University of Michigan × A*STAR Dialogues
Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Partnerships
How do breakthrough research and innovative ideas become successful ventures, commercial opportunities and meaningful real-world impact?
Join the University of Michigan Alumni Singapore and guests of ASTAR for a special dialogue hosted at ASTAR, bringing together leaders from Michigan’s innovation ecosystem and Singapore’s research and venture creation community.
Through an engaging panel discussion, our speakers will explore research commercialisation, entrepreneurship, venture creation, investment and industry partnerships, sharing insights and experiences from Michigan and Singapore.
It’s also a great opportunity for Michigan alumni, A*STAR guests and friends to connect, exchange ideas and build new connections across the innovation ecosystem.
Featured Panelists
Quek Kai Hoo — Director, Venture Creation & Growth, Innovation & Enterprise Group, A*STAR
Dr. Kelly Sexton — Associate Vice President for Innovation Partnerships and Economic Impact, University of Michigan
Ben Marchionna — Chief Innovation Ecosystem Officer, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
Moderator
Riady Gozali
President, University of Michigan Alumni Singapore
Managing Partner, Vest Capital
Programme
4:00–4:30 PM — Arrival and informal networking
4:30–5:00 PM — Welcome and speaker perspectives
5:00–5:45 PM — Moderated panel discussion
5:45–6:00 PM — Audience Q&A and closing
From 6:00 PM — Networking and alumni connections
Event Details
Date: Monday, 16 November 2026
Time: 4:00–6:00 PM, followed by networking
Venue: A*StartCentral, 79 Ayer Rajah Crescent, #05-03 Block 79, LaunchPad @ One-North, Singapore 139955
We welcome University of Michigan alumni and invited guests interested in innovation, entrepreneurship and industry collaboration.
Go Blue! 〽️💙💛