ANN ARBOR — Technology companies will host the second annual A2 Tech Trek on June 17 from 3 to 7 p.m.
The event — sponsored by Ann Arbor Spark, the economic development agency for Washtenaw and Livingston counties, with support from the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti SmartZone — is free and open to the public.
At the Tech Trek, Ann Arbor’s technology companies and organizations will host open houses that show off their innovations.
Each stop on the trek will create a fun, educational experience that reflects each company’s unique culture and demonstrates their product or service. For images from a few of the participating 2016 companies, visit www.annarborusa.org/tech-trek-2016-photos.
Those on the tour will also enjoy refreshments, prizes, t-shirts, and giveaways.
“Last year, more than 800 people went on the A2 Tech Trek, and the event was a showcase of innovation in Ann Arbor,” said Bill Mayer, Ann Arbor Spark vice president of entrepreneurial services. “It’s amazing what can happen with businesses and the community come together. It was especially exciting to watch students tour the companies and see them realize the potential afforded by a STEAM education.”
Added Donna Doleman, Ann Arbor Spark senior vice president of operations and communications: “Tech Trek is a terrific opportunity to share the real gems located inside the doors of many area tech companies, and illustrate what’s unique about downtown Ann Arbor to a broad range of people. Tech Trek is also an opportunity to connect the dots with kids that are wondering about their future career path. This annual event is truly a win-win for companies, the education system, and families.”
Participants will start at one of three check-in locations – Menlo Innovations, MLive Media Group, and Ann Arbor Spark – where they can pick up a map and begin the A2 Tech Trek.
The A2 Tech Trek features more than two dozen technology businesses and incubators, including Ann Arbor Spark Central, Backyard Brains, Deepfield, LLamasoft, Duo Security, Flocktag, Nutshell, and Pillar Technology. The complete list of companies can be seen at www.annarborusa.org/tech-trek.