As spring winds down and the longer days of summer begin, MTEC SmartZone is wrapping up key initiatives and building momentum for a season full of growth. This month, we were fortunate to welcome external guests including Jim Baker from MTU, Ryan Galerneau from MMTC, and Jim Tenzillo with the Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund. We’ve made steady progress toward our upcoming Local Demo Day with the AMMP Accelerator, celebrated board member milestones, and rolled out fresh, summer-themed updates to energize the MTEC brand. Plus, we continue to highlight a major regional achievement, Michigan Tech’s recent designation as an R1 research university.
Turning Ideas into Impact: AMMP Accelerator Hits Its Stride
Discover how founders in the AMMP Accelerator advanced from business formation to investor readiness in Weeks 5–8. With expert-led workshops on funding, sales, IP, and pitch prep, this update highlights how early-stage startups are gaining traction in advanced materials and manufacturing.
Wild Ideas Welcome Campaign
With summer underway, we’re rolling out a multi-week campaign to spark wild idea submissions and connect with potential startups, complete with bright seasonal graphics, images and creative assets. It’s already sparked some great conversations and consultations. If you or someone you know has an idea to share, use the link below. No long story here, just a quick, summery moment in the middle of your newsletter feed.
Local DEMO DAY & Detroit DEMO DAY
With over half of the AMMP Accelerator behind us, our Local Demo Day on July 25 and Detroit Demo Day on August 7 are fast approaching. While we hope you’ve already received an invitation to one—or both—of these events, we wanted to extend the invite here as well. You’ll find RSVP links for both events below. Kindly RSVP so we can plan accordingly and ensure a great experience for all.
Website Updates
Another summer-focused update: the MTEC website has received a seasonal refresh to reflect the shift in pace and energy. And if you stop by the Lakeshore Center, you’ll notice fresh, summer-themed MTEC SmartZone content welcoming you in, a much-needed update, especially as out-of-town guests begin to roll in for summer visits.
Michigan’s quiet space race is happening in the Upper Peninsula
A great highlight of innovation rooted in our rural landscape can be seen through companies like Orbion Space Technology, Calumet Electronics Corporation, Kall Morris Inc, ATLAS Space Operations, Signature Research, GS Engineering, ThermoAnalytics, and Great Lakes Sound & Vibration. Together, these high-tech leaders are proving that world-class aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing innovations can thrive in Michigan’s most remote regions. Great read highlighting some of MTECs very own!
Save the Ruppe Block Building hopes to save iconic facade in the heart of downtown Calumet
Jeff Ratcliffe, Executive Director of the KEWEENAW ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE and one of our own MTEC SmartZone board member, is helping bring new life to a vital part of Calumet’s history. The Village of Calumet, along with community partners, is working hard to preserve the historic Ruppe Building at 211 5th Street. It’s inspiring to see efforts that go beyond innovation to honor and restore the legacy of this region. A great read and kudos to Jeff and his team for their dedication!
R1: Research in Focus
Michigan Technological University has officially joined the ranks of R1 research institutions, a milestone that reflects decades of impactful work and affirms the University’s standing as a leader in addressing critical challenges.
