The annual Innovate Michigan! Summit and Michigan Inventors Coalition Expo took place this past Thursday, August 17th at the Kellogg Conference Center in Lansing. Hundreds of inventors and attendees participated throughout the day by visiting and casting their vote for their favorite invention. Each year, the Expo allows inventors to showcase their products, participate in the “Spin, Pitch and Sell Contest” and takeaway helpful tips to further develop their inventions.
Summit keynote, Dr. Nabil Nasr, CEO of ReMade Institute, spoke to attendees about sustainability challenges, innovations and economic development opportunities in circular economies. Dr. Jon Gant addressed bridging the digital divide and advancing digital equity and gave various examples of the work taking place in different states.
Partners presented on collaborative models, EV impact on vulnerable communities, leveraging the planning process to improve regional efforts in communities, community capital impact, benefits of worker-owned cooperative businesses, informal economies, and a revitalization study.
Attendees took time to exchange ideas, learn about various resources, network to build new partnerships, and rate the Ideas to Innovation. These ratings are then taken to REI's consultative panelists, knowledge-based and experienced experts, who help advise the Center. These topical project ideas will inform our 2024 call for proposals that are most likely to create or retain jobs and/or businesses in economically distressed communities and regions of Michigan. Then, during the fall, topical areas will be announced to solicit Co-Learning Plan authors.
Thank you to all our partners for making this a great Summit! We look forward to growing our partnerships and engaging with communities across Michigan.