Advanced Manufacturing / Industry 4.0
- Defense HardTech Accelerator (DHA) – Supports dual-use hardware startups advancing defense and commercial technologies. DHA provides funding, prototyping support, and connections to the U.S. Department of Defense for Michigan-based companies. By accelerating commercialization and securing government contracts, the program helps Michigan businesses grow in the defense sector. Applications are rolling.
- Industry 4.0 Technology Implementation Grant – Matching funds to help Michigan manufacturers adopt advanced Industry 4.0 technologies. The program provides up to $25,000 in reimbursement support to small and medium-sized manufacturers. By offsetting the cost of implementing robotics, additive manufacturing, IoT, cybersecurity, and data analytics, the grant helps Michigan companies modernize, reduce risk, and stay competitive. Applications are rolling until funds are exhausted.
Idea to Product (I2P) HardTech Accelerator – A 12-week hybrid program supporting hardtech entrepreneurs from concept to prototype and manufacturing readiness. I2P provides technical services, prototyping, engineering, and mentoring to early-stage founders, with priority for underserved Southeast Michigan communities. By reducing manufacturing risk and accelerating commercialization, the program helps Michigan entrepreneurs bring innovative physical products to market. Applications are rolling.
Industry 4.0 Accelerator (I4.0 Accelerator) – Supports Michigan manufacturers in adopting advanced Industry 4.0 technologies. I4.0 Accelerator connects manufacturers with vetted tech companies, provides expert guidance, and fosters collaboration across the Michigan ecosystem. By offering solution matching, ecosystem mapping, and small manufacturer grants up to $25,000, the program helps accelerate digital transformation and competitiveness. Applications are rolling.
Defense
- Defense Hardtech Accelerator (DHA) – supports dual-use advanced hardware startups that develop defense and commercial technologies. DHA offers mentorship, funding opportunities, prototyping support, and connections to DoD stakeholders and prime contractors. By accelerating commercialization and defense adoption, the program helps Michigan companies access new markets and scale faster. Applications are rolling.
Food & AgTech
- None at this time
HealthTech
- None at this time
Innovation
- Centrepolis Idea to Product Hardtech Accelerator supports TRL 4+ founders to develop physical products and hardware-enabled solutions. Focused on hardtech innovation and manufacturing, it provides a 12-week hybrid resource hub for entrepreneurs to build and innovate, strengthening the regional hardware ecosystem and product speed-to-market.
BIRD Grant supports R&D cooperation between two unrelated companies (one U.S. and one Israel-based) to develop and commercialize innovative technologies. Focused on multi-sector innovation, it provides matching funds of up to $1.5M for partners to innovate and scale, strengthening bilateral economic ties and industrial R&D.
Business Accelerator Fund (BAF) – SmartZone Network –Business Accelerator Fund (BAF) – SmartZone Network – Funds specialized third‑party services for advanced technology startups working with Michigan SmartZone accelerators. | Funding: amount varies (specialized services via accelerators) | Deadline: Rolling
- ID Ventures – Early-stage capital and support for Michigan startups. ID Ventures provides funding, mentorship, and resources to Michigan-based tech and tech-enabled startups. By offering milestone-driven investments and ecosystem support, the program helps founders scale, attract follow-on capital, and grow sustainable businesses. Applications are rolling.
- Michigan Emerging Technologies Fund (ETF) – Expands funding opportunities for Michigan technology companies in federal research and development. ETF provides matching grants to Michigan-based businesses pursuing SBIR/STTR awards in competitive technology sectors. By leveraging state matching funds, the program helps accelerate commercialization, reduce costs, and grow Michigan’s innovation economy. Applications are rolling.
- Michigan’s State Trade Expansion Program (MI-STEP) – Michigan’s State Trade Expansion Program (MI‑STEP) – Provides financial assistance to eligible small businesses for export activities to access global markets. | Funding: amount varies (export assistance reimbursements) | Deadline: Various
Project DIAMOnD – 3D printing technology and training for Oakland County businesses. Project DIAMOnD provides cutting-edge 3D printers and tailored training at no cost to small manufacturers, tech and engineering firms, and IT providers in Oakland County. By equipping businesses with Industry 4.0 tools, the program helps accelerate digital transformation and competitiveness. Applications are rolling.
