Northern Michigan could be a hub for tech and healthcare startups — at least according to the local organizers of Startup Week.
The event is billed as a week-long celebration of entrepreneurship featuring pitch competitions, seminars and more.
Five years ago, organizations like 20Fathoms didn’t exist. It’s like a chamber of commerce for startups that support new tech companies and other small businesses.
“The scene here has really exploded in the last maybe three to five years,” said executive director Eric Roberts.
There’s a variety of startups in northern Michigan, but two main clusters are forming — rural health and freshwater research.
Roberts said the region's ability to collaborate is unparalleled compared to places he’s worked, like Silicon Valley and Chicago.
“The people here would rather help you," he said. "They don’t care as much who wins, as long as someone’s winning.”
Partners like TCNewTech, Northwest Michigan College, Northern Michigan Angels and others are working together to foster the growing startup industry.
Roberts dream is to build a high-tech workforce in northern Michigan, especially the next generation of talent.
“Yes we need adult education, we need to raise that talent level, but darn it I want those kids that are in those high schools and in those middle schools to look at it and say I can have a tech career and stay here,” he said.
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