September 15, 2025
Ferris State faculty, students help Tech Week 2025 highlight the rising innovation hub of Grand Rapids
Tech Week Grand Rapids has come a long way since its inception.
The initiative started four years ago with the ambitious goal of positioning Grand Rapids as a major tech hub in the Midwest. The vision was to create a center of innovation, doubling the tech footprint in the city over the following decade.
The first Tech Week was put together in just six weeks, featuring seven events. Fast forward to 2025, and the event has grown exponentially, boasting more than 80 events this year.
The event runs this week -- from Sept. 15 to 20 -- and concludes with Confluence, a festival that celebrates innovation across art, music, science and technology.
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.
The event is organized by The Right Place in partnership with more than 100 community partners.
Tech Week’s growth is a testament to the community’s spirit and collaboration, with local businesses and organizations stepping up to host and participate in events. Tech Week Grand Rapids has become the second-largest Tech Week in the Midwest, trailing only the event in Minneapolis.
Artificial intelligence and data analytics are at the forefront of the week’s discussions. These technologies are driving significant changes across various industries. There are many events throughout the week focused on AI and automation, reflecting the massive impact these technologies have on business operations and strategies.
Ferris State educators will be exploring the impact of artificial intelligence, research on a cure for cancer, game-based training and other topics as part of the event. A listing of events with Ferris State connections is available online.
Innovation is a core theme of Tech Week Grand Rapids. The event is described as an “unconference conference,” where the community comes together to create and host various events. This collaborative spirit is evident in the diverse range of activities, from tech talks and panels to networking sessions and happy hours.
Grand Rapids Tech Week is more than just a series of events; it’s a celebration of the community’s collective efforts to transform the city into a thriving tech hub. Through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to diversity, Grand Rapids is well on its way to achieving its vision of becoming a center of technological excellence in the Midwest.