July 11, 2025
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak headlining Tech Week 2025, Confluence with events aimed at celebrating innovation, developing talent
Apple Inc. co-founder Steve Wozniak is the headline speaker at Tech Week 2025, a six-day series that brings together educators, tech industry leaders, students and the greater community to highlight tech and innovation in West Michigan.
The events run from Sept. 15 to 20 and concludes with Confluence, an annual festival that celebrates innovation across art, music, science and tech.
Ferris State University President Bill Pink is Tech Week 2025’s co-chairman, working with co-chairs Mentavi Health CEO Keith Brophy and ADAC Chief Technology Officer - Vice President of Engineering Danche Gjorgjievski.
“Tech Week and Confluence are incredible opportunities for Ferris State University and the West Michigan region to showcase our strengths,” Pink said. “Innovation and forward thinking are part of who we are at Ferris State. These events not only highlight the exciting work happening here—they invite our community and partners to imagine how they can be part of shaping what’s next.”
Tech Week last year featured more than 70 events around the region with more than 16,000 attendees. The event is organized by The Right Place in partnership with more than 100 community partners.
“Tech Week Grand Rapids is such a success because it’s built by and for our community," said Andria Romkema, Tech Week GR lead organizer and SVP of Business Development at The Right Place. "The spirit of collaboration across the region is what makes it possible. We’re excited to welcome Steve Wozniak to Grand Rapids to kick off an energizing, inspiring week that celebrates the strength and momentum of our tech ecosystem.”
Wozniak in 1976 co-founded Apple Inc. with Steve Jobs and is recognized as one of the most prominent pioneers of the personal computer revolution. He’s headlining the 2025 Tech Week kickoff event planned for 3-6 p.m., Monday, Sept. 15 at GLC Live at 20 Monroe, 11 Ottawa Ave NW in Grand Rapids. Tickets are on Tech Week's website.
Additional Tech Week events include conversations about artificial intelligence and its growing number of applications, addressing top talent challenges, healthcare, cyber security, and other topics. A full list of events is available online, and additional activities are in the works. Groups interested in hosting an event can apply on Tech Week's website through Aug. 1.
A Student Tech Showcase planned for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 26 at the Grandville Robotics and Engineering Center, 4874 Canal Ave. SW in Grandville. The interactive all-day event is focused on strengthening the region’s future tech talent pipeline. Employers are planning hands-on exhibits intended to help students explore careers in technology.
The week wraps up with Confluence on Sept. 19 and 20 in a new location: 17 Pearl St NW, in closed streets and open spaces in and around Ferris State University’s Kendall College of Art and Design.
Ferris State is the presenting sponsor, and the new location – in front of Ferris State’s Kendall College of Art and Design, opens up possibilities for enhanced collaboration with program partners from across the region.
“West Michigan is quickly emerging as a dynamic center for innovation, technology, and the arts,” said Bobby Fleischman, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Ferris State University. “Confluence is more than an event—it’s a launchpad for the future. It’s where people discover exciting career paths in fast-changing fields, and where we showcase the groundbreaking work of our Ferris State faculty. The students who are inspired here today will become the innovators and leaders of tomorrow—in esports, artificial intelligence, and beyond.”
Friday@Confluence kicks off the weekend with an interactive tour through West Michigan’s tech-forward arts and culture scene. The festival continues on Saturday, Sept 20 with the Robotics Expo, Esports Expo, Innovation Showcase and Future Innovators Zone. All events are free and open to the public.
“This will be an exciting year for Confluence,” said Brian Cohen, founder and director of the festival. “We will celebrate five years with our boldest event ever and place art, music, science and technology across downtown Grand Rapids. We’re expanding our popular Esports Expo with enhanced free-play areas and engaging new program partners to bring even more experiential learning opportunities to the festival.”
Complete details are available on the Confluence website.