Ann Arbor, a vibrant city known for its entrepreneurial spirit and innovative ecosystem, is gearing up for an exciting event that promises to celebrate and recognize the brightest stars in the entrepreneurial community. The NEF Annual Awards Celebration and Showcase Presentation is set to take place on February 15, 2024, at SPARK Central. This event, hosted by the New Enterprise Forum (NEF), will showcase the remarkable accomplishments of entrepreneurs and startups, highlighting their vision, leadership, and achievements. Let’s dive into the details of this upcoming event and explore what attendees can expect.
The NEF Entrepreneur of the Year Award is one of the most prestigious recognitions bestowed upon individuals who have not only made a positive impact through their entrepreneurial ventures but have also inspired others with their vision and leadership. This year, the award will be presented to Edwin Olson, the Co-Founder and CEO of May Mobility. May Mobility, a startup based in Ann Arbor, is transforming cities by deploying self-driving shuttles, utilizing cutting-edge autonomy technology. Edwin Olson’s dedication to creating a safer, greener, and more accessible world exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship that Ann Arbor embraces.
Additionally, the NEF Rising Star of the Year Award will be presented to Darren Riley, the Co-Founder and CEO of JustAir Solutions. Darren’s startup aims to improve air quality and help people breathe cleaner, safer air. After developing asthma himself, he was inspired to make a difference and founded JustAir Solutions. His passion for environmental justice and his innovative approach to addressing air pollution have earned him recognition in the Michigan entrepreneurial community.
The NEF Annual Awards Celebration also includes the presentation of showcase awards. These awards are given to startups that have undergone the NEF process and have shown exceptional progress and potential. This year, awards will be granted for Best Business Model, Best Technology, and Best Presentation. The candidates for the 2023 NEF Showcase Awards include Anil Menawat (Vayoom), Rebecca Altounian (Saliva Systems), Claire Smith (Tenera Grains), Denise Kay (Enspired Solutions), Joey Panella (Decimal Code), Josh Nichols (CrossBraining), Dan Champoux (GEKOT Robotics), Josef Hjelmaker (Electric Outdoors), and Harry Yang (Zonder).
One of the highlights of the event will be the showcase presentation by Robbie Mosingo, the founder of JooseBox. Robbie, a Senior Product Design Engineer from Saline, Michigan, has created a hand-held dry herb consumption device designed for the modern health-conscious cannabis user. JooseBox stands out for its innovative multi-heater system, allowing users to swap between dry herb cannabis and oil cartridges within one device. By providing a healthier and more discreet alternative to traditional inhalation methods, JooseBox aims to enhance the cannabis experience for users.
The NEF Annual Awards Celebration and Showcase Presentation offers an excellent platform for networking and collaboration. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with entrepreneurs, investors, industry experts, and other like-minded individuals. The event fosters an environment where ideas can be shared, partnerships can be formed, and valuable connections can be made. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned professional, or someone interested in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, this event provides a unique opportunity to engage with the vibrant community in Ann Arbor.
The New Enterprise Forum (NEF) plays a crucial role in supporting and nurturing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Ann Arbor. As an all-volunteer organization, NEF brings together experienced service providers, entrepreneurs, and executives to coach and mentor startup companies. NEF’s coaching process helps entrepreneurs perfect their investor pitches, providing valuable insights and connections to local and regional investors. With over 30 years of experience, NEF has coached hundreds of companies, making a significant impact on the entrepreneurial landscape of Ann Arbor.
The NEF Annual Awards Celebration and Showcase Presentation is a highly anticipated event in Ann Arbor’s entrepreneurial calendar. It provides a platform to recognize and celebrate the achievements of outstanding entrepreneurs while fostering collaboration and networking opportunities. The event showcases the spirit of innovation and showcases the remarkable talent that exists within the entrepreneurial community of Ann Arbor. Whether you are an entrepreneur, investor, or simply someone interested in the world of startups, this event offers a unique opportunity to be inspired, connect with like-minded individuals, and witness the exciting developments in the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Ann Arbor. Don’t miss out on this celebration of entrepreneurship!
