Ascent Series
A series of events leading up to Peak25, designed to build momentum leading up to the two-day conference. The series is crafted for those looking to enhance their experience and gain the most from this year’s conference
January 30th, 5-7pm | Jamrich Hall at NMU
The Mini Pitch is a competition for U.P. students to gain experience in entrepreneurship and innovation, hosted virtually to encourage participation without the pressure of presenting on stage. After our panel of judges review the submissions, eight finalists with be chosen. Everyone will be invited to a reception on January 30th for viewing of the submissions and final judging. Applications are open until January 16, 2025. Students can apply by submitting a video (3 minutes or less) describing their innovative product or business idea.
February 12th - 15th | Munising, MI
Climbing innovators have always been trailblazers in the outdoor industry, constantly pushing boundaries to create products that revolutionize the sport. From cutting-edge ice tools to advanced screw designs, these visionaries are dedicated to enhancing safety, performance, and enjoyment for climbers worldwide. With meticulous attention to detail and a passion for problem-solving, they bring their innovative ideas to life through rigorous testing and refinement. Our Innovators Track has been developed to help innovators make connections to help bring new ideas to market.
February 17th | Marquette, MI
Adam Kall, Co-founder and Director of Science, Kall Morris Inc. (KMI) - Adam leads the KMI Technology Department in development of different solutions and software for operations in space. His experience and interest in data, machine learning, and technology provides a strong foundation for many aspects of KMI. He has worked with the latest in machine learning and neural networks at NASA, as well as with smart manufacturing and revenue management. Delivering workable real-world solutions remains a hallmark of his efforts. Outside of work, he also thoroughly enjoys hiking, winter weather, astronomy, as well as board games and video games with friends.
February 18th | Jamrich Hall & Hedgcock Atrium
As a part of PEAK25, NMU’s Sustainability Advisory Council is hosting a Campus Sustainability Summit on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. The summit will take place at Jamrich Hall & Hedgcock Atrium from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The Sustainability Summit will kick off in the Forest Roberts Theater with keynote speakers, Chef Bryan Flower and Courtney Gallaher from Northern Illinois University, telling us about their Edible Campus. Lunch will be provided from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. in the Hedgcock Atrium along with “open space” tables to discuss a variety of sustainability themes across campus. Throughout the day, we invite you to explore posters displayed in the large lobby of Jamrich Hall and participate in an interactive survey regarding NMU’s Sustainability Action Plan. We would love your input! If you have any questions, please contact Anna Solberg at asolberg@nmu.edu.
February 19th, 4-6pm | Northern Center
Adobe Design Jam
The Peak25 Design Jam, hosted in collaboration with Adobe, offers an exciting opportunity for participants to tackle real-world challenges in a fast-paced, high-energy environment. As Northern Michigan University celebrates its designation as an Adobe Creative Campus, this year’s Design Jam will spotlight Adobe Express, an intuitive, all-in-one content creation app featuring templates and generative AI capabilities powered by Adobe Firefly. Participants will explore themes like environmental sustainability, its impact on outdoor innovation, and its intersection with creative and sustainable tech. Using Adobe Express, they’ll create standout solutions, from engaging presentations to dynamic visuals, while gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools. The event is open to everyone, whether you’re a seasoned designer or new to creative problem-solving. Plus, participants will have the chance to earn a design thinking credential, enjoy pizza for dinner, and compete for exciting prizes. Don’t miss this empowering and collaborative experience!
Day 1
Feb. 20th
8:00-9:00 | Forest Roberts Theatre Lobby
Breakfast and Registration
9:00-10:00 | Forest Roberts Theatre
Morning Keynote with Deborah Amato
Deputy Chief Technologist for NASA Deborah Amato manages the Internal Research and Development (IRAD) program, which invests in advanced technologies for future missions enabling breakthrough scientific discoveries for NASA. Previously, Ms. Amato worked as the Senior Systems Engineer in Goddard’s Integrated Design Center where early mission and instrument concept studies are conducted. She has worked on a variety of projects from technology development, to concept studies and proposals, to sounding rocket and balloon payloads, to spaceflight missions including the James Webb Space Telescope Integrated Science Instrument Module (JWST ISIM), the Reuven Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI) and the Transition Region And Coronal Explorer (TRACE).
