Ann Arbor startup helps Jet’s Pizza launch text-to-order technology
ANN ARBOR – Jet’s Pizza is hoping to disrupt the industry with its new text-to-order technology. The pizza company has partnered with Ann Arbor-based startup Ordr AI to make text orders for customers a reality. More than 75% of stores are currently operating the technology and more than 1 million text orders have been placed since its launch. Jet’s Pizza is now offering 20% off pizzas to customers to text in their orders. “We teamed up, we hustled, we innovated, and we made something great,” John Jetts, President of Jet’s Pizza said in a statement.
Ann Arbor SPARK to manage statewide Michigan internship program
The internships will be funded by Ann Arbor SPARK and a grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund. ANN ARBOR – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) will partner with Ann Arbor SPARK to launch the Michigan STEM Forward internship program on a statewide level. SPARK has run the program on a local level through the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti SmartZone with a decade of positive results. In scaling the program up, MEDC will work in partnership with SPARK to place 425-450 STEM students currently attending Michigan colleges annually into STEM-focused internships throughout Michigan. “Ann Arbor SPARK is thrilled to leverage our decade of experience running our own Ann Arbor-based internship program and take the opportunity to administer the Michigan STEM Forward program on behalf of the state,” said Bill Mayer, Ann Arbor SPARK’s vice president of entrepreneurial services.
Take a look inside University of Michigan’s new Ford Motor Co. robotics complex
An aerial view of the Ford Robotics Building at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich.ANN ARBOR – University of Michigan and Ford Motor Co. are opening a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to developing robots and roboticists. The Ford Motor Company Robotics Building is on U-M’s North Campus. The building’s fourth floor holds a robotics and mobility research lab for Ford -- the first on any university campus, as well as 100 Ford engineers and researchers. AdA workspace in the Ford Robotics Building at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI. The atrium of the Ford Robotics Building at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich.
Picture this: University of Michigan students create toaster that burns images onto bread
Three engineering students at the University of Michigan invented a mechanism that “prints” images onto toast as part of an entrepreneurship class taught by Dr. Eric Fretz. “We were looking for a fun class to take alongside our heavier engineering classes,” said Niket Parikh. AdOn the first day of the course, Dr. Fretz told his students to split into groups for the semester. (Niket Parikh)They pitched it to Dr. Fretz, who liked it so much he challenged them to print one of U-M’s most iconic figures on bread. With periodic check-ins and energetic mentoring Dr. Fretz ensures each team has the best chance to reach their full potential.
Ann Arbor SPARK, Michigan House to host panels at SXSW
ANN ARBOR – Michigan House is again preparing to serve as a platform for the state’s innovators and creatives to connect with the worldwide audience that attends the South by Southwest Conference and Festival (SXSW) next week. In the moment it was devastating, but even within a couple days it was clear the right decision had been made,” said Ted Velie, a co-founder of Michigan House. We were thrilled then, that SXSW found a way for us to still connect this year.”AdOver the course of the five day virtual conference, Michigan House will host three Official SXSW Panel Discussions, a virtual meet-up for entrepreneurs, a Michigan Startup Portfolio, and a Michigan House Booth on SXSW’s digital platform. AdSee the schedule below for the panels, organized by Ann Arbor SPARK’s Komal Doshi, and the Michigan-focused SXSW event. Hosted by Start Garden, Ann Arbor SPARK, Detroit Startup Week & MEDCTo attend the free event, register here.