Tech Week Grand Rapids: College of Engineering launches Blue Spark, connects with entrepreneurs

Tom Kennedy is a Grand Valley graduate and the founder of Polar Medical, a small company that designs and produces surgical tools. As an entrepreneur, Kennedy said he understands firsthand how difficult it can be to take an idea from concept to production.

"That's what makes Blue Spark so exciting," Kennedy said. "By purposefully intermingling entrepreneurs, students, faculty and technology, all in the same space, we can create meaningful real-world experiences for students, help local innovators move forward and strengthen the unique spark that has driven West Michigan to be a place where great ideas become real solutions."

Ogundipe said collaborating with entrepreneurs will give engineering students practical experience as they participate in the creative process. "Everything about Blue Spark centers around the student learning experience. This will allow them to see the messy process of ideation," he said.