10:00 - 12:00 | Forest Roberts Theatre
Buzz Sessions
The Scholarly Buzz Sessions at NMU are a platform for faculty and students to quickly present their research in three slides or five minutes. The event also provides a brief overview of the Office of Sponsored Programs and the College of Graduate Studies and Research. Everyone is welcome to attend this interdisciplinary research event held biannually once in the Fall semester and again in the Winter. The event generally lasts about two hours, and is designed to allow attendees, including the presenters, to come and go as teaching and class schedules allow.
12:00-1:00 | Hedgcock Atrium
Lunch and Network
1:00-3:00 | Forest Roberts Theatre
3MT (Three Minute Thesis)
NMU began its annual participation in the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition in 2018 and continues to expand its programming. Each year, NMU students will compete for recognition, prizes, and a spot in the regional competition. Three Minute Thesis was developed by The University of Queensland (UQ) in 2008. "3MT cultivates students’ academic, presentation, and research communication skills. The competition supports their capacity to effectively explain their research in three minutes, in a language appropriate to a non-specialist audience." Each candidate is limited to three minutes and one static PowerPoint slide to aid in the presentation of their thesis research. Students must be actively enrolled in a graduate program and must present original research.
1:00-4:00 | Northern Center Ice Rink
Peak Outdoor Innovation Experience
Join us for an exciting showcase of Marquette’s top outdoor recreation outfitters and their latest innovative gear. Experience hands-on demos with Bate’s Bikes, a local e-bike rental and retail shop, as they offer test rides on MoonBikes—electric snowmobiles—right on campus. Plus, explore a variety of new products from Queen City Running, The Compound, and other local retailers. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with experts, try out new equipment, and discover the best outdoor gear Marquette has to offer!
3:00-5:00 | Northern Center Ballroom III
Student Scholarship Summit
This two-hour postering event is a new opportunity for students to showcase their research, scholarly activity, and creative inquiry. The Student Scholarship Summit is not only a chance for students to present posters, but it includes time for intentional networking and mingling with industry leaders, as well as the community at large. The inaugural event will accept a maximum of fifty (50) student entries on a first come, first served basis. See more details and registration below. All are encouraged to attend: Alumni and current students, faculty, staff, and their families. The community members and stakeholders in the greater Marquette, Upper Peninsula, and Midwest regions are welcome and encouraged to attend this opportunity to explore the insights and breakthroughs occurring today at Northern Michigan University.
3:00-5:00 | Northern Center Atrium
Entrepreneur Showcase
The Entrepreneur Showcase is your chance to discover and connect with local entrepreneurs, startups, and innovative businesses. Explore a diverse range of products, services, and ideas as you engage directly with the people behind them. This lively, interactive event offers the perfect setting to meet inspiring entrepreneurs, learn about their ventures, and build meaningful connections within the entrepreneurial community. Whether you're looking for fresh ideas, potential partnerships, or simply want to support local innovation, the Entrepreneur Showcase is a must-attend experience at the Peak25 Conference.
5:00 | Northern Center Ballroom IV
Three Minute Thesis (3MT) and Student Scholarship Summit Award Ceremony
The 3MT and Student Scholarship Summit Award Ceremony is where the winners will be selected from their respective competitions and awarded for their presentations.
4:00 -7:00 | Northern Center Ballroom IV
Flannels and Flames Party with Live Musical Performance by Total Head
presented by Embers Credit Union
The Flannels and Flames Party is a celebration that will last throughout the first night of Peak25. There will be refreshments and plenty of networking opportunities for community members and students. Double Trouble Entertainment will start with a live DJ set from 5 to 6pm. Marquette local band Total Head will perform live music for the rest of the night starting at 6pm.
