Startup Zoo Southwest Michigan Entrepreneurship Summit
Founders, funders and innovators from across the region come together in Kalamazoo for the 2026 Southwest Michigan Entrepreneurship Summit, a two-day celebration of entrepreneurship, big ideas and the people building what’s next in Michigan.
Taking place September 21–22, the Summit brings together more than 100 founders and funders for opportunities to connect, exchange ideas and explore strategies for funding, developing and growing the products and companies that could become tomorrow’s major players in Michigan’s economy.
The centerpiece of the Summit takes place Tuesday at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, with a full day of conversations and connections focused on strengthening Southwest Michigan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The broader two-day experience also includes two live pitch competitions that give Michigan entrepreneurs the opportunity to put their ideas in the spotlight.
On Monday evening, Pitch Night kicks off the Summit as five founders take the stage for five minutes each, competing for a $10,000 prize.
Then on Tuesday evening, the momentum continues with PitchMI, a statewide startup competition presented by the MSU Research Foundation and Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Kalamazoo will host the competition’s AI & Software Semifinal, where Michigan startups compete for a $250,000 prize and the opportunity to advance to the PitchMI Championship for a shot at an additional $1 million.
Whether you’re a founder, investor, entrepreneur, business leader or simply interested in the ideas shaping Michigan’s future, the Southwest Michigan Entrepreneurship Summit offers two days of opportunities to connect with the people building, funding and supporting what’s next.
Event Details
Dates: September 21–22, 2026
Summit Programming: Tuesday, September 22 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Location: Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
Address: 314 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Related Summit Events:
Pitch Night: Monday, September 21 | 6–8 p.m.
Details for Pitch Night can be found here.
PitchMI: Tuesday, September 22 | 5–7 p.m.
Details for PitchMI can be found here.