2025
Tech Week Grand Rapids Recap

At Tech Week Grand Rapids 2025, people throughout West Michigan heard fresh insights from technology experts, learned about fascinating new projects, and engaged in dynamic conversations with fellow residents. Check out a few memorable moments from the week’s pillar events.

Kick-Off Event Featuring steve wozniak, Co-Founder of Apple

The Greater Grand Rapids Region is growing as a technological hub, and bringing in Steve Wozniak, the Co-Founder of Apple, shows just how far the region has come in leading the industry. It was an honor to be able to hear from one of the greatest innovators of our time! Wozniak shared that his love for tinkering with tech started when he was a kid, and highlighted that education is key for building the tech talent of tomorrow. He told stories of his tech-related pranks, talked about how the region can position itself as an innovative leader, and gave us the formula to life: happiness=smiles-frowns.

Tech Showcase

Thousands of students filled the Grandville Robotics Center for the Student Tech Showcase—an event designed to spark middle schoolers’ interest in technology.

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.

Demo Day

Held at GLC @ 20 Monroe Live, Start Garden's Demo Day brought together 100 entrepreneurs from across the region to showcase their big business ideas, while hearing from Start Garden Leadership and Alumni, enjoying a live DJ, and networking with community and business leaders.

By the end of the night, 10 entrepreneurs had been awarded $20,000 checks to keep growing their businesses.

Confluence Festival

Art, music, science and technology converged in the region's largest innovation festival. Located at KCAD in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, this all-ages event featured hands-on experiences with robotics, esports, aeronautics, AI-powered art and more.