Ann Arbor :
Featured Stories
Dennis Archambault
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
It's not quite artificial intelligence but it sure comes close. Named one of the ten "World Changing Ideas" of 2010 by Scientific American, swarm intelligence is a biology-inspired computer algorithm that's starting to see commercial application. And most of that development occurred here, in Ann Arbor area research labs.
Jon Zemke
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
If gung-ho could be bottled, Matt and Rene Greff would probably put it in a microbrew. Owners of ever-popular Ann Arbor Brewing and Corner Brewery in Ypsilanti, the couple are practically poster children for the region's unique personality. Quirky, entrepreneurial, civic-minded, and opinionated, Concentrate talks business, politics, downtown development and, oh yeah, beer with this dynamic duo.
Kim North Shine
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
If anyone knows that necessity is the mother of invention it's Mike Burns. An inventor and innovator who has found success matching tech innovation to the world of running, he stumbled across his latest greatest idea: the Handeholder, an iPad accessory that's raking in orders by the thousands.
Constance Crump
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Thrill to their discoveries! Gasp at their genius! Ann Arbor writer/librarian Jim Ottaviani reveals the amazing stories behind science's greatest masterminds. In a comic book! But don't take our word for it, click the link, fearless reader, to learn the incredible truth!
Jon Zemke
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Ben Kazez defines the new economy lifestyle. He's the founder of a successful mobile app start-up, lives near Kerrytown, and walks to his downtown office. With promises that success won't lure him away (Mobiata was acquired by Expedia last fall), Concentrate chatted with Kazez about good food, apps, and launching a start-up.
Jeff Meyers
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Last month Ann Arbor hosted The Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition --an American Idol-style contest for start-ups. It was a joint effort between SE Michigan's top business accelerators. Concentrate chats with Dave Egner, the executive director of the New Economy Initiative, and new MEDC head Mike Finney about regional cooperation and rebuilding Michigan's economy.
Concentrate Staff
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
It used to be, if you wanted to be in the music industry you had to head to the coasts. Sam Valenti IV didn't like those rules so he followed in Berry Gordy's footsteps and made a few rules of his own. Today he runs Ghostly International, Ann Arbor's highly successful & hipper than hip music label. Sam kicks off Concentrate's 2011 Speaker Series with a talk about the evolution of his company here in Ann Arbor. The event is tomorrow, Thursday, January 27th. Sign up now!
Constance Crump
Monday, January 10, 2011
Dave Konkle is a green pioneer. Don't believe it? Konkle was hawking wind power and solar energy back when disco was king and Towering Inferno ruled the box office. The former Ann Arbor Energy Office head is now the energy program director for the city's DDA and a much sought-after consultant, spreading the gospel on energy efficiency.
Kim North Shine
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Tree Town is living up to its nickname. Green-leaning builders and architects are carving out a reputation for sustainability in the region, and even engaging in a little competition with Grand Rapids to become Michigan's greenest city.
Jon Zemke
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
While the U.S. is just starting to accept that wind power can help us move toward a more sustainable future, Ann Arbor-based Accio Energy is already reinventing the technology that harnesses it. Concentrate chats with Jen Baird, the company's CEO, about Wind Power 2.0, entrepreneurship, and what's next for Michigan's new economy.
Concentrate Staff
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
What you eat is important - where it comes from, how it's grown, and what you know about it. Concentrate's speaker event moves into the A.M. hours for December as Jeff McCabe and his wife Lisa Gotleib, the founders of SELMA breakfast salon, talk about growing and eating local. We'll be offering up yummy conversation and local treats tomorrow at 8am. Sign up today!
Natalie Burg
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
In Ann Arbor the phrase 'you are what you eat' isn't just a another aphorism. It's an entrepreneurial reality. The proof? A trio of homegrown gastronomic start-ups with a mission to stuff local foodies with locally-made foodstuff.
Dennis Archambault
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Not only does stem cell research offer a lifeline to patients with life-threatening diseases, it may also provide an economic lifeline to Southeast Michigan by growing our life sciences industry.
Richard Retyi
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
To the untrained eye, Adam Lowenstein and Justin Herrick look like accidental entrepreneurs. Tossing aside their academic studies, the former Californians opened a burrito joint and just kept growing. From Big Ten Burrito to Goodtime Charley's to Alley Bar to the alt-fueled BTB party buses, the two friends have built a small kingdom of successful businesses.
Jon Zemke
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
With over 100 start-ups, Bill Wagner and Dianne Marsh of SRT Solutions see Ann Arbor as a worthy contender to Silicon Valley for talent and jobs. Concentrate gets the duo's view of employee-friendly work spaces, active learning, and the TED talks.