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Make it in Michigan Prototyping Grant Program
The Centrepolis Accelerator’s Make it in Michigan Prototyping Grant program offers funding to promising mobility and electrification technology companies, supporting their product development in collaboration with Michigan-based firms. This program is committed to advancing innovation across Michigan’s mobility and electrification sectors, emphasizing opportunities for startups, established firms, and disadvantaged businesses in distressed or rural communities, as well as companies relocating or expanding within Michigan.
Application deadline: July 12, 2026
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What we do
The program supports both startups and established firms with emerging autonomous systems, critical mobility components, and electrification systems across all transportation modes (air, ground, marine, off-road) throughout the State of Michigan. We extend services and funding to firms with emerging solutions to enhance Michigan's standing in the industry.
How we do it
The program provides up to $100,000 in funding focused on:- Product development
- Prototyping
- Product testing
- Manufacturing readiness
Eligibility:
To qualify, applicants must:- Be a Michigan-based company or demonstrate a commitment to developing or manufacturing their product within Michigan
- Have a technology readiness level between 5-9
- Be actively engaged in the fields of autonomous systems, critical mobility components, or electrification.
Benefits- Product Design and Engineering Services: Access to CAD and FEA resources.
- Design Assessments: DFMA (Design for Manufacturability and Assembly) and DFMEA (Design for Failure Mode Effects and Analysis).
- Readiness Assessments: Commercial, technical, and manufacturing assessments.
- Prototyping and Testing: Alpha and beta prototyping, product testing protocols, and validation services.
- Manufacturing Support: Tooling design, connections to suppliers, manufacturing planning, workflow analysis, and supply chain risk assessments.
//Track 1
Autonomous Systems
This track is seeking innovative autonomous systems — including UGVs, AMRs, UAVs, VTOLs, and marine drones — that serve dual-purpose commercial and defense applications. We’re especially interested in technologies that can be deployed in Michigan to create regional value.
In addition to full systems, we welcome solutions that advance critical subsystems such as sensors, batteries, electric motors, controllers, and lightweight materials. Emphasis will be placed on innovations that strengthen domestic and Michigan-based supply chains for autonomy-related components across land, air, and water platforms.
//Track 2
Critical Mobility Components
This track targets breakthrough mobility and electrification technologies with dual-use potential across commercial and defense sectors. We’re looking for innovations in autonomous sensing, control systems, electric drive systems, batteries, power electronics, and EV charging infrastructure.
Priority will be given to components that strengthen domestic and Michigan-based supply chains, address national security concerns, and advance the future of both military and civilian mobility systems.
//Track 3
Open Innovation – All Mobility Solutions
This track is open to a wide range of mobility innovations with dual-use potential in both commercial and defense applications. We are seeking solutions across land, air, water, and rail platforms, including:- Aerospace and drones (UAVs, VTOLs, space systems)
- Military and commercial ground vehicles
- Marine and naval systems
- Rail and high-speed transit
- 2- and 3-wheel mobility (e-scooters, ATVs, motorcycles, etc.)
- Passenger and off-road vehicles
- Hardtech electrification
Source: https://www.centrepolisaccelerator.com/Programs/Make-it-in-Michigan-Prototype-Grant-Program
