Distilling Innovation

Tue Apr 21 2026 at 02:00 pm to 03:30 pm UTC-04:00

Mammoth Distilling Cocktail Lounge | Traverse City

MSU Foundation
Publisher/HostMSU Foundation
Distilling Innovation
Advertisement
A candid panel exploring innovation in Michigan—from research partnerships and early capital to pivots and long-term growth.
About this Event

What do satellite networks, brewery wastewater, and 19th-century rye have in common? More than you might expect—and the answer has a lot to do with northern Michigan.

Join us during Northern Michigan Startup Week at Mammoth Distilling for a panel and candid conversation about what it takes to turn ideas into companies.

Founders, investors, and researchers will share their experiences building ventures rooted in Michigan innovation—from space technology to sustainable craft beverage systems and heritage agriculture. Hear from leaders at Atlas Space Operations, Meknology, and Mammoth Distilling as they discuss research partnerships, early capital, pivots, and the long road from concept to company.

This is not a pitch competition or a typical networking event. It's a straightforward conversation about building and scaling innovation in Michigan, held in one of Traverse City’s most distinctive venues.

Seating is limited.

PANELISTS:

  • Daniel Hodges, Meknology
  • Corey Geer, ATLAS Space Operations
  • Chad Munger or Phil Attee, Mammoth Distilling

ORGANIZER:

The supports the Michigan State University ecosystem with resources that increase the impact of research and innovation. The Foundation achieves its mission through grant programs that contribute over $15 million annually to the University, entrepreneurial programming and early-stage investments that accelerate technology transfer and startup growth throughout Michigan, and environments where startup businesses and collaborators can thrive. The Foundation's work is made possible through its stewardship of a flexible and sustainable endowment, nourished by over 50 years of licensing revenues and investment returns.

Advertisement

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Mammoth Distilling Cocktail Lounge, 332 East Front Street, Traverse City, United States

Tickets

USD 0.00

Icon
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Ask AI if this event suits you:

More Events in Traverse City

Opening Keynote, a presentation at Northern Michigan Startup Week
Mon, 20 Apr at 05:00 pm Opening Keynote, a presentation at Northern Michigan Startup Week

Milliken Auditorium

Pints North Great Lakes Trivia at Farm Club
Mon, 20 Apr at 07:00 pm Pints North Great Lakes Trivia at Farm Club

Farm Club

Lunch Buddies
Tue, 21 Apr at 10:50 am Lunch Buddies

5858 Culver Road, 49685

TCNewTech: Innovation Challenge Special Edition during NMSW
Tue, 21 Apr at 04:30 pm TCNewTech: Innovation Challenge Special Edition during NMSW

City Opera House

Fmf101 introduction
Tue, 21 Apr at 05:30 pm Fmf101 introduction

Traverse City

Cloudlifter + Ecstatic Dance in Traverse City
Tue, 21 Apr at 06:00 pm Cloudlifter + Ecstatic Dance in Traverse City

The Grand Traverse Circuit "Community Cultural Arts, Wellness, & Education"

Earth Day Tree Planting Workbee at the NER
Wed, 22 Apr at 10:00 am Earth Day Tree Planting Workbee at the NER

1450 Cass Rd, Traverse City, MI, United States, Michigan 49685

Earth Day Clothing Swap
Wed, 22 Apr at 11:00 am Earth Day Clothing Swap

1410 College Dr. , Traverse City, MI, United States, Michigan 49686

Traverse City is Happening!

Never miss your favorite happenings again!

Explore Traverse City Events