From May 4-10, 2024, Susana Lau, CEO and Founder of ETYALAB, had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) event in Michigan. This week-long event brought together leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs from across the Americas to explore collaborative opportunities, share insights, and witness the economic revitalization and innovation occurring throughout Michigan. The experience was nothing short of transformative, and Susana was excited to share some highlights, particularly her participation in pitching at TechTown Detroit.
Welcome to Detroit: A Hub of Innovation
The event kicked off with a warm welcome in downtown Detroit. Participants were treated to a guided walking tour, showcasing the city’s vibrant resurgence as a center for entrepreneurship and new business developments. The energy and optimism were palpable as they explored the city’s public squares and witnessed firsthand the positive changes taking place.
Engaging with Industry Leaders
Throughout the week, Susana and other participants visited numerous key sites and engaged with leaders from various industries. One of the most memorable stops was at Detroit Diesel, where they connected with an industry-leading original equipment manufacturer. They also toured Huntington Place, Michigan State University, and the University of Michigan, each offering unique insights into their contributions to innovation and economic growth.
TechTown Detroit: Pitching ETYALAB’s Vision
One of the highlights of Susana’s participation was pitching at TechTown Detroit on May 10. TechTown is Wayne State University’s innovation hub, supporting early-stage to growth-stage businesses and tech entrepreneurs. This event was part of the Innovation Exchange Coalition (IEC), providing a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and connect with potential collaborators and investors.
At TechTown, Susana had the opportunity to share the vision and mission of ETYALAB. Her work at ETYALAB focuses on building digital products that drive transformation and growth for businesses. The company specializes in leveraging cutting-edge technology to create solutions that are not only innovative but also impactful and sustainable. Pitching at TechTown allowed Susana to highlight ETYALAB’s achievements, discuss challenges, and share how they help businesses navigate the digital landscape effectively.
Building Connections and Fostering Collaboration
The pitching session was a fantastic opportunity for Susana to network with like-minded entrepreneurs and industry leaders. It was inspiring to see the diversity of ideas and the passion driving each participant. Notable participants included ambassadors, ministers, officers of economic development offices, head of companies, universities and entrepeneerus. The feedback and interest she received were invaluable, opening doors for potential collaborations and partnerships that could propel ETYALAB to new heights.
Reflecting on the Experience
The ACE event wrapped up at the legendary Motown Museum, a fitting end to a week filled with innovation, learning, and connection. Reflecting on the experience, Susana was grateful for the opportunity to participate in such a prestigious event. The insights gained, connections made, and the platform to showcase ETYALAB’s work have been immensely beneficial.
The Americas Competitiveness Exchange in Michigan was more than just an event; it was a catalyst for growth and collaboration. Susana is excited to apply the knowledge and connections gained to further ETYALAB’s mission and looks forward to the future opportunities this experience will undoubtedly bring.
