20)
9 - 10am | Ecosystem Development Discussion
MTU Campus, Memorial Union Building Alumni Lounge B&C
Reflect on what you have seen and so far and join in an interactive forward-looking discussion of opportunities to further develop the ecosystem to best enable founders for success and to leverage resources within the local area and across the broader region.
10:30 am | Meet for Shuttle to Continental
*advance registration required
11am-1pm | Startup Showcase
The Continental Fire Co. (hors d'oeuvres provided)
You are invited to a showcase of Upper Peninsula Innovation. See a showcase of graduates from the Advanced Materials & Manufacturing Program (AMMP) Accelerator program, as well as other select local companies.
Weekend Social Activities (Optional)
Entrepreneurship & Nature Walk | Saturday 9:30am
Join Tom Oliver, Director of MTU’s Center for Science and Environmental Outreach, on a walk through the beautiful Keweenaw while learning about entrepreneurial opportunities tied to outdoor recreation & education.
Join a tour of Quincy Mine - register using this link on the Quincy Mine website here. We are not organizing an official event tour, but recommend you make time if you have not visited before.
