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.
What we do
The program supports both startups and established firms with emerging mobility and cleantech systems across all transportation modes (air, ground, marine, off-road) throughout the State of Michigan. We extend services and funding to firms with emerging mobility and cleantech solutions to enhance Michigan's standing in the industry.
How we do it
The program provides up to $100,000 in funding to at least 15 qualifying companies, offering technical assistance services 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 4 and 9
- Be actively engaged in the fields of mobility 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.
Interested in this Program?
Apply Today//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
Technologies that address critical performance gaps, improve mission readiness, or enhance mobility infrastructure are strongly encouraged — especially those that can strengthen domestic and Michigan-based supply chains.
FAQ
The program is designed to support startups and established firms with product development in emerging mobility and energy systems. It offers services for technology development in various mobility modes (air, ground, sea), with a focus on uncrewed systems, critical components, and innovative mobility solutions.
- Eligibility: Companies at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4-9.
- Type of Businesses: Startups, established firms, and undercapitalized businesses, especially those in distressed or rural communities.
- Geography: Preference for Michigan-based companies, though out-of-state companies planning to relocate or open operations in Michigan are encouraged to apply.
- Track 1: Uncrewed Autonomous Systems (e.g., UAV, UGV, UGV, Drones)
- Track 2: Critical Mobility Components that address domestic supply chain gaps and national security concerns
- Track 3: Open Category for other Mobility Innovations
The program covers services in:
- Product Design: CAD, FEA, design for manufacturability/assembly (DFMA)
- Prototyping & Testing: Alpha & Beta prototyping fabrication, testing protocol, and validation services
- Manufacturing Readiness: Tooling design, supply chain planning, and equipment specification
Grants provide up to $100,000 for individual companies, based on project scope and needs. This is a service-based grant. The funding will be allocated based on a Statement of Work and deliverables, which will be budgeted out to conduct and advance milestones over a 6-month period.
- Applications Open: May 15, 2025
- Application Deadline: July 7, 2025, by 11:59 PM.
- Application Review: July 7-20, 2025
- Interviews: July 21-August 31, 2025
- Awardees Announced: Expected by September 1, 2025
- Contracts Awarded: Expected by September 30, 2025
- Project Start: October 1, 2025
- Letters of Intent or Support: While not required, including letters of intent or support can help demonstrate commitment from strategic partners and customers, showcasing confidence in the project’s milestones and proposed deliverables.
- Matching Funds: While matching funds are not mandatory, providing evidence of other funding or investment can strengthen your application and show additional financial commitment.
- Dual Purpose Technology: The more compatible your technology is across the three tracks (Autonomous Systems, Critical Mobility Components, and Open Innovation), the better your chances of success. Technologies that have both commercial and defense applications are highly valued.
- Step 1: Complete the online application by the deadline (July 7, 2025).
- Step 2: Applications will be reviewed by an advisory committee.
- Step 3: The most competitive companies will be invited for interviews.
- Step 4: Selected candidates will be notified and awarded contracts by September 30, 2025.
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Alignment with OFME & ODAI mission.
- Technical Merit and project viability.
- Team Qualifications and commercial potential.
- Economic Impact and potential for Michigan’s supply chain.
Yes, out-of-state companies are encouraged to apply if they plan to relocate to Michigan or show intent to open new operations within the state.
Awarded companies must use the grant funds for services (product design, prototyping, testing, and manufacturing readiness) within 6 months of executing the agreement. Projects will begin October 1, 2025, and end by March 31, 2026.
The program is designed with only one application period for 2025, so ensure all materials are submitted by July 7, 2025.