As a part of Michigan’s push to attract talent to the state’s thriving semiconductor industry, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist has announced the creation of the new Semiconductor Talent Action Team (TAT). The TAT has built a consortium of higher education partners, semiconductor employers, and industry associations, focusing on five in-demand semiconductor roles: computer engineers, electrical engineers, industrial/process engineers, semiconductor processing technicians, and maintenance and repair workers.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Australia’s Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government Catherine King have signed an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate in the automotive industry, future mobility, and transportation sector. The MOU aims to reduce emissions and promote sustainable transportation options. Areas of cooperation include sharing information, exchanging best practices in workforce development, and addressing emerging technologies.

The University of Michigan has received a $9.85 million federal grant to support its connected vehicle research efforts. This funding, awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, will specifically contribute to the Ann Arbor Connected Environment Reimagined project. The grant aims to propel advancements in connected vehicle technology and further enhance transportation infrastructure.

Detroit-based company Plug and Play, in partnership with Kia and Hyundai CRADLE Silicon Valley, recently launched the Purpose-Built Vehicle Open Innovation Challenge. The Challenge seeks to identify the best entrepreneurial and technological solutions developed in North America in the logistics, mobility, and automotive sector. Ultimately, the Challenge will help accelerate the development of technology that aligns with Kia’s Purpose-Built Vehicle business. The deadline for applications closes on June 16, 2023.

2023

• June 7-8: AutoTech: Detroit
• June 7: COVESA Networking Reception at AutoTech: Detroit
• June 22: Ribbon Cutting | EV Chargers at The Mariner North Resort
• June 27: June Mobility Meetup
• June 28-30: Auto.AI
• July 12-13: Vehicle and Transportation Technology Innovation Meetings
• September 12-14: The Battery Show North America
• September 13-24: Detroit Auto Show
• September 26-27: MOVE America
• October: AutoTech: Electrification
• October 25-26: American Automotive Summit
• November 8-9: Reuters Automotive USA 2023

First look: Inside Our Next Energy’s New Metro Detroit Battery Plants | Crain’s Detroit Business

Our Next Energy is scheduled to ship its first electric vehicle batteries, built on a small assembly line in metro Detroit, to customers this week. By the end of the year the Novi-based lithium iron phosphate battery startup will launch the first phase of its $1.6 billion plant being built in Van Buren Township. Around 100 employees are expected to begin work at the plant later this year. At capacity, the plant is projected to support 2,112 jobs and produce 200,000 battery units by 2027.

Ancor Automotive Officially Opens Software Innovation Hub | HOUR Detroit

Ancor Automotive officially opened its new software innovation hub in a 2,000-square-foot space within its headquarters located in Troy. Ancor Automotive is the leading Tier 1 automotive supplier of data management and label solutions. The Innovation Hub is set to attract high-tech talent to design software solutions as well as improve logistics, mobility, and tracking for automotive companies throughout North America.

Connecting Michigan Central to the Riverfront | Urbanize Detroit

The Southwest Greenway, a new connector for bikes and pedestrians, has opened in Detroit. It links Roosevelt Park and Michigan Central in Corktown to the under-construction Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park along the West Riverfront. The Southwest Greenway is part of the larger 27.5-mile Joe Louis Greenway, which includes existing and planned segments throughout Detroit and neighboring areas.

• 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
• 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
• The Ford Launchpad for Innovative Technologies and Entrepreneurship (FLITE) – Provides grants and pilot-testing opportunities to companies focused on bringing emerging air travel technology solutions to market
• 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
• MICHauto Automobility Asset Map – Shows nearly 250 locations that are active contributors to the industry, including OEMs, assembly plants, suppliers, proving grounds, entrepreneur resources, mobility projects, universities, and transportation hubs.
• Michigan Mobility Funding Platform (MMFP) – Test site deployments and real-world deployments