September 2026 Edition | Table of Contents

• International Robot Safety Conference 
• Defense: Innovate and Integrate (DI2) Summit 2026
• MXD Solicitation Opportunities!
• AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition 
• Mobility Innovation Exchange Summit & Michigan Moves Demo Day
• Clean Mobility 411: Synthetic Gas: Converting H₂ and Biogenic CO₂ into Natural Gas
• DISRUPT! 2026 Networking Night
• Mexico Trade Mission

Advanced Manufacturing

International Robot Safety Conference  November 3rd-5th, 2026 | Huntington Place, Detroit Robot safety is not a final checkpoint. It is part of designing, integrating, and operating automation successfully. The International Robot Safety Conference brings together safety professionals, engineers, manufacturers, integrators, standards experts, and technology providers for practical guidance on robot safety standards, risk assessment, system design, implementation, and emerging technologies.  Learn more at: Tinyurl.com/3bt786eb

Aerospace & Defense

Defense: Innovate and Integrate (DI2) Summit 2026

November 5^th, 2026 | San Marino Club, 1685 E. Big Beaver Rd., Troy

Oakland County and the Detroit Regional Defense Coalition are bringing the federal innovation ecosystem to Troy for the Defense: Innovate and Integrate (DI2) Summit on November 5.

The summit will connect Michigan companies directly with the DefenseWERX innovation ecosystem and other federal pathways designed to move promising technologies from idea to testing, funding and adoption.

The day will spotlight opportunities in advanced manufacturing, autonomy, robotics, mobility, aerospace and dual-use technologies, with companies gaining a clearer path into federal innovation programs — and direct access to the people helping shape them.

For companies looking to break into defense or expand their federal business, DI2 is built to make those connections real.

Registration is open, and sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are available.

Learn more at: Tinyurl.com/46prchkc

Miscellaneous Programs/Events:

MXD Solicitation Opportunities!

MxD has been awarded $67 million from the U.S. Department of War to support nine new projects that build on the institute's ongoing work to modernize the Organic Industrial Base (OIB). The projects will accelerate the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies, supercharge critical defense production, enhance workforce capabilities, and strengthen the overall U.S. defense manufacturing enterprise.
Explore active contract opportunities and upcoming project solicitations: tinyurl.com/524f89v5

AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition 

October 12th-14th, 2026 | Walter E Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C.
The Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting & Exposition is the premier land power exposition and professional development forum in North America—and the must-attend event for anyone involved in the defense sector. With over 44,000 attendees, 750+ exhibits, and representation from 92 countries, this three-day event is where the global defense community converges to shape the future of national security.

Learn more at: Meetings.ausa.org/annual/2026/

Mobility

Mobility Innovation Exchange Summit & Michigan Moves Demo Day

September 17^th, 2026 | M1 Concourse Event Center, Pontiac

Join the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME) and Centrepolis Accelerator to kick off Mobility Week in Michigan. The day begins with the MIX Summit, Michigan's annual convening of industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers advancing the future of transportation. Sessions span ground, air, and maritime innovation including Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), maritime infrastructure, transit, manufacturing, and defense applications. The afternoon opens for the Michigan Moves Demo Day, a live showcase of startups and emerging companies, including Make It in Michigan Mobility Prototyping Grant awardees. Expect live drone and UGV demonstrations, ride-and-drives, and hands-on exhibits from some of the most promising hardtech innovators in the country, all building right here in Michigan. Hear industry insights on EVs, AAM, autonomy & maritime, plus live drone demos and startup showcase.

Learn more at: Tinyurl.com/5d2uk7rr

Miscellaneous Events:

Clean Mobility 411: Synthetic Gas: Converting H₂ and Biogenic CO₂ into Natural Gas

Webinar | September 16^th, 2026

Led by Trevor Blattner, Senior Strategy Manager at Consumers Energy, this webinar focuses on synthetic gas by converting hydrogen and carbon dioxide into natural gas. Synthetic gasoline is a man-made liquid fuel that matches the chemical composition of conventional fossil gasoline.

Learn more at: Tinyurl.com/3a43f5x4

DISRUPT! 2026 Networking Night

Detroit Foundation Hotel, Detroit | September 24^th, 2026

Join Clean Fuels Michigan’s premier networking event as they celebrate 10 years of striving to make Michigan a bright, prosperous, and sustainable national leader in clean fuels. This evening of clean mobility networking provides a platform for lightning presentations from clean mobility disruptors and meaningful networking conversations shared over apps and drinks. 

Learn more at: Tinyurl.com/2jwykut8

International Trade

Mexico Trade Mission

November 8^th-13^th, 2026

Join Automation Alley’s trade mission to Mexico alongside the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Mexico is the United States’ largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $800 billion annually. Mexico has thirteen free trade agreements with over 50 countries, including the USMCA, providing access to over 60% of global GDP, making Mexico a powerful hub for global production and exports. For more information, please contact Lisa Lasser - Manager, International Business Services at LasserL@automationalley.com

Learn more at: Tinyurl.com/2mtm4p4x

oakgov.com/business/advantage-oakland/events-calendar

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