Already missing Tech Week Grand Rapids? Us too! With 120 events showcasing the next in tech, our community came together to celebrate a week of collaboration, innovation, and looking to the future of the Greater Grand Rapids Region. Check out this recap from Aves Films to re-live all the excitement– and remember to save the date for next year’s Tech Week, happening September 14-19, 2026!
In the Greater Grand Rapids Region, tech collaboration continues to unite innovators and industry leaders, sparking bold new ideas and partnerships that strengthen the local innovation ecosystem. Earlier this week, The Right Place hosted its quarterly Tech Exchange, bringing together professionals from our Technology Council to explore how organizations across the region are embracing and advancing AI solutions.
The event featured a panel packed with executive insight, a networking hour filled with conversation and connection, and introduced exciting new tools for the future of tech growth. Attendees shared a common vision: to keep the Greater Grand Rapids Region at the forefront of digital transformation. As innovation accelerates, the region’s collaborative spirit and forward-thinking leadership make it clear that there’s no slowing down for our rapidly emerging hub of creativity and technological progress.
To learn more about The Right Place’s Technology Council, visit the link in our bio.
Tech Week 2025 might be over, but the region still offers countless opportunities to learn about all things tech! Check out some of the tech-related events happening in Michigan this November.
⭐Pathways to AI: Hosted by GRCC, this interactive session will take a look at career opportunities related to AI and how to gain experience in AI while being a student.
⭐C3 Tech Summit: The C3 Tech Summit brings experts in Cyber, Customer Experience, and AI together with keynote speakers, presentations, and vendor demos.
⭐Pathways to Information Technology: Hosted by GRCC, this session will discuss the journey to becoming an IT professional, the variety of careers available in IT, and tips for students seeking entry-level roles in IT,
⭐StartUp Zoo Pitch Night: Participants will pitch their project, idea, or business for funding and resources. Five finalists are selected to compete for $10,000 in equity-free capital!
Want to learn more about Beyond Tech Week events? Head over to the link in our bio.
To Danche Gjorgjievski, CTO of ADAC, Tech Week is a reminder that innovation starts with community. “We’re all passionate about technology, but at the heart of it, we’re really talking about people – how we can learn together, grow together, and build something better," she says.
A recent article by Rapid Growth Media highlights how collaboration and innovation are shaping Greater Grand Rapids' tech community by helping students explore how they can use tech in their future careers. Kick-off speaker Steve Wozniak shared how engaging students in fun, interactive learning inspires the leaders of tomorrow.
This sentiment was reflected in ADAC’s booth at the Student Tech Showcase, as it brought together tech experts and students to work through the ideation process in the automotive industry, giving students the chance to collaborate on key processes and see themselves in the shoes of an engineer.
Read more about how Tech Week spotlights innovation at the link in our bio.
At the Tech Week Kick-Off, Steve Wozniak reminded us that innovation begins with education and curiosity—values our region takes pride in. Throughout the week, events across Greater Grand Rapids celebrated this spirit by engaging learners of all ages and preparing the next generation of tech leaders.
The Student Tech Showcase sparked curiosity among middle schoolers by connecting technology to industries like automation, banking, and manufacturing. Hands-on learning helped students see how their interests could shape future careers.
Higher education also took the spotlight. @gvsu and @ferrisstateu shared cutting-edge research and real-world projects, @westernmichu explored technology’s role in creativity, and @michiganstateu showcased innovation in health, sustainability, and tech. Together, these institutions are helping build a strong, future-ready talent pipeline for our region.
We’re still thinking about kicking off Tech Week with Steve Wozniak!
Wozniak highlighted how impressed he was with Grand Rapids’ growing tech scene and the potential for becoming one of the biggest tech hubs in the Midwest (along with sharing a few pranks he’s pulled off over the years!)
We couldn’t have asked for a better Tech Week Kick-Off speaker to lead us into a great week of innovative collaboration!
During Tech Week, thousands of students filled the Grandville Robotics Center for the Student Tech Showcase—an event designed to spark middle schoolers’ interest in technology.
Nearly 30 companies from across the Greater Grand Rapids Region demonstrated how they use tech in their work, from VR headsets at the Bank of America booth to Robo-Dogs from MBI!
Students left with hands-on experience with local technology and a new appreciation for how it shapes their lives.
Last week on Tech Week Tiny Mic, we asked the question, “What was the first piece of technology that was influential to you?” The Tech Week Grand Rapids Kick-Off was the perfect place to reflect on how technology has shaped our lives and discover how it will continue to impact our future.
What was one piece of technology that was influential in your life?
Last week, thousands of tech enthusiasts came together across the Greater Grand Rapids Region to celebrate a week of innovation, discovery, and connection.
The week kicked off with Steve Wozniak, who shared stories from his childhood curiosity with technology to his love of clever pranks. With his down-to-earth perspective on the industry and insights on how our region can continue to grow as a tech hub, there was no better way to start. Woz left the audience with an important reminder: we all have AI (Actual Intelligence) and blending humanity with technology is the key to building meaningful projects.
From there, the week unfolded with nearly 120 events spanning everything from AI to healthcare, manufacturing to music, and even comedy. Each session offered opportunities to gain new skills, explore relevant tech topics, and strengthen community—whether by reconnecting with old friends or sparking new collaborations.
It was an incredible week spent with people who share a passion for all things tech. We can’t wait to see you again for Tech Week Grand Rapids 2026 (September 14-19 2026– mark your calendars! 😉)
A great job to the five companies that pitched at the VC Insights & Innovation Showcase this week!
VC Insights & Innovation Showcase: Capital Meets Innovation is an event that featured 5 technology & innovation companies from the region who presented their cutting-edge solutions and growth stories on stage to a curated audience of investors and industry leaders. Another incredible opportunity for entrepreneurs at Tech Week Grand Rapids! Thanks to our co-hosts, The Right Place, and MSU Research Foundation, for continuing to fuel the future of Grand Rapids!
Special shout-out to our keynote speaker, Paul Damato, CEO at Michigan Capital Network, for sharing his insight!
The five companies included: Wedge HR, Side Door App, Evrcool Engineered Precision Cooling, EverFriends.ai, and USAMR.
#TechWeekGR #SmartZoneGR #GrandRapidsBusiness
It's not too late to grab some tasty tech-themed treats with Tastes of Tech Week! Whether you're a fan of an iOS Infused Caramel Apple Cider or can't wait to use your discount at San Chez, there's something for every foodie to enjoy.
Check out the following participants of Tastes of Tech Week: Adesanya Mead & Microbrewery, HAS HEART, San Chez, Scorpion Hearts Club, Long Road Distillers, Silva, Lazy Dazy Coffee.
Tech Week Grand Rapids Kick-off is starting soon, and we can’t wait! Here’s a sneak peek behind the scenes at GLC Live at 20 Monroe— we can’t wait for everyone to arrive, welcome Steve Wozniak, and start our week of tech celebration!
