SOUTHFIELD—Lawrence Technological University’s Centrepolis Accelerator, in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME), Tuesday announced the launch of the Mobility Prototype Grant Program, a pioneering initiative aimed at accelerating innovation in mobility and electrification technology in Michigan.
The grant program will provide funding and support to promising companies in the mobility and electrification sectors, facilitating product development partnerships with Michigan-based firms. Centrepolis, one of the few physical-product-focused business accelerators in the nation, will award up to $50,000 to at least eight companies, focused on technical assistance services including product development, prototyping, product testing, and manufacturing readiness.
The Mobility Prototype Grant Program is designed to address several critical needs within Michigan’s innovation ecosystem, including bridging the financing gap for hardware-based companies by providing essential support to startups and established firms in the mobility and electrification market.
The Mobility Prototype Grant Program will focus on technology areas critical to the future of transportation, including passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, off-road vehicles, marine, rail, two-and three-wheel vehicles, military vehicles, electric and autonomous vehicles, and aerospace, including vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and drones. To be eligible for the program, companies must be at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4 through 9 and be based in Michigan or demonstrate intent to develop and/or manufacture within the state.
The program is also encouraging applications from disadvantaged businesses, firms in distressed or rural communities, as well as companies relocating to Michigan or establishing new operations within the state.
“Michigan offers first class resources for development of physical products,” said Don Radomski, Centrepolis Accelerator CEO. “This program allows mobility and electrification tech companies in Michigan as well as others throughout the globe to take advantage of our world class product development and prototyping services. The projects funded by this program will bring new products to market and ensure that Michigan continues to lead in both innovation and manufacturing of these mobility technologies,”
And Justine Johnson, chief mobility officer for the state of Michigan, said: “OFME has identified prototyping and manufacturing support as a key opportunity in economic development services for the mobility industry. By addressing this need, the state can support the attraction and retention of emerging mobility companies in Michigan, drive new business to Michigan manufacturers, and better align with priorities related to bolstering local supply chains.”
Applications for the Mobility Prototype Grant Program must be received by 11:59 p.m. on May 28, 2024. The application review process will commence immediately following the deadline, with contract awards slated for Aug. 31, 2024. A webinar is scheduled for Monday, April 29 from noon to 1 p.m. Eastern time for those interested in applying and learning more about the program. For more information and to apply, visit https://www.michiganbusiness.org/mobility-funding/mobility-prototype-grant/
