LANSING, Mich. – Michigan is accelerating its efforts in the realm of mobility technology with the launch of the latest round of the Make It in Michigan Mobility Prototyping Grant Program. This initiative is set to bolster the state’s position as a frontrunner in the fields of mobility, electrification, autonomous systems, and advanced manufacturing innovation.
The program, a collaboration between the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME), the Michigan Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation (ODAI), and Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological University, provides up to $100,000 in grants per company. A substantial $2 million has been earmarked to foster mobility technology product development.
Justine Johnson, Chief Mobility Officer with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), emphasized the program’s strategic importance: “The Make It in Michigan Mobility Prototyping Program is a critical part of our strategy to ensure Michigan remains the global leader for designing, engineering, and manufacturing next-generation mobility solutions.” She further highlighted the program’s role in supporting Michigan-grown innovations and attracting top-tier companies to the state.
The grant program is designed to provide technical and financial assistance to both startups and established companies working in varying mobility sectors, including air, ground, and sea. It targets technologies at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4 through 9, focusing on uncrewed autonomous systems and critical mobility components that address domestic supply chain gaps.
Applicants who pledge to develop, pilot, and manufacture their technologies in Michigan, especially within OFME’s test site networks and innovation districts, will be prioritized. The program also underscores the importance of dual-purpose technologies that can serve both commercial and defense applications.
John Gutierrez, Executive Director of the Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation, remarked on the program’s dual focus: “This program supports technologies with the potential to serve both commercial and national defense needs — an essential focus of our work at ODAI.” He underscored the initiative’s role in enhancing domestic supply chains and bolstering national security capabilities.
Dan Radomski, CEO of Centrepolis Accelerator, highlighted the alignment of the grant program with Centrepolis’ mission: “This initiative is about strengthening America’s domestic manufacturing capabilities and building a more resilient supply chain, starting here in Michigan.” He pointed out the program’s impact on product development, prototyping, and manufacturing readiness for innovative mobility and electrification technologies.
Since its inception in 2024, the Michigan Mobility Prototyping grant program has attracted 86 applications from around the world and awarded $828,000 to 17 projects. These projects span a diverse range of technologies, including autonomous drone systems and electric vehicles.
The new application window opens on May 28, 2025, with submissions due by July 7, 2025. Final award announcements are expected by September 1, with project initiations slated for October.
For more information or to apply, visit: https://www.centrepolisaccelerator.com/Programs/Make-it-in-Michigan-Prototype-Grant-Program
Read More Here
