Events

Through our network and partnerships Innovate Marquette sponsors and hosts a variety of events for entrepreneurs and innovators who are interested the engaging, networking, and broadening their knowledge in creative technologies, sustainability, accessibility and the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce.

The Women in Entrepreneurship event is an annual celebration and networking opportunity to bring together many of the Upper Peninsula’s incredible entrepreneurial spirits and small business owners. Featuring a number of local entrepreneurs, visionaries and business professionals from all across our community, panelists are given the opportunity to share business advice, discuss any distinct challenges they’ve faced, and offer insight into the entrepreneurial way of life. Stay tuned for next year’s event!

Open House

Innovate Marquette invites the Wildcat and Marquette community to kick off NMU Homecoming weekend with an open house at our NEW location. Enjoy coffee and light bites while you tour our new office space, meet our team, and learn how we can offer support to start or scale your technology or product-based business.

Main Office Area
tech talks

Tech Talks

Tech Talks is a series of events hosted by Innovate Marquette SmartZone. Taking place in a casual setting, each event highlights a different topic ranging from 3D printing and outdoor recreation to customer discovery and patents. Our impressive lineup of speakers features tech experts and industry leaders within our local entrepreneurial ecosystem. Each “Talk” will incorporate a live Q&A with the audience. We’ve also carved out time for networking so bring your business cards!

The Return North Professional Careers Fair’s singular focus is on retaining existing U.P. talent as well as attracting alumni, former residents, and friends of the U.P. back to the region. This event is proudly hosted by Innovate Marquette SmartZone, MTEC SmartZone, and Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation, acting as a collaborative effort between all three Upper Peninsula-based SmartZones. Representing the U.P., Return North is a vital part of the award-winning, statewide talent attraction program, Back to Michigan.