From September 25–27, Black Tech Saturdays transformed the city into a hub of innovation, connection, and community during the Detroit Digital Empowerment Summit, a three-day experience that brought together founders, investors, and tech leaders from across the country.

Backed by the Rocket Community Fund, this year’s summit took over four major venues, the Michigan Science Center, College for Creative Studies, Wayne State University’s Industry Innovation Center, and Cass Avenue at TechTown. Filling each space with panels, pitch competitions, and opportunities to build meaningful relationships.

Over the course of the weekend, attendees joined keynote conversations, hands-on workshops, and networking activations designed to spotlight emerging talent and inspire collaboration. Two major pitch competitions awarded $175,000 in prizes, helping founders turn bold ideas into funded ventures.

Brands like OpenAI, StockX, and dozens of local and national partners helped bring the vision to life, creating spaces where innovation met access, and where tech felt rooted in community.

Since its launch, Black Tech Saturdays has raised over $3 million to fund programs and competitions and hosted more than 1,000 events nationwide. The Summit built on that momentum, reminding everyone why this movement continues to grow: because when Detroit leads, the world listens.