Join us in Hyperdriving Michiana into the Future...

Mission Statement

Michiana Fast Forward is dedicated to advancing the Technology Education and Development of Technology Companies in the Michiana Area.

Vision Statement

  • Encourage Tech Development in the Michiana Area
  • Connect the community with tech resources and STEM education
  • Let others outside the community know we are a hidden tech gem worth investing in   

About us

Suzan Kesim, Founder

As a Michiana native, I want to see this community thrive and grow in positive ways.  To me, that means stepping up and helping make our future bright and vibrant.  Michiana Fast Forward is a culmination of my experience as a programmer for over 30 years, the statewide Director of Kaplan Educational Centers and a passionate environmentalist.  Technology, Education and Green Technology are key to our future here and planet wide.

Michiana is a hidden gem in many ways.  It has central location for transportation, internet backbone and time zone.  It has a huge amount of brainpower coming into it with universities and colleges that draw top students internationally.  It has a rich history of entrepreneurs and innovators.  All this is combined with a reasonable cost of living and people with solid midwestern values.

So what is missing?  It's making the connection and growing.  Michiana Fast Forward is here as a resource to make those connections.  Thanks for taking time to explore and it is my hope you will join us as a member of Michiana Fast Forward to take Michiana to a new level with your participation, the Hyperdrive Newsletter, social media connections, events and with sponsorships.  Photo by Peter Ringenberg

Board of Advisors

Grant Carlisle

Grant is a local educator and Team Advisor for the award winning Penn-Harris-Madison Robotics Team.  He is a key educator in our local STEM initiative.  He also is the principal for the StartUp Weekend. He is the Owner & Founder of Run for Phil-anthropy that enriches the lives of young women.

Andrew elegante

A self-described nomad, Andrew Elegante, known locally as Drew, has lived in Alabama, Texas, Utah and now Indiana. Having attended the University of Utah, Drew used his Computer Science degree for 9 years as a software engineer in the education, financial services, and healthcare sectors. Convinced that he wanted to pursue something bigger, he attended the University of Notre Dame and received his MBA (’12). Seeing significant opportunity to participate in the revitalization of South Bend, Drew stayed after graduation and now owns South Bend Brew Werks where he holds community events and gives a portion of profits back to the community.  Photo by David Guthrie

Jim Spencer

He is a Technology Specialist at the Stayer Center for Executive Education at Notre Dame. He is also a key member of the local Maker Space, The MakerHive, in Elkhart, Indiana where he 3D prints, builds drones and other fun tech toys. Jim is always the first to help educate and help other Makers.  Photo by David Guthrie

John Olafson

3D Guru John "Oly" Olafson has participated in Maker Faire's across the nation, runs RepRap (3D Vendor Convention) and has educated many on 3D printing technology, including high school students in Goshen, Indiana. See Me CNC is a global company and has the largest 3D printer, the "Big Daddy".  
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