Michigan Ross Innovation Conference in San Francisco Showcases Future of Tech, AI, and Healthcare
The Ross School of Business brought together alumni, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders for a dynamic day of insight and inspiration at the 2025 Michigan Ross Innovation Conference, held June 6 in San Francisco. With a focus on emerging trends in autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, and healthcare innovation, the conference highlighted the impact that Michigan Ross alumni are making across various sectors—and how the business school is helping shape the future of the industry.
The event kicked off the evening prior with a private dinner at Roma Antica, where speakers and select guests gathered to connect and set the stage for the day ahead.
Exploring the Innovation Landscape
The conference opened Friday morning with a fireside chat on autonomous vehicles featuring Peter Ludwig and Mike Jung, who explored the promise and complexity of building scalable driverless technology.
Next, attendees heard from a panel of Ross-founded tech companies during a conversation moderated by Gregg Latterman, executive director and clinical professor of Entrepreneurial Studies at the Zell Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurship at Ross. Founders Ajay Amlani, Alex Goode, and John MacIlwaine shared insights from their startup journeys, discussing everything from venture funding to leadership lessons and market timing.
After a short networking break, the conversation turned to artificial intelligence. In a panel moderated by Google Managing Director Gina Fratarcangeli, panelists Manmeet Gurjal, Doug McCracken, and Joe Sipher discussed both the potential and pitfalls of AI. Topics ranged from responsible innovation to the deployment of generative AI in healthcare, enterprise software, and consumer technology.
A Deep Dive into Healthcare Leadership
The afternoon featured a keynote fireside chat with Amir Dan Rubin, founder of Healthier Capital and former CEO of One Medical, in conversation with Sharon F. Matusik, the Edward J. Frey Dean of Business at Michigan Ross.
Rubin shared his career journey, which began at the University of Michigan and continued through leadership roles at both traditional health systems and disruptive startups. The discussion covered four themes: Leadership & Transformation, Tech-Enabled Healthcare, Venture & Innovation, and the Human Side of Healthcare.
Rubin reflected on decisions he made at the helm of One Medical, how he evaluates new technologies and founders in the healthcare space, and what he believes people still misunderstand about patient-centered care.
In a moment that resonated with many in the room, Rubin shared: “No matter how advanced the tech, healthcare is still a deeply human experience. We ignore that at our peril.”
Reflections from the Dean
Dean Matusik underscored the purpose of the conference and what it represents.
“The Innovation Conference is designed to be a ‘can’t miss’ event for Ross School of Business and University of Michigan alumni and friends in the heart of the global tech innovation ecosystem—the Bay Area,” she said.
Our alumni are leading the way in technology entrepreneurship and shaping what’s next across industries. This conference brings together visionary thinkers to explore some of the most cutting-edge innovations of the day—from the future of electric vehicles to the evolving impact of AI and groundbreaking advances at the intersection of health and technology.
Building Community and Sparking New Ideas
The conference concluded with a networking reception, where participants continued conversations from the day’s sessions and formed new connections across industries and geographies.
As part of a broader Michigan Ross initiative to connect alumni and amplify innovation, the San Francisco Innovation Conference served as a powerful reminder of the impact Michigan alumni are making around the world—and the school’s ongoing commitment to leadership in business and society.
