Diane Durance Takes Job As CEO Of Headwaters North

ANN ARBOR – Diane Durance, a veteran leader in entrepreneurial programs for over 20 years, has recently stepped into her newest role as CEO of Headwaters North, the Sault Ste. Marie SmartZone. Her mission? To spearhead the development of a Blue Tech Hub across Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, including areas like Traverse City.

1. Headwaters North Aims to Transform Michigan’s Water Innovation Sector

Blue Tech refers to innovations that improve how we use and protect water. Specifically, the initiative will focus on everything from wave energy and sustainable fisheries to resilient shoreline construction and water quality technologies. With this in mind, Durance’s leadership will bring new momentum to this growing sector.

Moreover, this move comes at a pivotal time when both environmental concerns and tech entrepreneurship are surging across the Great Lakes region.

2. Meet Diane, CEO Of Headwaters North at Michigan Ice Fest’s New Innovation Track

If you’re interested in the intersection of outdoor recreation and innovation, you can meet Diane in February at the Michigan Ice Fest in Munising. For the first time, the event will include a dedicated Innovation Track.

Interestingly, Entrepreneurs working on outdoor recreation technologies are invited to attend workshops, network with fellow innovators, and connect with representatives from top outdoor brands. It’s an exciting opportunity for those building solutions that align with the goals of the Blue Tech Hub initiative.

Final Thoughts:

By launching this Blue Tech Hub, Diane Durance is bringing a wave of opportunity to the Northern Michigan region. As environmental technologies grow more critical, her vision could set the tone for sustainable innovation across the state.

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FAQs:

1. What is a Blue Tech Hub?

A Blue Tech Hub is a center for innovation focused on water-related technologies, including wave energy, clean water, and resilient infrastructure.

2. Where is Michigan’s Blue Tech Hub being developed?

Headwaters North in Sault Ste. Marie is supporting the development of the Blue Tech Hub across Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.

3. Why is the Blue Tech Hub important for Michigan?

With Michigan’s economy and environment closely tied to water, a Blue Tech Hub therefore boosts both sustainability and tech-driven economic growth.

You can find out more at www.headwatersnorth.org

By Mike Brennan|2025-05-08T20:24:07-04:00January 16th, 2025|Entrepreneurs, mitechtv|

About the Author: Mike Brennan

Founder of Michigan News Network, and serves as CEO, as well as Editor & Publisher of MITECHNEWS.COM. Brennan has worked since 1980 as a technology writer at newspapers in New York, NY, San Jose, CA., Seattle, WA., Memphis, TN., Detroit, MI., and London, England. He co-founded and served as managing editor of Pacific Rim News Service (SEATTLE), which developed a network of more than 100 freelance journalists in 17 Asia-Pacific countries.