Mobility
- Capital One Mobility Accelerator supports mobility-focused startups to achieve growth and capital readiness. Focused on the auto and mobility industry, it provides a cohort-based platform for founders to learn, connect, and scale, strengthening the pipeline of investment-ready transportation technology.
- Clean Fuel and Charging Infrastructure Program (CFCI) – Supports deployment of non-public Level 2 EV charging at existing multifamily housing in Michigan. CFCI provides reimbursement grants of up to $300,000 per applicant (from a $5M pool) for equipment, make-ready upgrades, maintenance, and networking. By funding on-site charging where residents live, the program expands equitable EV access and accelerates statewide adoption. Applications are rolling until funds are exhausted (projects must end by September 30, 2027).
- Detroit Transportation Innovation Zone provides funding to streamline and support adaptive permitting for innovators deploying advanced mobility solutions, bridging the gap between regulatory compliance and cutting-edge technology in Detroit’s mobility landscape. Applications are rolling.
- Michigan Mobility Challenge (MDOT) supports technology providers to deploy next-generation road intelligence platforms. Focused on Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and connected vehicle data, it provides a pilot implementation opportunity for innovators to deploy and partner, strengthening real-time situational awareness and state-wide transportation safety.
- Michigan Mobility Challenge (EGLE) supports specialized technology teams to expand environmental sensing and automated data collection. Focused on air and water quality monitoring via AAM, it provides a pilot implementation platform for partners to deploy and innovate, strengthening Michigan’s environmental coverage and data-driven decision readiness.
- Michigan Mobility Funding Platform – Supports entrepreneurs and innovators with access to grant funding and testing facilities. MMFP provides financial support and unique access to Michigan’s world-class mobility testing environments. By funding pilot projects and technology deployments, the program helps accelerate commercialization and advance real-world mobility solutions in Michigan. Applications are rolling.
Sustainability
American-Made Challenges – A national prize program designed to accelerate innovation in clean energy technologies. The American-Made Challenges (AMC) initiative provides cash prizes, technical assistance, and access to a national network of test facilities and industry experts to support entrepreneurs, researchers, and startups. By reducing barriers to commercialization and offering rapid funding opportunities, AMC helps innovators bring breakthrough solutions in solar, hydrogen, water, buildings, and other clean energy sectors to market faster. Applications are rolling and tied to specific prize competitions.
Energy Foundation Grants have a mission to secure a clean and equitable energy future to tackle the climate crisis, with a comprehensive approach that advances energy efficiency and renewable energy in the power, transportation, and buildings sectors.
Evergreen 501vc® Investment Fund – Seed funding for climate tech startups in the Greater Midwest. 501vc® provides $250,000 investments to early-stage companies focused on climate mitigation, adaptation, and environmental innovation. By combining capital with pitch support, networking, and a structured five-month investment cycle, the program helps Midwest startups scale solutions to pressing climate challenges. Applications are rolling, with fall and spring deadlines.
- Michigan EGLE: Charge Up Michigan – A state initiative to expand EV charging and hydrogen fueling access across Michigan. The program provides grants to organizations deploying clean fuel and charging infrastructure, with a focus on disadvantaged communities. Eligible applicants include any organization. Funding supports installation of EV charging stations (including multifamily housing), hydrogen fueling stations, and gap-closing projects for fast-charging networks, as well as related make-ready, maintenance, and data/networking costs. By reducing barriers to clean transportation, the program accelerates EV adoption, supports fleet and transit electrification, and expands equitable access to charging. Applications are accepted in response to RFPs.
MI Climate Wise Business Program – Supports Michigan small manufacturers and hardware entrepreneurs in adopting sustainable practices. The MI Climate Wise Business Program provides consulting, technical support, and funding guidance to companies looking to reduce energy costs, cut carbon emissions, and grow through clean technology. By leveraging sustainability strategies, the program helps Michigan businesses strengthen competitiveness and resilience. Applications are rolling.
RESTART Program – A recovery initiative supporting small manufacturers and hardware entrepreneurs impacted by economic disruption. RESTART provides grant funding, mentorship, and accelerator services to early-stage product developers and established manufacturers in Michigan. By offering financial assistance and commercialization support, the program helps businesses stabilize operations and accelerate growth. Applications are rolling.
