Innovation Challenge, a program of Northern Michigan Startup Week

Ever wanted to build a startup — or sharpen how you build one — but weren’t sure where to begin?

The Innovation Challenge is your opportunity to go from learning to launch in just a few days. As part of Northern Michigan Startup Week, we’re convening established entrepreneurs, aspiring founders, students, technologists, operators, and curious builders to tackle real-world water and Blue Tech challenges — and transform them into bold, pitch-ready solutions.

📍 NMC Innovation Center Room 106/107
🗓 Innovation Sprint: April 20th, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm + April 21st, 8:30 am - 8 pm (including TCNewTech pitch competition)
🥐 Breakfast & Lunch Provided Both Days

This program is designed for:

• Established entrepreneurs looking to apply their skills to new industries or meaningful community challenges
• People exploring how to start a company and wanting a structured, hands-on experience
• Students curious about entrepreneurship and innovation
• Technologists and developers eager to build and experiment
• Operators, creatives, and problem-solvers who thrive in collaborative environments

Whether you’ve built companies before or are just beginning to explore what startup life looks like, this experience meets you where you are.

Step 1: Get Prepared

Before the Challenge officially kicks off, participants will have access to pre-sprint learning sessions designed to set you up for success. These sessions will cover topics like an intro to water-focused innovation, how startups are formed and validated, and more!

You don’t need to be a water expert or a seasoned founder — we’ll help you get grounded so you can hit the ground running.

Step 2: The Reverse Pitch

Instead of entrepreneurs pitching their ideas, local nonprofits working on water-related challenges will pitch real problems they’re facing. These are tangible, community-rooted issues — and your team will work on building creative, viable solutions.

Step 3: The Innovation Challenge

Over two fast-paced days at the NMC Innovation Center, you’ll:

• Form interdisciplinary teams
• Select a challenge
• Develop a solution with support from Blue Tech subject matter experts and experienced entrepreneurs
• Refine your concept into a compelling pitch

Breakfast and lunch will be provided to keep you fueled and focused.

Step 4: Take the Stage

The Challenge culminates live on stage at TCNewTech, where teams will pitch their brand-new ideas to judges and a live audience.

• Cash awards will go directly to the winning team and the nonprofit whose problem inspired the solution.
• The winning team will also receive a startup support package from 20Fathoms should they decide to pursue their solution — or any future startup idea they’re ready to build.

Whether you’re a student curious about entrepreneurship, a founder looking to apply your skills to meaningful challenges, or someone who simply wants to learn how startups are built — this is an immersive crash course in innovation.

This is more than a hackathon.
It’s a crash course in Blue Tech.
It’s hands-on startup education.
It’s community-driven innovation.

Come curious. Leave capable.

Breakfast and lunch provided to participants during the sprint.

About 20Fathoms

Based in Traverse City, 20Fathoms is a nonprofit organization and the hub for entrepreneurship and innovation in Northwest Michigan. The 20Fathoms team works with entrepreneurs of all stages and industries, and also offers specialized services to meet the unique needs of technology-focused startups. Programs include startup education, business coaching, TCNewTech pitch competitions, access to capital, a vibrant coworking space, and general resources and support. For more information visit: https://20fathoms.org/

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