SOUTHFIELD – Michigan manufacturers, product developers, and technology startups have multiple opportunities this summer to access funding, engineering support, and business assistance through programs offered by the Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological University.

Many Michigan manufacturers are looking to diversify beyond traditional automotive work. These programs can provide funding, engineering expertise, prototype development assistance, investor introductions, and access to emerging markets including defense, drones, mobility, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing.

Programs currently accepting applications include:

Make It In Michigan Prototyping Grant Program
Provides funding and technical support to companies developing mobility, electrification, and advanced transportation technologies. The goal is to help companies build prototypes, conduct pilot projects, and manufacture products in Michigan.

Design for Michigan Manufacturing Program
Offers engineering and design-for-manufacturing services to help companies develop products that can be produced efficiently, reliably, and cost-effectively in Michigan factories.

Michigan Auto Supplier Transition Program (MAST-P)
Provides free assistance to small manufacturers seeking to diversify beyond the automotive sector and enter growing markets such as defense, aerospace, mobility, energy, and advanced manufacturing.

Defense Hardtech Accelerator
Supports companies developing technologies with military and commercial applications. The program helps businesses advance product development and establish domestic manufacturing capabilities.

C3 Accelerator
Provides investment capital and technical assistance for companies developing clean energy, climate technology, and circular economy solutions.

Additional Funding Opportunities

Manufacturers and technology companies may also be eligible for:

  • EGLE Fuel Transformation Program — Approximately $28 million in grants available for cleaner trucks, buses, equipment, vessels, and emissions-reduction projects.
  • DOE Critical Minerals Program — Funding for technologies related to semiconductor materials and domestic supply chains.
  • DOE Boost Program — Connects startups and manufacturers with national laboratories and energy-related commercialization opportunities.
  • mHub EnergyTech Accelerator — Includes a $200,000 investment opportunity for startups focused on energy infrastructure, grid resilience, and data center technologies.

Upcoming Events

Key events for Michigan manufacturers and technology companies include:

  • June 23: AI tools for Michigan exporters
  • July 9: Opportunities in the UAV/drone supply chain
  • August 11: Mobility Summit in East Lansing
  • September 14-19: Tech Week Grand Rapids
  • September 23-24: MOVE America mobility conference in Detroit
  • October 1: Renaissance UnDemo Day investor event