Day 2
Feb. 21st
8:00 -9:00 | Forest Roberts Theatre Lobby
Breakfast and Welcome
9:00 - 10:00 | Forest Roberts Theatre
Morning Keynote with Mark Twight
Award-Winning Author, Trainer, Alpinist, Entrepreneur Mark Twight is a retired mountain climber who designed cutting-edge climbing gear for leading brands including Grivel, Lowe Alpine and Patagonia. He trained various military and intelligence assets on how to conduct operations at high altitudes in mountainous terrain, as well as actors for nine major Hollywood films including “300” and “Man of Steel.” In 2017, Twight co-founded NonProphet, a media company exploring the intersection of art and action, and now runs his Substack and website under the name "Équipe Solitaire." He is the author of several books, including “Extreme Alpinism” and “Kiss or Kill.”
10:00 -11:00 | Hedgcock Second Floor Atrium
NMU Alumni Panel Discussion
This discussion will highlight how Northern Michigan University shaped the careers of successful alumni, how the Marquette economic system influenced their entrepreneurial decisions, and advice for current students.
12:00 -1:00 | Hedgcock Second Floor Atrium
Lunch & Learn: Growing From a Canvas and Upholstery Shop to Owning Stormy Kromer with Bob Jacquart
1:00-4:00 | Forest Roberts Theatre
Big Pitch and Outdoor Pitch
The Big Pitch is the culminating event of the annual New Business Venture Competition at NMU. The campus and Marquette communities are welcome to attend this "Shark Tank" style competition where students pitch their ideas to a panel of judges as they try to win thousands of dollars to get their business ideas off the ground. Designed to encourage entrepreneurial activity among students by recognizing and rewarding those who present detailed plans on designing and creating new business enterprises, drawing on their own ideas and inventions or those of others, the competition provides a forum for these students to: Present their new venture plans to investors, receive meaningful feedback, have the opportunity to start a new business, apply classroom learning to real-world project. The business plans must propose ventures that will be financially profitable, create new jobs, and be lawful. Outdoor Innovation Pitch: During Peak25, competitors will pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges. Pitch competition finalists will compete live on stage on Friday, February 21, 2025, at the Forest Roberts Theatre on Northern Michigan University's campus in Marquette, MI for the chance to win thousands of dollars in prizes. Eligibility: Michigan-based startup company Eligible companies must be focused on outdoor recreation Eligible companies should have received less than $2,500,000 in private-sector investments Eligible companies should have less than $1,500,000 in revenue in the immediately preceding 12-month period. How to apply: Complete this application form and upload a pitch deck or executive summary. Pitch deck requirements and instructions on how to upload are provided below. The deadline to apply is 11:59 PM EST on Friday, January 31, 2025. Grand Prize: One (1) "Grand Prize" will be awarded. The "Grand Prize" winner will receive up to $50,000 in services and investments from the MI Outdoor Innovation Fund* **Investment from the MI Outdoor Innovation Fund is pending the results of the competition, completion of due diligence, and will be provided in investment in the form of a convertible note or SAFE. Make it in Michigan Award: One (1) "Make it in Michigan Award" will be awarded and the winner will receive up to $5,000 in product development services. The "Make it in Michigan Award" is sponsored by Centrepolis Accelerator, Innovate Marquette, and the MI Outdoor Innovation Fund.** **The "Make it in Michigan Award" winner will receive product development services up to $5,000 in value. The services will be available through Centrepolis Accelerator and/or other Michigan service providers. Eligible services include product design, engineering, prototyping and/or manufacturing readiness services. Applying companies will be reviewed and the finalists will be invited to advance to the live pitch competition. Finalists will pitch live to a panel of judges on Friday, February 21, 2025, in Marquette, MI.
4:00-5:00 | Forest Roberts Theatre Lobby
Reception