LANSING – Mobility startups will now have access to more than $1 million in grant funding, thanks to a new statewide program announced at the 2018 ITS America Annual Meeting held in Detroit last week. The two-part program, one of the first of its kind, includes a PlanetM Pilot Grant and a PlanetM Testing Grant.

These grants will enable mobility startups to deploy and test their technologies on Michigan’s roadways – within closed and real-world environments – to ensure Michigan residents’ travel is easier, safer and more affordable. Mcity is the first advanced testing facility partner on the Testing Grant program, which will provide startups with a discounted fee for testing at closed track environments.

The first project funded through the pilot grant is already underway in downtown Detroit. Through PlanetM, the Michigan Department of Transportation enlisted Dubai and Detroit-based Derq Inc. to install artificial intelligence software at the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and Randolph Street. Derq is utilizing grant funds to study risk factors to improve light timing for pedestrians, vehicles and those using the tunnel to Windsor.

Grant applications will start to be accepted in July 2018 through September 2019. To learn more, interested companies should visit PlanetM.com/grants