MTRAC Advanced Transportation Innovation Hub
The Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization (MTRAC) for Advanced Transportation Innovation Hub is a statewide program supporting translational research projects with high commercial potential, with the ultimate goal of launching new technologies into the mobility and transportation sectors. Innovators from all public institutions of higher education, hospital systems and non-profit research centers in the state of Michigan are eligible to submit proposals for grant funding consideration.
The program offers early-stage funding opportunities through the MTRAC Advanced Transportation annual grant program. Since the inception of the program, over 120 proposals have been submitted with 74 projects funded, resulting in 26 startup companies and achieving over $96 Million in follow on funding (equity and grant). Four key areas of support are provided through the one-year program for awardees:
- Advance early-stage translational research transportation/mobility technology development milestones for commercialization
- Advance market adoption readiness to meet industry/market needs
- De-risk technology development path
- Provide high-touch support for University researchers and their teams
MTRAC Advanced Transportation is industry agnostic and can apply to mobility and transportation technologies across air, sea, land, infrastructure and space. Funded projects must be related to and have an initial commercial application in transportation and/or mobility.
The program offers initial support for proposal development, pitch preparation and initial market research. Awarded projects go on to receive a one-year grant and resources that support the commercialization milestones with connections to industry partners, coaching from the MTRAC Team which includes mentors, licensing professionals and Industry and Investment Advisory Board members.
The MTRAC Advanced Transportation Innovation Hub is part of Innovation Partnerships at the University of Michigan. It has a 2023 operating budget of $1.5M with half of the funds coming from the State of Michigan’s Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) and the remainder coming from participating institutions. The program reinforces the commitment of the MSF, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and U-M to entrepreneurship as a dynamic catalyst for economic growth, allowing for greater collaboration and ultimately increasing the number of start-ups, jobs, industry licenses, and investment for Michigan.
MTRAC Advanced Transportation Funding Opportunities
The award will result in a 12 month grant that supports technical and commercial milestones approved by an Oversight Committee consisting of industry and investment professionals. The program aims to accelerate new high-tech solutions with high commercial value to serve the mobility and advanced transportation industries and is agnostic to transportation mode; land, sea, air, space, etc. The program is open to researchers at all public institutions of higher education, hospital systems and non-profit research centers across the state of Michigan. In addition to matching funds, available support for projects includes mentors-in-residence, leaders from industry with a wide range of sector expertise, venture capital experts and the MTRAC commercialization team. The program offers two funding levels: Kickstart and Mid-Stage.
Start your application process early and utilize MTRAC program support provided for proposal development. Awarded project teams are supported throughout the project by industry experts, mentors and investors. Project teams receive ongoing feedback/support on commercialization milestones and funding opportunities.
Funding areas include and are not limited to:
- Electrification, grid & battery charging and recycling technology
- Transportation Infrastructure
- Aerospace/Space
- Semiconductor
- Rail/Fleet
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
- Manufacturing Solutions – additive/subtractive, robotics, plant operations
- Supply Chain/Logistics Solutions
- Control Systems and Sensors/Connectivity
- Renewable Energy/Circular Economy/Sustainability/Wind/Solar
- Vehicle materials
Kickstart Early-Stage Funding
Kickstart funding is available up to $50K (including match) for initial testing of new technology as part of the early stage of commercialization such as the generation of data for a prototype, patent application or other work that could provide a strong foundation for a mid-stage grant proposal.
Kickstart Early-Stage Funding Award Timeline
Award RFP Submissions: November 1, 2023 – February 29, 2024
Semi-Finalist Presentations: May 30, 2024
Funding Cycle: September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025
Mid-Stage Funding
Mid-stage funding is available for projects over $50,000 and up to $200,000 (including match).
Mid-Stage Funding Award Timeline
Award RFP Submissions: November 1, 2023 – February 29, 2024
Semi-Finalist Presentations: May 30, 2024
Funding Cycle: September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025
For more information contact:
Denise Graves
Commercialization Program Director, MTRAC Transportation
Phone: 734-936-5304
Email: dmgraves@umich.edu
Oversight Committee
The oversight committee consists of industry and investment experts who will provide consultation and mentoring to awarded teams.
Stefon Crawford
GM Ventures
John Davis
Ford Motor Company
Jay Ellis
Rivian
Paul Fanson, Ph.D.
Toyota Motor Corporation
Don Manfredi
University of Michigan
Bradford Orr
University of Michigan
Clay Phillips
MI-SBDC
Bryce Pilz
University of Michigan
Lee Rawlings
Invest Detroit
Chris Stallman
Fontinalis Partners
Manny Stockman
Osage University Partners
Jennifer Tisdale, CEO
GRIMM Cyber
Subject-Matter Experts
Brian Cardwell
Cooper Standard
Melanie Connolly
Cooper Standard
Rachel Dreikosen
Intel
Cindy Hupfel
Tata Technologies
Mike Marchand
Michelin
Alejandro Plazas
Eaton Energy Systems
Steven Sliger
Tata Technologies
Erin Spring
Goodyear
Collaborators
Ryan Michael
Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME)
Michele Mueller
Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)
Greg Stevens
MCity
Tony Vernaci
Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan (AIAM)
Marvin Yates
National Security Innovation Network (NSIN)