2026 is off to a powerful- and unmistakably Keweenaw- start at MTEC SmartZone. As the region digs out from nearly 100 inches of snowfall this season, we want to highlight a first-ever product launch, national-scale growth, and strategic investment. You’ll also find opportunities to get involved, programs open for applications, and a community event that celebrates the people shaping the Keweenaw. Bundle up and dive in to see what 2026 brings!
Delano Bat Company 90-Minute Sell-Out
What started in a garage sold out its first-ever bat release in just 90 minutes. Behind the rapid sell-out is a story of years of grit, innovation, and uncompromising quality.
SightLine Celebrates a Successful Acquisition
From Michigan’s U.P. to a strategic acquisition, SightLine’s growth showcases the power of innovation, partnership, and MTEC SmartZone support.
Steelhead Technologies receives $84M Investment from Mainsail Partners
Steelhead Technologies secured an $84M investment, and it’s a nothing short of a major sign as to where manufacturing technology is headed. From replacing clipboards to powering real-time operations, see how this alumni client of MTEC SmartZone is scaling impact on a nationwide scale.
Applications Open: 2026 AMMP Cohort
AMMP is a three-month, in-person accelerator designed for early-stage manufacturing companies. The program helps entrepreneurs accelerate ideas toward commercialization through intensive coaching, mentorship, and increased access to critical resources that otherwise would be out of reach.
Founded in 2024, AMMP was created to position the Keweenaw as a hub for advanced materials and manufacturing innovation. Each cohort concludes with an investor showcase event giving participants the opportunity to connect directly with potential investors and partners to help take their businesses even further.
Applications are due by Friday, February 27, 2026. If you, or someone you know, are building an early-stage manufacturing company and ready to accelerate growth, we encourage you to apply TODAY!
2026 Keweenaw Community Sparkplug Awards
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Keweenaw Community Sparkplug Awards! From impressive growth to hometown heroes, the Sparkplug Awards highlight the people that make a real impact in the Keweenaw. Community members are encouraged to submit a nomination and join us on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Memorial Union Ballroom in Houghton to celebrate the finalists and winners. Reserve your seat, bring your team, and be part of an event dedicated to honoring the people who keep our community moving forward.
Quincy Materials Website is LIVE
We are excited to share that Quincy Materials website is officially live! Special thanks for Monte Consulting for bringing this new website to life with intentional design, creativity, and a strong visual identity that reflects the company’s mission.
Founded by MTEC client Joe Reini, Quincy Materials is an innovative advanced materials company that repurposes mine tailings into high-value resources like copper and supplementary cementitious materials. MTEC is excited to see what lies ahead for the company as it begins to share ideas and progress with a broader, online audience. We can’t wait to watch their growth and the impact they make in the United States manufacturing materials space.
