SYNCHRONIC is a set of experiments in collaborative culture that will engage, attract, and retain the people that call Grand Rapids home. 

Each experiment will consist of three acts: 

I. speaker to address a particular hot topic, relevant to the future of our city
II. creative performance that adds a different perspective of the topic on deck
III. breakout sessions, where participants decide where to take our conversation

Insights from the Medical Device Technology & Manufacturing Industry brought to you by aimWest and GR Current.

West Michigan is launching something MEGA for startups. Join us for emerge’s flagship event MAKE IT or BREAK IT, an interactive matrix of entrepreneurs and support organizations that will help you navigate the path to develop or reinforce your business.

Chris Palmer, CEO of PhotoUp, will discuss applied impact techniques as it relates to social enterprise.

The field of social entrepreneurship seeks to blend entrepreneurial activities with positive social or environmental change. Using innovative business models, social enterprise is an emerging model for both impact focused entrepreneurs and investors. Some key areas of focus will be... Social Enterprise!

Do you have a technology that you think has commercial potential? If so, you'll want to know what options are available, including how to tap into the funding that will get you there.

INSTRUCTION PROVIDES

• High-level view of alternative avenues for commercialization
• How federal funding through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs can be a valuable part of the process
• Program essentials: purpose, eligibility, sources of funding, etc.
• Michigan’s wide array of commercialization resources for technology-based companies

Sisu Global Health will delve into their business in Africa and how they intend to change the world’s healthcare systems. This session will involve about 30 minutes of talk with breakout conversations following.

• Blended Value: How to weigh profit with impact
• Insight: into the African healthcare scene
• Support: How does GR support blended value companies

Will McDermott, Creative Director and Founder of W&Company will apply theory that was taught the session prior while you fill your stomach at our Tuesdays With lunch and learn.

The “Open Government” movement has encouraged governments around the world to open up their data to the public to view, analyze, and utilize in ways that will benefit us all. One recent example: "Grand Rapids 311 Customer Service Center” which offers a single point of contact for city services and programs with the mission of making the City more efficient, transparent, and responsive to Grand Rapidians. These technology advances can bring about better transparency and efficiency; however, their effectiveness is only as good as the data in the system. This is why the “Open Data” movement is so tightly integrated with “Open Government”.