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Michigan State University, in partnership with Apple, will host the Apple Manufacturing Academy Spring Forum April 30–May 1.
The Apple Manufacturing Academy is a free program that pairs Apple engineers and MSU experts with small- and medium-sized businesses to help them implement AI and smart manufacturing techniques and has already supported nearly 150 American businesses since launching last fall. The Spring Forum will be the largest event to date, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, researchers, and small- to medium-sized businesses for an immersive exploration of how artificial intelligence is transforming the manufacturing industry.
The forum will feature keynote presentations and practical insights from experts in business operations, quality control, supply chain management and engineering. Speakers will include:
MSU Provost Laura Lee McIntyre will speak after lunch and Apple Vice President of Product Operations Priya Balasubramaniam will participate in a fireside chat. Additional speakers will be announced closer to the event.
On May 1, optional off-site tours and experiences will be available to registered participants to highlight how AI is being applied in real-world manufacturing and operational processes. Tours will take place from 9 a.m. to noon at Block Imaging, MSU’s Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, Peckham and the MSU Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center. Participants will be able to register for tours on April 30 during the forum.
Block Imaging is a multivendor service, parts and equipment provider that keeps medical imaging systems running reliably and keeps costs down for health care providers. Block Imaging has participated in several in-person training sessions at the Apple Manufacturing Academy and has applied those learnings to modernize its operations and improve efficiency on the factory floor.
Michigan State University operates the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, or FRIB, as a user facility for the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science, or DOE-SC, with financial support from and furthering the mission of the DOE-SC Office of Nuclear Physics. In addition to its primary nuclear science mission, FRIB supports U.S. industry by addressing the national shortage of microelectronics testing. Its heavy-ion facilities provide capacity to test chips used in spaceflight, wireless tech and autonomous vehicles.
Peckham’s mission is to provide a wide range of opportunities to maximize human potential for persons striving for greater independence and self-sufficiency. Through diverse programs, services and job training, Peckham delivers high-quality products and services, all while developing the potential of people with disabilities and other barriers to employment.
The newly completed $75 million MSU Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Facility serves as a national model for sustainable dairy production, hands-on learning and cutting-edge research. The 165,000-square-foot cattle barn can house a herd of 680 cows and features numerous innovative technologies that advance production efficiencies and animal welfare, including robotic milking systems, advanced feeding systems for animal nutrition research, electronic animal tracking and activity monitoring, automated cooling systems for year-round cow comfort, and handling facilities to enable hands-on learning for students engaging with large animals for the first time.
The two-day event is an excellent opportunity for the community to engage with cross disciplinary perspectives on AI, strengthen connections across campus and industry, and explore how emerging technologies are reshaping the future of manufacturing.
The forum and tours are free to attend; however, registration is required.
Media are welcome to attend. Additional information will be forthcoming closer to the date of the event.
The Apple Manufacturing Academy is a free program that pairs Apple engineers and Michigan State University experts with small- and medium-sized businesses to help them implement AI and smart manufacturing techniques.
Introduced in 2025 as part of Apple's commitment to invest $600 billion in the United States over four years, the Apple Manufacturing Academy builds upon Apple’s long history of investing in American innovation and advanced high-skill manufacturing. MSU’s expertise in supply chain, logistics, engineering and packaging — combined with its leadership in artificial intelligence — brings targeted support and skill development to manufacturers across the country.
The Apple Manufacturing Academy has already supported nearly 150 American businesses through dozens of free in-person training sessions and recently launched virtual programming to extend that support to even more businesses across the country.
The academy’s training is designed to address real manufacturing skills gaps and strengthen America’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem. It is the only Manufacturing Academy in North America and is open to businesses nationwide.
To learn more about the Apple Manufacturing Academy or to enroll in virtual programming, businesses can visit the academy’s website.
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