2023
Tech Week Grand Rapids Recap
Kick-Off Event Featuring Malcolm Gladwell
The Tech Week GR 2023 Kick-Off event was electric. Over 1,000 attendees brought a contagious energy to GLC at 20 Monroe to hear Malcolm Gladwell speak. During his keynote, the influential writer and author equated Grand Rapids’ rise as a technology hub to the early days of a more well-known tech region — Silicon Valley. We are lucky that our close-knit city has a similar advantage — it’s a place where people feel connected and inspired to invest in the community. Hear what Malcolm had to say on our Spotify podcast.
Tech Showcase
One of the primary goals of Tech Week Grand Rapids is to showcase up-and-coming technology in our region. The Tech Showcase at Tech Week Grand Rapids 2023 gave sixth- to eighth-grade students the opportunity to meet and interact with 13 organizations and their unique technology.
Students from all around West Michigan experimented with VR headsets, robots, man-made wind tunnels, circuit building, podcast filming, and so much more. This event gave the next generation of Grand Rapids professionals a glimpse into future career possibilities.
We welcomed 500 students to the showcase, which was hosted in our Tech Hub inside of the Grand Rapids Art Museum.
Demo Day
Demo Day is one of the most exciting business competitions of the year. This event gave aspiring entrepreneurs a chance to win $20,000 and bring their dreams to life. Held at Calder Plaza, the event allowed Grand Rapids residents to experience firsthand a wide array of innovative business ideas.
Attendees sampled food, services, products, and more while deciding on their favorite project to win a People’s Choice award. More than 2,000 people attended the three-hour-long celebration featuring the 10 business ideas that were each awarded a grand prize of $20,000.
Confluence Festival
Tech Week Grand Rapids closed with a two-day festival that featured DJ sets, live concerts, and a keynote address from musician and songwriter Ari Herstand. Saturday featured an innovation showcase, maker expo, robotics expo, open art, and so much more. Over the two days, 6,500 people attended the immersive art, music, science, and tech experience.
Thank You to Our Premier Sponsor: Bank of America
Tech Hub 2023
Our Tech Hub in 2023 was located at the Grand Rapids Art Museum. This space served as our HQ for Tech Week Grand Rapids 2023. The Tech Hub was sponsored by City of Grand Rapids / Smart Zone.
