From artificial intelligence and robotics to startup pitches and family-friendly technology demonstrations, a2Tech360 is returning this fall to celebrate the innovation that has made Ann Arbor one of the Midwest’s leading technology hubs.
Hosted by Ann Arbor SPARK and with support from the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA), the annual festival runs September 22 through October 2, bringing together entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, students, job seekers and community members for nearly two weeks of programming across Washtenaw County. The event features eight signature Ann Arbor SPARK events along with more than a dozen partner events hosted by organizations throughout the region.
“Our core mission is about showcasing Washtenaw County as a place where innovative companies and talented people can start, grow, and succeed,” said Lydia Mitchell, a2Tech360 Program Manager at Ann Arbor SPARK. “We want to create connections — between companies and talent, startups and investors, industry and research and the technology community and the public.”
More than a tech conference
While many technology events cater primarily to industry professionals, Mitchell says a2Tech360 is intentionally designed to appeal to a much broader audience.
“a2Tech360 is Ann Arbor’s annual celebration of technology, innovation and entrepreneurship,” she said. “It brings together entrepreneurs, companies, investors, students, job seekers and the broader community through nearly two weeks of events across Washtenaw County.”
Some events focus on specific industries, while others invite the public to experience innovation firsthand.
“Some events dive into specific industries or issues, while others are designed to make innovation accessible to anyone who is curious about what’s happening here,” Mitchell said. “It’s really a chance to see the breadth of the region’s innovation ecosystem all in one place.”
That accessibility is one of the festival’s defining features.
“Definitely not just people who work in tech,” Mitchell said when asked who the event is designed for. “Some events are geared toward entrepreneurs, investors or industry professionals, but a2Tech360 as a whole is designed for a much broader audience.”
She noted that Tech Trek and Tech Talk are free community events where visitors can meet local companies, watch live demonstrations, and see technology in action.
“You don’t need a technical background to participate,” she said.
A festival that has continued to grow
The event has evolved significantly since its beginnings.
“a2Tech360 actually started with just one event: Tech Trek,” Mitchell explained. “The idea was almost like a ‘Parade of Homes’ for tech companies — opening the doors of Ann Arbor’s technology companies and inviting the community to come inside, meet the people behind them and see what they were working on.”
Since then, the festival has expanded into a countywide celebration of innovation.
“Today, a2Tech360 includes eight signature events for different industries and audiences, along with more than a dozen Partner Events created by organizations across Washtenaw County,” she said. “That evolution has made a2Tech360 a true reflection of the broader ecosystem and all the different people, companies, and organizations that make it thrive.”
Highlights of this year’s festival
Visitors can choose from a wide range of experiences throughout the festival.
“There’s a lot of variety,” Mitchell said. “You can hear from industry leaders, watch startups pitch to investors, explore emerging technologies, see live demonstrations, meet companies that are hiring, connect with other professionals or simply come downtown and see what local innovators are building.”
Among the signature events are:
- Tech Trek and Tech Talk, where downtown Ann Arbor transforms into an interactive showcase featuring local companies, demonstrations, and technology exhibits.
- Tech Homecoming, which connects job seekers with growing technology companies.
- Invest360, where emerging startups pitch to investors and compete for $200,000 in prizes.
- The Mobility Summit at the American Center for Mobility, exploring autonomous vehicles, robotics, trucking, space, and satellite technology.
- Business of Life Sciences, highlighting one of the region’s fastest-growing industries.
- Women in Tech, creating opportunities for networking and conversations among women working across technology and innovation.
“It’s hard to choose because the events are so different from one another,” Mitchell said.
Innovation happens here
Mitchell believes Ann Arbor is uniquely positioned to host a festival celebrating innovation.
“Because the innovation we’re talking about isn’t hypothetical — it’s happening here,” she said.
She points to the University of Michigan, a thriving startup community, major technology and mobility companies, and a deep talent pool as key ingredients.
“We have strengths across a wide range of industries, from software and AI to mobility, life sciences, and emerging technologies,” she said.
What makes the region especially unique, she added, is the close collaboration among researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and established companies.
“Researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, established companies and talent are constantly crossing paths. a2Tech360 makes those connections much more visible.”
Strengthening the local economy
Beyond showcasing technology, Mitchell says the festival creates meaningful economic opportunities throughout the region.
“It creates opportunities for connections that can lead to very tangible outcomes,” she said. “Startups can meet investors and customers. Companies can connect with talent. Job seekers can discover employers they may not have known were here.”
She added that the benefits extend well beyond the attendees.
“It gives us a platform to amplify Washtenaw County’s strengths, showcase the companies and innovation happening here, and reach a much larger audience with the story of why this is such a compelling place to build a company, invest, work and live,” Mitchell said. “Ultimately, that visibility helps us attract more talent and business to the region.”
Emerging technologies take center stage
Artificial intelligence remains one of the most prominent themes throughout this year’s programming, but Mitchell says attendees will also encounter innovations across many industries.
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“AI continues to show up across industries, but what’s interesting is seeing how it intersects with other technologies and real-world applications,” she said. “We’re also seeing fascinating work in autonomous systems, robotics, mobility, life sciences, space and satellite technology and other emerging fields.”
Rather than discussing technology in theory, she said, attendees will meet the people bringing these innovations to market.
“Attendees get to hear from the people actually developing, deploying and commercializing these technologies — and in many cases, see what they’re working on.”
An invitation to explore
Whether someone is searching for a new career, launching a startup or simply looking for an interesting afternoon downtown, Mitchell encourages first-time visitors to give a2Tech360 a try.
“I think people are often surprised by just how much is happening here,” she said.
“You might come because you’re looking for a job, interested in starting a company, curious about a new technology, or just looking for something fun to do downtown. Whatever brings you in, you’re likely to discover a company, idea, or person you didn’t know was part of this community.”
For those hesitant to commit to the entire festival, Mitchell offers simple advice.
“You don’t have to commit to the entire two weeks,” she said. “Pick something that sounds interesting and come experience it. There are professional programs, community events. and plenty of free opportunities to participate.”
Ultimately, she says, that’s what the festival is all about.
“That’s really what a2Tech360 is about: bringing people together and giving them a chance to experience the innovation happening in this region rather than simply hearing about it.”
Donna Marie Iadipaolo is a writer, journalist, and State of Michigan certified teacher, since 1990. She has written for national publications like The Village Voice, Ear Magazine of New Music, Insurance & Technology, and TheStreet.
She is now writing locally for many publications, including Current Magazine, Ann Arbor Family, and the Ann Arbor Independent. Her undergraduate degree is from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she graduated with an honors bachelor’s degree and three teacher certificate majors: mathematics, social sciences, English. She also earned three graduate degrees in Master of Science, Master of Arts, and Education Specialist Degree.
