Great Lakes AI Week is powered by

FOUNDING OORGAINZATION

The Enterprise Technology Association (ETA) is building the go-to community for the people and companies driving innovation in enterprise tech. Through thought leadership, connection-driven events like AI Week, and an open platform for collaboration, ETA empowers decision-makers, founders, and advisors to stay ahead of the curve. As a Headline Partner of Columbus AI Week, ETA is on a mission to connect the dots between emerging technologies and the leaders shaping what’s next.

HEADLINE SPONSOR

JobsOhio is at the heart of Ohio’s transformation into a hub for advanced innovation and economic opportunity. As a private economic development corporation, JobsOhio fuels investment and job creation across the state, accelerating growth in key sectors like AI, tech, and advanced manufacturing. Their support of Columbus AI Week reflects their long-term vision to position Ohio as a national leader in the next generation of intelligent industries.

Actual Reality Technologies is a Toledo-based consulting and technology firm specializing in augmented intelligence, machine learning, and lean operational transformation. They help manufacturers and enterprises bridge the gap between AI theory and shop floor reality—deploying practical solutions that optimize processes, reduce waste, and accelerate decision-making. From app development to Lean Six Sigma implementation, Actual Reality Technologies brings AI out of the boardroom and onto the production line, where it drives measurable ROI in the industrial heartland.

Bold, experimental, and always future-focused, Big Kitty Labs is a digital innovation studio known for turning wild ideas into powerful, real-world products. With a passion for startups and enterprise transformation alike, they blend imagination with execution to prototype and scale game-changing digital solutions. As a Headline Partner of Columbus AI Week, Big Kitty Labs brings unmatched creative energy to the forefront of AI innovation and community growth.

As a leading force in cybersecurity and IT innovation, Nexigen is powering the future of digital infrastructure across the Midwest. With a commitment to proactive protection and cutting-edge managed services, Nexigen empowers businesses to grow securely in the AI era. Their role as a Columbus AI Week Headline Partner highlights their mission to help organizations harness emerging technologies while staying safe, scalable, and resilient in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

The University of Toledo is a research powerhouse in Northwest Ohio, producing the engineers, technologists, and business leaders shaping the future of AI in manufacturing and enterprise. UT bridges academia and industry, training the workforce that drives regional innovation.

Bowling Green State University is a nationally recognized research institution at the heart of Northwest Ohio's industrial corridor. BGSU combines cutting-edge academic programs with deep regional partnerships, preparing students to lead in AI, data science, and enterprise technology. As the host institution for Great Lakes AI Week, BGSU is committed to positioning the Midwest as a hub for practical AI innovation—connecting research, industry, and the next generation of tech leaders who will drive manufacturing and enterprise transformation across the Great Lakes.

EmpoweredAI is a Toledo-based nonprofit on a mission to 10x the region's tech ecosystem by making augmented intelligence accessible to everyone. They bridge the digital divide by training opportunity-challenged individuals for careers in AI and technology, proving that world-class tech talent doesn't just come from coastal hubs—it's built right here in Ohio. Through education, collaboration, and community-driven innovation, EmpoweredAI is turning Toledo into a breeding ground for the next generation of #SuperHuman technologists who will shape the future of AI in the Midwest.

Hanson Inc is an Ohio-based integrated marketing agency that blends strategy, creative, and technology to drive results for enterprise clients. With offices in Toledo and Columbus, Hanson partners with industry leaders in manufacturing, residential services, and advanced materials to build brands, strengthen lead generation, and craft campaigns that convert. They're not just agency vendors—they're allies who deliver high-impact work while being great to work with. From employer branding to digital marketing hubs, Hanson proves that world-class creative and performance marketing thrive in the Midwest.

SSOE is a global engineering, procurement, and construction management firm that leverages cutting-edge AI and digital twin technology to transform how complex facilities are designed and built. With over 75 years of innovation, SSOE integrates advanced automation, predictive analytics, and immersive visualization tools to deliver smarter, faster, and more sustainable solutions for manufacturing, healthcare, and infrastructure projects worldwide.

With over 160 years of financial leadership, Fifth Third Bank continues to drive forward-thinking innovation in the world of banking and fintech. Their commitment to empowering individuals and businesses with smart financial tools aligns perfectly with the AI-powered future of work.

ConnecToledo is a privately funded initiative led by regional leaders to accelerate economic growth and opportunity across Northwest Ohio. They facilitate public-private partnerships, promote regional events and attractions, identify strategic investment opportunities, and advocate for businesses driving the local economy.

Rudolph Libbe Group is a multi-disciplinary construction and facility solutions provider specializing in industrial expansion, process optimization, and energy management. From site selection and design/build to ongoing facility management, RLG helps manufacturers and enterprises across the Midwest scale operations, increase capacity, and optimize performance.

Sogeti, part of the Capgemini Group, is a global IT services company specializing in cloud, cybersecurity, AI, and digital transformation solutions. They partner with organizations to accelerate innovation and deliver technology that drives real business impact.

JumpStart Inc. is a nationally recognized entrepreneur support organization that equips Ohio's tech startups and small businesses with the skills, services and support they need to grow and thrive. For more than 20 years, JumpStart has invested in innovation, bridged gaps in access and strengthened the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem to drive economic transformation and strengthen communities throughout Ohio and beyond.

Transform Labs builds product design software that removes friction in customer engagement across manufacturing, retail, financial services, logistics, and healthcare. Their online design tools enable end-customers to customize products, driving sales through ownership and engagement.

COMMUNITY HAPPY HOUR SPONSOR

The Regional Growth Partnership is the lead economic development organization serving the Toledo region and 17 counties of Northwest Ohio. The RGP serves as Northwest Ohio’s regional network partner for JobsOhio.

CLOSING RECEPTION SPONSOR

The Northwest Ohio Innovation Consortium (NOIC) brings together industry leaders, small businesses, educational institutions and economic developers to advance sustainable manufacturing and workforce transformation.