VIA Motors has announced a new 98,000 square foot headquarters and technical center in Auburn Hills. Supported by a $2.5 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund, the facility will act as a regional hub for VIA’s vehicle design and testing, including the development of prototype vehicles.

The facility will further boost Michigan’s efforts to position itself as the global leader in the future of mobility and vehicle electrification. VIA chose Michigan because of the state’s robust supply chain for electric vehicles and mobility, as well as its knowledge and skill level of talent in the auto industry.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined Our Next Energy (ONE) and federal, state, and local leaders to highlight the company’s strong growth and historic investments in southeast Michigan. The event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour of ONE’s new global headquarters in Novi, where the company is developing products to be manufactured at ONE Circle, its forthcoming $1.6 billion battery manufacturing campus in Van Buren Township that will create 2,112 jobs.

Mcity at the University of Michigan campus has launched the world’s first purpose-built test facility for connected and autonomous vehicles, dubbed Mcity 2.0, with the help of a $5.1 million investment by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The new capabilities allow researchers across the U.S. to create simulated scenarios to test connected and autonomous vehicles on a physical track using virtual reality software, then access the results remotely via the cloud.

In collaboration with the City of Detroit’s Office of Mobility Innovation and Michigan Central, Newlab is looking for startup companies to support the launch of several pilot programs in 2023 focused on improving pedestrian safety and sustainable fresh food delivery for Detroit residents.

This will be a unique opportunity for startups to collaborate with local partners and develop integrated solutions which will be tested, validated, and scaled in real-world environments in Detroit. Applications will be accepted from October 26 to December 14.

OFME and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) have partnered to launch the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform (MMFP) aimed at providing vital grant funding to mobility and electrification companies of all sizes looking to deploy their technology in Michigan. Grants are focused on catalyzing and scaling mobility solutions across three key areas of focus:

• Sustainable Futures: Improve environmental sustainability by encouraging EV adoption and the buildout of EV charging infrastructure
• Equitable Futures: Alleviate mobility barriers and increase access to affordable and reliable transportation options
• Multimodal Transportation: Modernize existing transportation systems and keep Michigan at the forefront across all connected and autonomous transportation modes

For Michigan-based entities working to address a mobility/electrification challenge or solution providers looking to find a Michigan-based partner, additional Interest Forms are available to support those seeking and providing solutions through the MMFP.

More information about eligibility for testing environments and real-world deployments, as well as past grant recipients, is available here. The current rolling application period ends December 31, 2022.

• DriveElectric.gov – Information on all federal EV-related news and opportunities
• DOE Bipartisan Infrastructure Funding Opportunities – The latest notices and RFP opportunities for programs related to clean energy and lower carbon emissions
• H2 Matchmaker – An online resource to help hydrogen suppliers and users identify stakeholders across the supply chain
• MICHauto – Organization that promotes, retains, and grows Michigan’s signature industry as the state’s only automotive and mobility cluster association
• Michigan Mobility Funding Platform – Test site deployments and real-world deployments
• Michigan STEM Forward Internships – A statewide partnership between the MEDC and Ann Arbor SPARK which aims to connect the brightest upcoming talent with innovative and growing companies throughout Michigan
• Bamboo Detroit Mobility Founders Hour – Join a bimonthly, virtual meetup for founders and leaders of high growth mobility startups to connect, share resources, and meet special guest speakers
• NAIAS Applications for Technology Startup Exhibitors – Applications are now open for technology startups to exhibit at the upcoming auto show this fall
• Plug and Play Tech Center Detroit powered by AmplifyD – Resources for startups looking to reach OEMs and Tier 1 Suppliers
• Michigan EGLE: Charge Up Michigan – Opportunity to apply for funding
• Mobility Makers – Community of professionals dedicated to sustainable mobility
• Ongoing Funding Opportunities through NextEnergy

November 1-3: AAPEX 2022
November 1-4: SEMA Show 2022
November 10: November Mobility Meetup
November 18-27: Los Angeles Auto Show
December 5-9: Automotive World Future