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Please join NEF in congratulating Diane Durance as the New Mi-Light Executive Director. In addition to being a long standing NEF Board member for years, Diane has played an integral part in the Michigan entrepreneurial community as a whole. Mi-Light serves as a focal point for the photonics industry in Michigan, bringing together professionals from companies, academia and organizations, dedicated to mutually supporting, promoting and growing Michigan’s photonics industry.
So what is Photonics? “Photonics is the science of generating, controlling and detecting particles of light used to advance manufacturing, medical imaging, robotics, defense technology, biometric security, communications and more. Photonics includes the emission, transmission, amplification, detection, modulation, and switching of light, as well as light-energy conversion (Photovoltaics). Technologies that enhance our quality of life and safeguard our health, safety and security, such as, smart phones, computers, security systems, television, diagnostic equipment and more, all made possible by photonics.” You can learn more at www.mi-light.org.
In her concurrent role as President of MiQuest, Diane is at the center of entrepreneurship through their programs including competitions, publications and events for ventures beyond the startup stage. MiQuest also publishes the Michigan Entrepreneurship Score Card and supports the Michigan Celebrates Small Business event and the 50 Companies to Watch awards. Prior to MiQuest, Diane led the GLEQ business plan competition which matched startups with business coaches to polish their business ideas and connect with investors as well as other critical resources.
Previous to her current economic development roles, Diane founded and grew three companies, including a telecommunications engineering firm, a marketing communications publishing company and an angel-funded, Ann Arbor-based home repair/handyman business.
Congratulations Diane and thank you for all you do for the entrepreneurial community.
