Innovation Spotlight: PitchMI Expands Statewide

Startups across Michigan now have the chance to compete in one of the nation’s largest pitch competitions. Backed by a $4 million investment, including $3 million from the MEDC’s Michigan Innovation Fund, PitchMI is hosting four regional events this fall, each awarding $250,000. Regional winners will advance to the statewide finals, slated for April 2026, where one company will take home a $1 million investment.

Michigan-Born Unicorn: HistoSonics

HistoSonics, a medical technology company spun out of the University of Michigan, has become one of Michigan’s most remarkable success stories. With support from MEDC programs and investments, and the state’s robust startup ecosystem, the company has grown into a unicorn, pioneering non-invasive tumor treatments that are transforming healthcare. This milestone underscores Michigan’s ability to turn breakthrough research into global impact — and it’s only the beginning.

Ahead of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Conference in Detroit, the MEDC earned six Excellence in Economic Development Awards, including three golds. The honors span categories in placemaking, talent solutions, mobility initiatives and small business support, recognizing Michigan’s leadership in driving growth across the state.

The Venture313 Idea to Product Hackathon is bringing Detroit’s brightest minds together to solve real-world challenges with AI, addressing focus areas like drones and mobility, healthcare, food access and accessibility. Participants will learn how to turn ideas into prototypes through hands-on workshops and tools like Lovable, Cursor and ClaudeCode.

North Bay Fiber’s Jill Zielinski is weaving heritage and craftsmanship into a growing Michigan-based textile business. The former graphic designer turned her passion for knitting into a thriving small business. With support from the MEDC’s Small Business Development Center, the company is strengthening its roots and scaling up production.

The ManuTech Innovation Summit brings together top voices across industry, investment and government to shape the future of U.S. manufacturing. Whether you’re a high-tech startup seeking strategic partners, a corporate leader exploring cutting-edge solutions or a policymaker invested in America’s industrial competitiveness, this is the summit for you. Expect a day of insights, networking and matchmaking focused on accelerating domestic innovation, strengthening supply chain resilience and advancing industrial sustainability.

• Sept. 9: TCNewTech Pitch Competition
• Sept. 14: PitchMI Application Deadline
• Sept. 15-20: Tech Week Grand Rapids
• Sept. 18: LIFT Detroit
• Sept. 23: Mobility Innovation Exchange
  (Use promo code “StartupSpecial” to save)
• Sept. 24 – Oct. 3: A2Tech360
• Sept. 29: PitchMI Grand Rapids
• Sept. 30: PitchMI Traverse City
• Sept. 30: ManuTech Innovation Summit
• Oct. 1: PitchMI Detroit
• Oct. 1: Renaissance Venture Capital Fall UnDemo Day®
• Oct. 3: PitchMI Ann Arbor
• Nov. 17-20: Trade Mission to MEDICA
• Dec. 5-11: Trade Mission to Saudi Arabia and UAE

• February 17-19, 2026: Automotive Trade Mission to Mexico
• March 15-21, 2026: Australia Trade Mission
• March 23-27, 2026: Aerospace and Defense Trade Mission to Poland and Czechia
• June 15-19, 2026: Eurosatory Trade Mission in Paris
• July 20-24, 2026: Farnborough International Airshow