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SUMMARY:BlueTech Innovation Challenge\, culminating during NMSW
DESCRIPTION:Go from learning to startup launch\n\n\nEver wanted to build a startup — or sharpen how you build one — but weren’t sure where to begin? \nThe Innovation Challenge is a hands-on\, multi-session startup program where participants work in teams to tackle real-world BlueTech and water challenges and turn them into pitch-ready solutions. \nThe program builds over several weeks of guided pre-sessions and culminates during Northern Michigan Startup Week\, when teams take the stage at TCNewTech to present what they’ve built. \n📍 Locations:Pre-sessions at 20Fathoms or virtualSprint at NMC Innovation Center (Room 106/107) \n🗓 Program Commitment:Participants are expected to attend the full program\, including: \nPre-Sessions (in-person at 20Fathoms or virtual):• Friday\, April 10 (1:00 – 3:00 PM): ideation + the art of innovation• Friday\, April 17 (1:00 – 3:00 PM): storytelling + pitching \nInnovation Challenge Sprint (at NMC Innovation Center):• Monday\, April 20 (8:30 AM – 5:00 PM)• Tuesday\, April 21 (8:30 AM – 8:00 PM\, including TCNewTech pitch competition) \n🥐 Breakfast & Lunch Provided During the Challenge (April 20 and 21) \nSpace is limited\, and participants are expected to commit to the full program. \nThis program is designed for people who want to actively build and experiment\, including: \n\nEstablished entrepreneurs looking to apply their skills to new industries or meaningful community challenges\nPeople exploring how to start a company and wanting a structured\, hands-on experience\nStudents curious about entrepreneurship and innovation\nTechnologists and developers eager to build and experiment\nOperators\, creatives\, and problem-solvers who thrive in collaborative environments\n\nWhether you’ve built companies before or are just beginning to explore what startup life looks like\, this experience meets you where you are. \nStep 1: Prepare with Pre-Sessions \nBefore the Challenge officially kicks off\, participants will take part in a series of in-person or virtual pre-sprint learning sessions designed to set you up for success. These sessions will cover topics like an introduction to water-focused innovation\, how startups are formed and validated\, and how to develop and pitch strong ideas. \nYou don’t need to be a water expert or a seasoned founder — we’ll help you get grounded so you can hit the ground running. \nStep 2: Hear the Challenges \nInstead of entrepreneurs pitching their ideas\, local nonprofits working on water-related challenges will pitch real problems they’re facing. These are tangible\, community-rooted issues — and your team will work on building creative\, viable solutions. \nStep 3: Build the Solution \nOver two fast-paced days at the NMC Innovation Center\, you’ll: \n\nForm interdisciplinary teams\nSelect a challenge\nDevelop a solution with support from Blue Tech subject matter experts and experienced entrepreneurs\nRefine your concept into a compelling pitch\n\nBreakfast and lunch will be provided to keep you fueled and focused. \nStep 4: Take the Stage \nThe Challenge culminates live on stage at TCNewTech\, where teams will pitch their brand-new ideas to judges and a live audience. \n\nCash awards will go directly to the winning team and the nonprofit whose problem inspired the solution.\nThe winning team will also receive a startup support package from 20Fathoms should they decide to pursue their solution — or any future startup idea they’re ready to build.\n\nWhether you’re a student curious about entrepreneurship\, a founder looking to apply your skills to meaningful challenges\, or someone who simply wants to learn how startups are built — this is an immersive crash course in innovation. \nThis is more than a hackathon.It’s hands-on startup education.It’s community-driven innovation. \nCome curious. Leave capable. \nBreakfast and lunch provided to participants during the sprint. \nAbout 20Fathoms \nBased in Traverse City\, 20Fathoms is a nonprofit organization and the hub for entrepreneurship and innovation in Northwest Michigan. The 20Fathoms team works with entrepreneurs of all stages and industries\, and also offers specialized services to meet the unique needs of technology-focused startups. Programs include startup education\, business coaching\, TCNewTech pitch competitions\, access to capital\, a vibrant coworking space\, and general resources and support. For more information visit: https://20fathoms.org/
URL:https://20fathoms.org/event/innovation-challenge-a-program-of-northern-michigan-startup-week/
LOCATION:Innovation Center at Northwestern Michigan College (Room 104/105)\, 1701 East Front Street\, Traverse City\, MI\, 49686\, United States
CATEGORIES:Northern MIchigan Startup Week,Pitch,Workshop
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260422T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260422T150000
