Ferris State University is playing a critical role in this year’s Tech Week Grand Rapids, as Ferris State President Bill Pink took the stage with entrepreneurs Daymond John and Robert Herjavec to discuss the new age of doing business.

Both John and Herjavec have significantly impacted the tech, fashion and other key industries throughout their careers, and are famously known for their over decades-long appearances on ABC’s hit television series “Shark Tank.”

“We have two legends who are with us today, and I want them to realize (the caliber of) folks we have in this room and throughout West Michigan,” Pink said on Monday at the event’s kick-off event at 20 Monroe in Grand Rapids.

Pink served as the moderator during the conversation with John and Herjavec, as the two entrepreneurs used the opportunity to educate and encourage attendees by sharing their business journey and how one becomes successful in an ever-changing society.

“West Michigan is a place where we do things like Tech Week to grow our community, to encourage each other and bring in experts from across the globe to help inform what that work looks like,” Pink said.

“Shark Tank” is a business reality television series where entrepreneurs pitch their products or companies to a panel of wealthy investors, known as the "Sharks," to secure funding and mentorship.

Tech Week Grand Rapids is a six-day, community driven “unconference” taking place from Sept. 14 to 19 across the greater Grand Rapids area.

With over 1,000 people signing up, this week features 160 events including panels, workshops, student showcases and networking mixers that are free and open to the public.

Attendees have an opportunity to learn more about how artificial intelligence is playing a growing role in health care and other aspects of society. They can also explore how AI, data and emerging technology are transforming clinical care, drug discovery and patient outcomes, in addition to other conversations.

The Right Place is the proud organizer of Tech Week Grand Rapids. The organization works alongside other community leaders to create the event and establish Greater Grand Rapids as a leading destination for tech and innovation.

Ferris State is playing a key role in Tech Week Grand Rapids, with faculty and staff leading six presentations on Sept. 16 and Sept. 17 looking at how artificial intelligence is playing a growing role in health care and other aspects of society.

All of the university’s presentations will take place at Ferris State’s Kendall College of Art and Design in the Woodbridge N. Ferris Building, 17 Pearl Street.

Ferris State sessions cover topics ranging from “Closing the AI Divide in Rural and Tribal Communities,” “Practical AI for Healthcare Data,” and “AI Projects Improving Pharmacy Workflows and Decisions.”

Additional information about the Ferris State presentations and registration is available here.

More information about the scheduled events and descriptions can be found here.

_{Release credit to Ferris State University. Photo credit to Shafi Subhan of Aves Films.}