Doors Open

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

• Check in and grab some breakfast while networking with your industry peers. You’ll also have time to explore our Student Project Showcase as well as connect with our sponsors.

Welcome

9:00 a.m. – 9:05 a.m.
Paul Krutko, President & CEO | Ann Arbor SPARK

Opening Remarks

9:05 a.m. – 9:10 a.m.
Rose Bellanca, President & CEO | Washtenaw Community College

Keynote

9:10 a.m. – 9:25 a.m.
Kathryn Snorrason, Vice President and Deputy Chief Mobility Officer | Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME)

• This keynote address will showcase that Ann Arbor is a global leader in mobility innovation. Hear about the transformative potential of emerging technologies such as autonomous vehicles, electric mobility, and smart infrastructure. Learn about collaboration across sectors and the importance of fostering a robust ecosystem where startups, established companies, and academia converge to drive forward-thinking solutions, harness creativity and collaboration to propel Ann Arbor to the forefront of the mobility revolution, promising an exciting and impactful day at Ann Arbor SPARK’s 7th Annual Mobility Summit.

Agenda Overview

9:25 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Sarah Cicotte, Mobility Director | Ann Arbor SPARK

Breakout Session #1

9:40 a.m. – 10:25 a.m.

Option #1: Innovation in the Fast Lane 

Reuben Sarkar, President & CEO | American Center for Mobility
Shelby Winkler, Senior Vice President Programs & Operations | Cavnue

• Test sites and living labs are pushing the boundaries of mobility in Michigan. This panel conversation explores the current state of mobility innovation at sites like the University of Michigan’s Mcity, the American Center for Mobility, Southwest Research Institute, and Cavnue. Key topics will include research and development, collaboration opportunities, technical and regulatory challenges, emerging technologies, and how to stay relevant in an ever-changing mobility landscape. The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A.

Option #2: Are We There Yet? Equity in Public Transportation

Farai Gundan, Founder | Bhadala
Valerie Lefler, Executive Director | Feonix – Mobility Rising
Missy Stults, Sustainability and Innovations Director | City of Ann Arbor

• There are many barriers and challenges when it comes to public transportation.  Listen to this passionate group of speakers to learn more about the importance and current state of transportation equity. The discussion will cover barriers such as accessibility, affordability, and geographic disparities, highlighting successful initiatives and strategies for improvement. Future directions will also be explored, including policy recommendations, technological innovations, and sustainable practices. The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A.

Networking Break

10:25 a.m. –10:45 a.m.

Breakout Session #2

10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Option #1: Presentation: The Global Epicenter of Mobility 

Bernard Swiecki, Vice President, Mobility & Research | Detroit Regional Partnership

• This special presentation is a chance to learn more about The Global Epicenter of Mobility and will outline the grant’s goals of enhancing Michigan’s position as a leader in mobility innovation. It will highlight the grant’s support for cutting-edge mobility solutions and economic development, what has been accomplished, and what lies ahead. The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A.

Option #2: Presentation: AI in Automotive 

SBD Automotive

• In a special presentation on artificial intelligence (AI) trends, challenges, and benefits in the automotive industry, explore the latest advancements in AI technologies such as autonomous driving, predictive maintenance, and enhanced in-car experiences. The presentation will address the key challenges faced in integrating AI, including safety concerns, regulatory hurdles, and the need for robust data infrastructure. Additionally, it will highlight the significant benefits AI brings to the automotive sector, such as improved safety, operational efficiency, and personalized customer experiences. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the current state and future potential of AI in revolutionizing the automotive industry. The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A.

Breakout Session #3

11:25 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.

Option #1: Safety First: Electric Vehicles, Vulnerable Road Users, & Micromobility

Ron Butler, Founder | Energy Storage Safety Products International

• Mobility innovations harness great potential for improved safety, and great challenges to overcome at the same time. This panel conversation explores innovation, safety implementations, and emerging safety trends and collaborative approaches to fostering safer urban mobility environments.  Attendees will learn more about safety and speed, fire prevention in battery-powered vehicles, autonomous vehicle safety techniques and testing. The conversation will also cover regulatory challenges, infrastructure needs for micromobility vehicles like e-scooters, and strategies for enhancing safety through education and technology. The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A.

Option #2: How Colleges and Universities are Shaping the Future of Mobility

Nick Moroz, Director of Entrepreneurial Practice | University of Michigan

In a panel conversation highlighting Washtenaw County’s colleges and universities’ role in shaping the future of mobility, academic leaders and experts in entrepreneurial practice will discuss innovative research, educational programs, and partnerships driving advancements in mobility. Topics will include collaborations with local industries, research initiatives in autonomous and electric vehicles and sustainable transportation, and the impact of academic insights on policy and technology development. The conversation will emphasize how these institutions contribute to workforce development, foster innovation hubs, and prepare students for careers in the evolving mobility sector, underscoring their pivotal role in shaping the region’s mobility landscape. The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A.

Networking Lunch

12:10 p.m. –1:00 p.m.

Fireside Chat: The Power of Collaboration

1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Alan Amici, President and CEO | Center for Automotive Research

• Alan Amici, President and CEO of the Center for Automotive Research, and TBD, will explore the power of collaboration in the automotive and mobility sectors. The discussion will cover the significance of partnerships, showcase successful collaborative projects, address challenges such as resource allocation and regulatory alignment, highlight emerging trends and future opportunities, and emphasize the critical role of collaboration in driving innovation and progress in mobility for Michigan.

Closing Remarks

1:50 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Sarah Cicotte, Mobility Director | Ann Arbor SPARK