DTSTAMP:20260319T201926Z
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SUMMARY:LEAN In Action: A One-Day Intensive with Patricia Malone during NMSW
DESCRIPTION:Learn practical LEAN tools to streamline operations\, cut waste\, and boost profitability in this hands-on workshop for business owners\n\n\nWhat if your business could run smoother\, waste less time\, and increase profitability — without adding more overhead? \nJoin us for a practical\, hands-on introduction to LEAN methodology led by Patricia Malone\, consultant at Breneman Advisors. In this one-day workshop\, Patricia will break down what LEAN really means (beyond the buzzword) and how you can apply its principles immediately to improve efficiency\, reduce waste\, and maximize value in your business. \nWhat You’ll Learn: \n\nThe core principles of LEAN and why they matter for small and mid-sized businesses\nHow to identify inefficiencies and bottlenecks in your current operations\nPractical tools to improve workflows and team productivity\nStrategies to increase profitability by focusing on value creation\nHow LEAN thinking can strengthen a new business idea from day one\n\nThis workshop is ideal for: \n\nSmall and medium business owners\nStartup founders\nOperations managers\nAspiring entrepreneurs refining a business concept\nAnyone who wants a smarter\, more disciplined approach to running a business\n\nYou’ll leave with actionable insights — not theory — and a clearer roadmap for building a more efficient\, resilient\, and profitable organization. \nCome ready to roll up your sleeves\, rethink how work gets done\, and walk away with tools you can use immediately. \nLunch is provided. Please email Maria at maria@20fathoms.org with any dietary needs (at least one week prior to event). \nAbout 20Fathoms \nBased in Traverse City\, 20Fathoms is a nonprofit organization and the hub for entrepreneurship and innovation in Northwest Michigan. The 20Fathoms team works with entrepreneurs of all stages and industries\, and also offers specialized services to meet the unique needs of technology-focused startups. Programs include startup education\, business coaching\, TCNewTech pitch competitions\, access to capital\, a vibrant coworking space\, and general resources and support. For more information visit: https://20fathoms.org/
URL:https://20fathoms.org/event/lean-in-action-a-one-day-intensive-with-patricia-malone-during-nmsw/
LOCATION:20Fathoms\, 10850 E. Traverse Hwy\, Ste. 4400\, Traverse City\, MI\, 49684\, United States
CATEGORIES:Northern MIchigan Startup Week,Workshop
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260422T110000
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SUMMARY:The Future of AI\, a presentation at Northern Michigan Startup Week
DESCRIPTION:Deterministic AI explained: how structured inputs and new tools are reshaping software for today’s startup builders\n\n\nAI is moving fast – are you moving with it? \nJoin us for an advanced\, insight-packed session with Justin Gauthier\, Lead Developer at brightly\, as he explores deterministic AI inputs and the emerging developments reshaping how software is built. \nThis is not an “AI 101” session. It’s for builders\, tinkerers\, and founders who are already experimenting with AI — and want to go deeper. \nIn This Session\, We’ll Explore: \n\nWhat deterministic inputs mean in practical application\nHow structured prompting and tooling increase AI reliability and processing power\nThe shift from simple prompting to AI-assisted software creation\nHow developers are using AI to rapidly prototype apps\, reverse-engineer complex systems\, and integrate AI into desktop workflows\nWhat these advancements mean for startups building today\n\nIf you’re: \n\nA startup founder looking to embed AI into your product\nA developer experimenting with next-gen tools\nA technically curious operator or product thinker\nOr simply someone who wants to understand what’s actually happening beneath the AI hype cycle\n\nThis session will stretch your thinking and spark ideas about how AI can meaningfully accelerate your work. \nLight refreshments will be available. \nAbout 20Fathoms \nBased in Traverse City\, 20Fathoms is a nonprofit organization and the hub for entrepreneurship and innovation in Northwest Michigan. The 20Fathoms team works with entrepreneurs of all stages and industries\, and also offers specialized services to meet the unique needs of technology-focused startups. Programs include startup education\, business coaching\, TCNewTech pitch competitions\, access to capital\, a vibrant coworking space\, and general resources and support. For more information visit: https://20fathoms.org/
URL:https://20fathoms.org/event/the-future-of-ai-a-presentation-at-northern-michigan-startup-week/
LOCATION:20Fathoms\, 10850 E. Traverse Hwy\, Ste. 4400\, Traverse City\, MI\, 49684\, United States
CATEGORIES:Networking,Northern MIchigan Startup Week,Workshop
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