MSU EDA University Center for

Regional Economic Innovation

E-Update | August 2025

Less Than Two Weeks Away: 2025 Innovate Michigan! Summit to Spotlight Apple Manufacturing Academy

The 2025 Innovate Michigan! Summit is just around the corner! This year, the event will highlight Dr. Sarah Gretter, Director of the Apple Developer Academy and Launch Lead of the Apple Manufacturing Academy.

Taking place on August 14 at the Kellogg Conference Center in East Lansing, the Summit will feature a fireside chat with Dr. Gretter exploring Michigan State University’s new collaboration with Apple’s Manufacturing Academy, a first-of-its-kind initiative launched in Detroit.

The Apple Manufacturing Academy officially launches on August 19 in Detroit and will offer free training to help U.S. businesses adopt AI and smart manufacturing practices. Developed in partnership with MSU, the Academy includes in-person workshops, one-on-one consultations, and later this year, virtual training sessions.

Attendees will gain insight into how the Academy identifies training and technical assistance topics, selects learners, and delivers programming tailored to emerging workforce needs. This conversation will also examine how the Academy complements existing state and federal innovation efforts while offering new opportunities for communities across Michigan to engage and benefit from this transformative initiative.

Questions? Reach out to REI Coordinator Jenan Jondy at jondyjen@msu.edu.

Michigan Inventors Coalition Gears Up for 13th Annual Expo

Supported by REI and additional funding by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the Michigan Inventors Coalition will host its 13th Annual MIC Expo on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in East Lansing. This annual event brings together independent inventors, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovation professionals to celebrate and support the inventive spirit across Michigan.

This year’s theme, “Dream It. Make It. Sell It.” captures the event’s focus on turning ideas into market-ready solutions. The Summit offers a full day of programming designed to provide inventors with practical tools, expert insight, and a platform to connect with industry peers, resource providers, and potential partners.

The agenda includes a range of speaker sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. Among this year’s featured speakers is Dennis Shaver, a nationally recognized voice in agile innovation strategy, product-market fit, and sustainable commercialization. He will be joined by other professionals with backgrounds in product development, manufacturing, business growth, and intellectual property. Sessions will cover topics such as user experience design, artificial intelligence, and e-commerce strategy.

Another highlight of the event is Kevin Moran, a Michigan-based mechanical engineer, serial inventor, and entrepreneur whose career reflects the very essence of this year’s theme, which he personally helped shape. Kevin is the creator of Dream It. Make It. Sell It., a growing online community where he openly shares his process for inventing and bringing products to market. A graduate of Michigan Technological University and recipient of the 2019 Five Under 35 Young Alumni Award, Kevin holds ten patents and has earned national recognition for his inventions, including The OilUdder and the 5MinutePetBath, both Amazon Choice products. His work has been featured by National Geographic, MotortrendTV, Car & Driver, and in the documentary Billions in Change. Kevin brings a unique perspective grounded in real-world innovation, creative grit, and an adventurous spirit.

In addition to presentations and panels, attendees will have 1-on-1 access to experts to answer specific questions and the opportunity to visit booths hosted by fellow inventors showcasing their latest projects and products. Notable inventors participating this year include Mike Luyckx, an industrial designer and founder of Insightfuel LLC with more than 14 utility patents to his name, and Chris Kaminsky, a two-time Startup Weekend winner and Vice President of Community Partnerships at Grand River Makerspace. Both bring deep experience in product development, prototyping, and community-based innovation.

The Expo will also feature a live pitch competition, the 6x6 Spin, Pitch, and Sell Contest, where inventors can present their ideas to an audience and panel of judges. Other scheduled highlights include a workshop on selling products through Amazon, sessions on integrating artificial intelligence into invention strategy, and informal networking opportunities to close out the day.

Registration is now open to the public. Tickets are available at a reduced rate of five dollars using the code MICFIVE when registering. The event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

For more information and to register for the event, visit www.miinventors.org.