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T U E S D A Y , S E P T E M B E R 1 7

1:00 – 5:00 P M

Warehouse 6 (136 E 6th St, Holland)

The SURGE Summit is a half-day event designed to empower, inspire, and connect West Michigan’s lakeshore region product and technology founders, innovating enterprises, and the greater startup ecosystem.

The event will feature thought leaders, panel discussions, and networking opportunities to foster innovation, provide resources, and connect entrepreneurs with potential collaborators, investors, and mentors.

Audio Radar

AudioRadar’s groundbreaking technology enables gamers to “see the sound” in video games, enhancing their experience. Developed in collaboration with the deaf gaming community, AudioRadar aims to revolutionize gaming accessibility.

Bit-Farms

Bit-Farms is committed to transforming the food system by integrating technology with sustainable farming through a network of decentralized smart farms. They offer a cost-effective solution for sourcing fresh and sustainable ingredients by utilizing custom farms tailored to client goals, eliminating packaging and distribution costs.

CUE Apparel

Cue Apparel offers innovative athletic wear designed to enhance core strength through built-in tactile cues. These cues subtly prompt wearers to engage their core muscles during movement, improving posture and performance. Ideal for workouts or everyday activities, CUE’s garments help users maintain core stability with every motion.

G3 Acoustics

Specializing in innovative acoustic engineering, drawing on over 40 years of product development experience primarily in the automotive industry. G3 Acoustics focuses on the commercialization of audio-enabled products across various sectors, including hospitality, transportation, marine, and recreational vehicles.

KNITIt

KNITit is a company founded in 2015 to address the growing demand for customizable 3D knit solutions without requiring large production commitments. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and expertise, KNITit provides innovative solutions that make 3D knitting accessible and practical for a wide range of applications.

Lilypad Labs

Utilizing clean energy and autonomous mobility technology, Lilypad offers an approachable alternative boating experience designed to bring people together on the water while requiring little to no boating expertise.

Virtual Sandtable

Virtual Sandtable was founded in 2016 to modernize military planning by addressing issues with outdated sandtable methods. The company combines various data sources and virtual tools to turn complex information into actionable intelligence, reducing ambiguity and improving decision-making in mission planning. 

Revolin Sports

Revolin Sports specializes in producing sustainable, high-performance pickleball paddles made from flax fibers and other eco-friendly materials. With a focus on quality and sustainability, the company uses advanced technology to ensure their paddles are durable and environmentally friendly.

Spirit Fire Lights

Spirit Fire Lights designs and manufactures solar-powered wireless cab lights for trucks. These lights are easy to install with no drilling or wiring, activating automatically at night with vehicle movement and turning off during the day. Built with durability to withstand harsh conditions, Spirit Fire Lights offers a convenient and eco-friendly lighting solution for truck enthusiasts.

SwivelServe

SwivelServe is a versatile kitchen tool combining a cutting board and serving tray, designed to streamline food prep and presentation. Its innovative design allows you to slice food and effortlessly transfer it into organized compartments with a simple swivel motion. Ideal for snacks, meal prep, and entertaining, SwivelServe saves time and space while keeping food fresh with an airtight lid.

Agenda

Summit Kickoff

Keynote by Shawn Dougherty | 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Get inspired with a keynote presentation by a true titan of innovation. Shawn Dougherty, a successful entrepreneur and experienced product development executive, will share insights from her journey from corporate product development to startup success. Dougherty will inspire you with hard-won wisdom and cutting-edge strategies for navigating the ever-evolving landscape of business growth.

Panel Discussion

Unlocking Growth with Startup-Grownup Partnerships | 2:45 PM - 3:35 PM

Discover the power of enterprise partnerships through the eyes of West Michigan’s entrepreneurs. This dynamic panel brings together local startup founders who have successfully navigated collaborations with larger companies, from pilot projects to strategic investments. Gain insights and practical strategies for leveraging enterprise relationships to fuel your startup’s growth.

Panel Discussion

Corporate Innovation Unleashed | 3:55 PM - 4:45 PM

Learn how leading corporations are partnering with agile startups and strategic allies to accelerate innovation, maintain a competitive edge, and diversify their portfolios. Led by an expert in enterprise innovation, this panel will reveal key strategies and real-world examples of large companies harnessing external partnerships to drive growth and stay ahead in rapidly evolving markets.

Afterward

Join us at the Tulyp Hotel’s 1847 Lounge for Happy Hour and don’t miss the “JENNIFER’S SURGE FORWARD” orange margarita—proceeds support SURGE’s efforts to incubate startups like the ones you see today.

Afterward, head over to Tech Week GR Goes to the Lakeshore at Boatwerks (216 Van Raalte Ave, Holland) from 5 – 8 pm. Celebrate technology, sustainability, and the beauty of our area while continuing the fun!