ANN ARBOR, Mich., May 19, 2026 — Nearly 400 business, government, academic, and community leaders gathered today at Eastern Michigan University’s Student Center for Ann Arbor SPARK’s Annual Meeting, an event celebrating the people, companies, and partnerships helping shape the future of economic opportunity across Washtenaw County and the greater Ann Arbor region.

The event celebrated Ann Arbor SPARK’s 2025 successes across entrepreneurship, business growth, talent development, and regional investment — while also honoring five individuals and organizations whose leadership and contributions have helped strengthen the region’s economy and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“This event is an opportunity to reflect on the partnerships, innovation, and leadership that continue to move our region forward,” said Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK. “This year’s honorees represent the very best of what makes the Ann Arbor region unique — visionary leadership, entrepreneurial success, industry innovation, and a deep commitment to building opportunity for others.” 

This year’s awards recognized contributions across multiple areas of the regional economy:

Volunteer of the Year: Michael Cole. 
Michael Cole was recognized for decades of leadership and service to the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. In addition to serving as President of the Technology Industry Group at Bank of Ann Arbor, Cole has played a pivotal role in helping startups and growing companies access capital and strategic connections. As a founding visionary of Ann Arbor SPARK, a member of the Local Development Finance Authority board, and a champion of startup growth through organizations such as Ann Arbor Angels and Tech City Jam, he has helped shape the infrastructure that supports entrepreneurs across the region.

His leadership has strengthened the foundation of Ann Arbor’s startup ecosystem while creating new opportunities for founders and emerging companies to grow and succeed.

Entrepreneurial Services Company of the Year: Akadeum Life Sciences
Akadeum Life Sciences was recognized for its continued growth as a leading life sciences company developing innovative cell separation technologies used by researchers around the world.

Founded through a combination of University of Michigan innovation and experienced private-sector leadership, Akadeum has become a standout example of how research commercialization can translate into business success. The company has been supported through Ann Arbor SPARK’s entrepreneurial services, including market research, strategic guidance, and early-stage investment support through SPARK Capital. 

Led by CEO Brandon McNaughton, the company has also been recognized multiple times through Ann Arbor SPARK’s FastTrack Awards.

Business Development Project of the Year: Torc Robotics
Torc Robotics received this award for its continued investment and expansion in the Ann Arbor region, including the growth of its engineering and autonomous vehicle operations.

The company has built a significant local presence focused on artificial intelligence, autonomous trucking, and advanced mobility technologies, creating hundreds of high-wage jobs in the region. Ann Arbor SPARK supported Torc through site selection assistance, talent strategy support, and ecosystem connections that helped strengthen its footprint in Washtenaw County. 

Dave Anderson accepted the award on behalf of the company.

Economic Impact Award: American Center for Mobility
American Center for Mobility was recognized for its transformational impact on the region’s mobility economy as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. 

Located at the historic Willow Run site in Ypsilanti Township, the 500-acre testing and development campus has become a global hub for connected and automated vehicle innovation. The organization continues to attract companies, researchers, and international partners to southeast Michigan while helping ensure mobility innovation remains rooted in the state.

Ann Arbor SPARK has supported ACM through strategic marketing efforts, tenant referrals, talent development initiatives, and site-readiness support.

Don Remboski, Chair of the American Center for Mobility Board of Directors, accepted the award, alongside Governor Rick Snyder.

Legend Award: Stephen Forrest
Dr. Stephen Forrest received the Legend Award for his longstanding contributions to innovation, research commercialization, and economic development in the region.

As former Vice President for Research at the University of Michigan and Ann Arbor SPARK’s second board chair, Forrest played a foundational role in helping establish Ann Arbor SPARK and strengthening the connection between research institutions and private-sector growth. He is also an accomplished entrepreneur and innovator whose work has led to numerous patents and company launches, including Heat2Power.

Beyond the awards presentation, the Annual Meeting celebrated Ann Arbor SPARK’s 2025 impact supporting startups, driving business expansion and attraction, strengthening key industry sectors, and positioning the greater Ann Arbor region for long-term growth. Attendees also heard from keynote speaker Julie Wagner of The Global Institute on Innovation Districts, who shared insights on global competitiveness and how communities can build long-term economic resilience.

The program also included a special tribute recognizing the recent passing of Dick Sarns, one of Ann Arbor’s earliest technology entrepreneurs. Sarns founded Sarns, Inc. in 1960, helping bring heart-lung machine technology into open-heart surgery practices around the world — innovations that continue today through Terumo Cardiovascular Systems’ presence in the region. He later founded NuStep, whose rehabilitation equipment is used globally in physical therapy settings. Through both companies, and through decades of leadership and philanthropy, Sarns helped shape Ann Arbor’s legacy as a center for innovation, and his impact continues to be felt across the region.

Ann Arbor SPARK is grateful for the support of its 2026 Annual Meeting sponsors, including the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, DTE, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and Toyota. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available.

About Ann Arbor SPARK Ann Arbor SPARK is a nonprofit economic development organization focused on advancing the Ann Arbor region as a leading destination for innovation, business growth, and talent. By supporting startups, strengthening existing companies, and attracting new investment, SPARK works across the full business lifecycle to drive long-term economic impact.

Recognized as one of the top five innovation ecosystems in the Midwest, Ann Arbor leads in startup density and ranks among the top regions for startup momentum, patents, and capital efficiency. The region continues to gain national attention for its strength in technology, life sciences, and cybersecurity, supported by a collaborative ecosystem that connects industry, academia, and community partners.