first research project of its kind in the nation.
Others participating in the study include Auburn University, University of Michigan-Dearborn, the Michigan Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and the United States Army and Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC).
—Midland-based Chemical Bank has partnered with Ann Arbor SPARK to sponsor Starting Your Own Business, a monthly program that teaches first-time business owners and entrepreneurs the fundamentals needed to succeed: product development, intellectual property management, business plan development, marketing strategy, and more. SPARK says Chemical Bank’s sponsorship will help provide workshop scholarships by waiving the $25 registration fee for qualified attendees. The one-day program is held every month at SPARK East in Ypsilanti; to register, click here.
—The Michigan Strategic Fund, administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, has approved funding for seven statewide programs designed to strengthen Michigan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and encourage development of talent and technologies. Those programs and entities receiving funding include the Michigan Venture Capital Association ($300,000), the BBC Entrepreneurial Training Corporation ($480,000), MTRAC innovation hubs ($2.6 million, of which $2 million is allocated to U-M’s life science innovation hub); and the Michigan Small Business Development Center ($5.6 million).
—Speaking of the Michigan Venture Capital Association, the organization held its annual awards gala earlier this month, attracting a record-high crowd. Among the honorees were the Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition (community impact award—see the item below for more information on the event), Duo Security (exit of the year), Grand Angels’ Jody Vanderwel (lifetime achievement), and Strata Oncology (up-and-coming company).
—Accelerate Michigan, the state’s largest startup competition, has announced the 24 semi-finalists competing for cash and prizes in this year’s event. The semi-finalists were selected from nearly 300 applicants and judged by a panel of more than 70 investors, who chose companies based on innovation, business development, and customer traction. Accelerate Michigan will be held Nov. 13 at the Lexus Velodrome in Detroit; click here for tickets.
—Light Guide Systems, the Wixom-based maker of augmented reality tools for industrial use, was named innovator of the year this week at the annual Fourth Industrial Revolution Awards. The awards recognize Midwestern leadership and innovation in the manufacturing industry.
