EMU Today

YPSILANTI — Eastern Michigan University’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation is hosting the 2025 Sesi Midwest Entrepreneurship Conference and Skandalaris Business Plan Competition. The conference will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025, at the EMU Student Center Ballroom, 900 Oakwood St. in Ypsilanti. Breakfast and a welcome address will begin at 9 a.m., and the conference will conclude at 1:30 p.m.

“This conference is a celebration of innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit,” said Sanjib Chowdhury, EMU Center for Entrepreneurship faculty director. It provides a platform for students to bring their ideas to life while connecting with industry leaders and fostering the growth of our regional entrepreneurial community.”

The Sesi Midwest Entrepreneurship Conference brings together students, educators, and business leaders across the Midwest to foster innovation and celebrate entrepreneurship. During the Skandalaris Business Plan Competition, attendees will hear from keynote speakers, participate in engaging discussions, and witness the creativity of student entrepreneurs in action.

Dilip Dubey, a highly regarded AI pioneer, entrepreneur, and investor, will kick off the morning as the breakfast keynote speaker, offering insights on leveraging artificial intelligence to transform businesses. A panel discussion, moderated by Achsha Jones, will follow, featuring regional entrepreneurs who will share their experiences and expertise on the challenges and opportunities in entrepreneurship.

The lunch keynote speaker, Justin Onwenu, inaugural director of Entrepreneurship and Economic Opportunity for the City of Detroit, will highlight his work empowering Detroiters, supporting startups, and driving economic innovation.

The Skandalaris Business Plan Competition, a cornerstone of the event, will showcase the talents of student finalists from both high school and college categories. Each finalist will present their business plan to a panel of judges, competing for cash prizes and the coveted “Best Presentation” award.

The Sesi family and Robert Skandalaris sponsor the annual conference, whose support has been instrumental in creating opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. Their contributions reflect a shared commitment to fostering innovation and economic growth in the region.

Attendance is free, but registration is required. For more information, including registration and the full schedule, visit the website.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, EMU is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral, and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences, and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.