Applications Now Open for Battery and Advanced Manufacturing Challenge    

LANSING, Mich.— Today, Governor Whitmer announced the Battery and Advanced  Manufacturing Challenge, a $125 million strategic investment from the Make it in Michigan Competitiveness Fund that offers matching grant dollars for battery and advanced manufacturing projects to help bring federal infrastructure in transformative  projects to Michigan.    

This challenge is yet another step forward in Michigan’s efforts to lead the nation in clean energy investment. Today, Michigan is a national leader in clean energy investments and jobs. The 2023 Clean Jobs America Report stated that clean energy businesses in Michigan added more than 5,400 workers in 2022 and now employ 123,983 Michiganders. According to the World Resource Institute, by the year 2040, the state could create 41,000 new jobs as it advances electric vehicle manufacturing and invests in renewable energy, like solar and wind.   

“The new Battery and Advanced Manufacturing Challenge will help us secure our position as a clean energy and future mobility powerhouse,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Thanks to President Biden and our Congressional delegation’s efforts, we can compete for and win federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, the CHIPS Act, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to bring supply chains home, create good-paying, middle-class jobs, and lead the future of critical industries. With this challenge, our economic development toolkit, and our emerging ecosystem of advanced manufacturing, Michigan will keep competing and winning.”  

The Challenge helps companies leverage unprecedented federal opportunities made available through the Biden-Harris Administration's historic CHIPS Act, Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Companies can apply to receive funding under the Challenge by visiting the Make it in Michigan Competition Fund website. Applications opened today, Thursday, February 22.    

“Michigan's commitment to fostering innovation and economic growth is exemplified by the Battery and Advanced Manufacturing Challenge,” said Zachary Kolodin, Michigan’s chief infrastructure officer and director of the Michigan Infrastructure Office. “The Challenge not only propels our state into the forefront of clean energy mobility but also reinforces our dedication to supporting workers with fair wages, benefits, and opportunities for skills development. We’re bringing the supply chain home and investing in good-paying jobs that will build a clean energy future in Michigan.”   

Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Infrastructure Office are challenging companies to support workers with fair pay, good benefits and skill development and protect their union rights as part of the $125 million allotment. Applications will be evaluated on a number of factors including whether they advance the goal of locating at least 40% of the benefits of climate-related projects in disadvantaged communities, fair wages and benefits for workers, skill development and protection of worker rights.    

“As Michigan leads and builds the future of clean energy and electric vehicles, it’s important that Michiganders have the skills and support they need to take advantage of the thousands of new jobs coming to our state,” said Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Director Susan Corbin. “The Battery and Advanced Manufacturing Challenge helps to ensure that as companies are scaling for the new economy, they are prioritizing their workers to create a holistic path forward that is mutually beneficial for their business, hardworking Michiganders and our economy.”   

The state has secured nearly $1.3 billion in federal funding to support various clean energy initiatives, including efforts to lower energy costs, reduce power outages, and create thousands of new jobs.   

“In recent years, we have made historic investments at the federal level in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and sustainable infrastructure to keep our nation strong and competitive on the world stage,” said U.S. Senator Gary Peters. “I applaud this new initiative that will help Michigan companies leverage those resources, while supporting new economic growth, good-paying jobs, and Michigan’s clean energy future.”   

“In Congress, I’ve helped pass new laws to create good-paying, union jobs in Michigan and grow our local economy by making critical investments in our clean energy future,” said U.S. Representative Dan Kildee. “I’m grateful for Governor Whitmer’s partnership in ensuring the resources made available under these new laws are brought home to mid-Michigan. I will continue fighting to ensure the future of clean energy production is in Michigan, not somewhere overseas.”   

“Our state is on the forefront of the EV transition, and we must continue to invest in cutting-edge research, development, and manufacturing to keep that leadership and innovation here in Michigan,” said U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell. “I’m proud to work with Governor Whitmer and with my colleagues in Congress to make federal funding available to advance new technology to strengthen our domestic electric vehicles market and infrastructure.”   

“Today’s announcement of millions in new investment in Michigan manufacturing is another step towards bringing critical industry back to our state,” said U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin. “The next generation of cars will be powered by batteries made at facilities like Lansing’s new GM plant and those made possible in the future by this funding. And with that will come an increase in good-paying jobs and increased economic activity.”   

“As a champion for Michigan small businesses and infrastructure in Congress, I’m overjoyed by the Governor’s innovative new challenge initiative,” said U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten. “Yes, Michigan‘s unparalleled manufacturing base is already poised to deliver with excellence on these contracts, but this program now helps them be even more competitive. I’m ready to continue advocating for more federal investments to help projects like these in Michigan!”