Robots, AI, Immersive Tech and More Take Over Liberty Street

Free a2Tech360 events Tech Trek and Tech Talk invite the community to experience local innovation through hands-on exhibits, live technology demonstrations, food, games and more

Downtown Ann Arbor will again become an open-air showcase of technology and innovation on Friday, October 2, as Ann Arbor SPARK brings Tech Trek and Tech Talk to Liberty Street for the closing day of a2Tech360.

Both events are free and open to the public, creating an afternoon where families, students, job seekers, tech enthusiasts and curious community members can meet the people and companies building what's next in the Ann Arbor region.

Tech Trek runs from 1-5 p.m. along Liberty Street between Division and Fifth Avenue. The annual innovation street fair brings technology companies out into the heart of downtown to showcase their work through interactive exhibits, hands-on experiences and conversations with the people behind the technology. Attendees can explore innovations spanning AI, mobility, aerospace, software and other emerging technologies while enjoying food vendors, games and plenty of swag.

At the center of the action, Tech Talk brings innovation to the stage at Liberty Plaza with a series of short, live demonstrations beginning at 1:30 p.m. Rather than simply hearing about emerging technology, audiences will get to see it in action.

"Tech Trek has evolved so much over the years, but what I love most about it hasn't changed - it gives people a chance to experience just how much innovation is happening right here in our community," said Lydia Mitchell, a2Tech360 program manager at Ann Arbor SPARK. "This year, we're bringing even more of that energy out onto Liberty Street, with companies showcasing what they're working on and live demos happening just steps away at Tech Talk in Liberty Plaza. It's a chance to meet the people behind the technology, ask questions, try things out and maybe discover something you had no idea was being built right here in Washtenaw County."

Tech Talk Brings Technology to Life

Dr. Margarita Hernandez of Chingona Consulting, a former Ann Arbor SPARK team member, will emcee the Tech Talk program, featuring demonstrations spanning gaming technology, STEM education, virtual reality, drones, artificial intelligence and more.

The program includes:

• Next-Gen Talent with Epic Games - Epic Games' Aaron Vlk will introduce the Early Talent Competition winner for a live demo of their winning creation. Hosted by the University of Michigan Center for Academic Innovation.
  
• Student-Built Tech with Square One - See how Michigan students are designing autonomous vehicles, EVs and robotics using sensors, AI and plenty of ingenuity.
  
• Step Into XR with OXR - OXR founder Chiao Lin will demonstrate immersive technology that turns 3D content into interactive spatial experiences.
  
• Drones at Work with Consumers Energy - Learn how Consumers Energy uses aerial and thermal imaging to inspect Michigan's electric grid.
  
• Built in a Weekend: JacHacks - Meet the winner of the JacHacks A2Tech hackathon and see what they built with agentic AI in just two days.
  
• Learning Gets a Little Magic with MindsEmerge - CEO and co-founder Kristy Stark will demo MindsEmerge's screen-free "magic wand," which combines tactile play and AI to help young children build early literacy skills through personalized learning activities.

Tech Talk begins at 1:30 p.m. in Liberty Plaza, allowing visitors to move easily between live demonstrations and Tech Trek exhibits throughout the afternoon.

And powering the downtown tech takeover - literally - will once again be Ann Arbor-based Navitas Systems. The advanced battery manufacturer will provide mobile power for Tech Trek and Tech Talk, supporting outdoor exhibits and live demonstrations throughout the event. Navitas designs and manufactures advanced lithium cells, modules, battery packs and energy systems at its Ann Arbor headquarters.

Tech Trek holds a special place in a2Tech360 history. What began in 2015 as an opportunity for the community to step inside local tech companies has grown into a region-wide celebration connecting entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, businesses, talent and the public. Today, Tech Trek and Tech Talk bring that same spirit out onto the streets, making it easy for anyone to get a firsthand look at the people, ideas and technologies shaping the region.

Tech Trek
Friday, October 2 | 1-5 p.m.
Liberty Street between Division and Fifth Avenue, downtown Ann Arbor
Free

Tech Talk
Friday, October 2 | Beginning at 1:30 p.m.
Liberty Plaza, downtown Ann Arbor
Free

Keep the Tech Going

The fun continues after Tech Trek and Tech Talk with the official a2Tech360 After Party at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum from 6-9 p.m. The free, 21+ event invites guests to keep exploring and connecting throughout the museum's 250+ interactive exhibits, with food and drinks, networking, brand activations and technology demonstrations - including an immersive mixed-reality experience from OXR. Registration is free but required.

Tech Trek and Tech Talk are made possible with support from the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti SmartZone Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA); a2Tech360 presenting sponsors Oracle and OpenAI; and event sponsors Applied Innovation, First Martin, Navitas Systems, Oxford Companies, Russell Video, University of Michigan Credit Union, Underground Printing, Vanguard Hotel, WACKER, Washtenaw Community College and MichAuto.

Tech Trek and Tech Talk cap off nearly two weeks of a2Tech360 programming celebrating the people, companies and ideas driving innovation across the Ann Arbor region. Explore the full lineup of Signature and Partner Events and register at a2Tech360.com.