The Innovation Alliance brings together Michigan’s leading research universities and innovation organizations to strengthen commercialization, support entrepreneurs, and accelerate the path from breakthrough discovery to market impact. By aligning expertise, resources, and networks across the state, the Alliance aims to improve the state’s long-term economic competitiveness and create opportunities to collaborate and grow. Its goal is to better connect Michigan’s innovation assets so more ideas become companies, more companies find capital and more growth and investment stays in the state.

The Make It in Michigan Mobility Prototyping Grant program offers grants of up to $50,000 per company from a $500,000 fund for innovative mobility technology. It provides technical and financial support to startups and established firms in air, ground or sea mobility. Focus areas include autonomous systems (UAVs, UGVs, drones), critical supply chain and security components and open innovation. Companies with Technology Readiness Levels 5–9 are eligible to apply. The application window is now open until July 12.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and IBT Online are working together to help Michigan exporters learn AI tools with “Next-Level Exporting: AI Tools to Grow Global Revenue,” a no-cost masterclass designed specifically for Michigan exporters. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, June 23 at 11 a.m. EDT, as we will walk you through how AI can help your business create market-specific content, identify international prospects and build visibility with overseas buyers – all in a practical, actionable way that fits into your day-to-day operations. Whether you export manufactured goods or services, the MEDC delivers real support for your international growth.

Michigan entrepreneurs looking for funding and visibility should take a look at Start Garden’s 100 Pitch Competition. The program invites founders to submit a 100-second video pitch, with 100 participants selected to receive initial funding and advance through the competition. Applications are open now, and video submissions are due by July 8. Learn more about the competition and apply through Start Garden.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications for its 2026 CO—100 Awards, recognizing 100 outstanding small businesses nationwide for their leadership, innovation, growth, resilience and community impact. Winners receive national exposure, networking opportunities and exclusive event participation in Washington, D.C. Ten businesses will earn “Top Honoree” titles in categories like innovation and customer service, and one will be named CO—100 Top Business, receiving a $25,000 cash prize. Applications for the 2026 program are open through July 23, 2026.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has released its Fiscal Year 2026 Fuel Transformation Program Request for Proposals. Funded by the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust, this program aims to reduce diesel emissions by supporting the replacement or repowering of trucks, buses, maritime vessels, locomotives and equipment, as well as installing shore power at ports. EGLE expects around $28 million in competitive grants, with awards from $50,000 to $5 million. Applications will close when all funds have been awarded.

As president of plastics manufacturing equipment provider Advanced Blending Solutions (ABS), Kane Rasner is growing the family business into an international powerhouse in Menominee County. To expand its international reach, ABS has leaned on support from International Trade services provided by the MEDC, including grants through Michigan’s State Trade Expansion Program. ABS now has its equipment in 43 countries around the globe. The MEDC has also supported ABS through capital access programs and tax abatement for facility expansion.

As the defense industry grows, a new report finds that America’s competitiveness now hinges on workforce availability, risk reduction, and regional innovation corridors. A new white paper from the Washington Post Creative Group, in collaboration with the MEDC, reports the results of a survey with senior leaders in U.S. defense and aerospace, manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain to assess what the U.S. needs to compete globally. The white paper found dramatic workforce needs, resilience concerns, and benefits to state-level integration.