Advanced Aerial Mobility Activation Fund

The Advanced Aerial Mobility Activation Fund is an initiative launched by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to accelerate the development and deployment of advanced aerial mobility technologies across the State of Michigan. The fund reflects the state’s strategic commitment to fostering innovation in emerging transportation systems, including drones and advanced aircraft, with the goal of strengthening the economy and delivering measurable benefits to residents. By supporting early-stage and demonstration projects, the program aims to position Michigan as a national leader in advanced aerial mobility and related infrastructure. The primary purpose of the fund is to create a centralized pipeline of projects that can validate both the technical and economic feasibility of advanced aerial mobility use cases. These projects are expected to generate actionable data that informs policymaking and supports long-term industry growth within the state. The fund emphasizes real-world deployment scenarios and encourages applicants to propose projects that demonstrate clear pathways to scalability, sustainability, and measurable impact. While specific funding amounts are not disclosed, projects may receive direct funding from one or more state entities or may be used to inform future competitive funding opportunities. Eligible projects must demonstrate a strong connection to the State of Michigan and present a use case with clear potential impact. The program prioritizes proposals that address regulatory and technical feasibility, as well as economic sustainability through viable business models. Projects are also evaluated based on their ability to contribute to environmental goals, such as reducing emissions compared to traditional transportation methods, and to promote equitable access, particularly in underserved or historically disadvantaged communities. Additional considerations include the potential to strengthen supply chain resilience and foster public-private partnerships. The fund outlines several areas of interest, including but not limited to the use of drones for infrastructure inspection, delivery of medical supplies, and logistics support for critical goods. Other focus areas include defense and dual-use applications, sustainable aviation solutions for passenger and cargo transport, and the development of enabling infrastructure such as drone ports, vertiports, and electric aircraft charging systems. Training initiatives related to aerial mobility technologies are also within scope, reflecting the program’s interest in workforce development and long-term ecosystem growth. Submissions are reviewed by a cross-agency committee, which evaluates proposals against criteria including feasibility, impact, and scalability. Applicants should be aware that all submitted information may be subject to disclosure under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, which may influence how proprietary or sensitive data is presented in proposals. The application process is market-driven and does not specify rigid submission components in the available materials, but it implies the need for detailed project proposals that address technical readiness, economic viability, and anticipated outcomes. There is no explicit mention of pre-application requirements such as letters of intent. Contact for program-related inquiries is provided through a named representative, indicating that applicants can seek clarification directly from program leadership. Applicants must monitor program status updates to determine when applications reopen. Overall, the Advanced Aerial Mobility Activation Fund represents a strategic investment by the State of Michigan to catalyze innovation in next-generation transportation technologies. By supporting projects that combine technical feasibility with strong economic and societal benefits, the program seeks to build a robust ecosystem that advances aerial mobility while addressing environmental, logistical, and equity challenges across the state.

Emphasize clear technical and economic feasibility; demonstrate measurable impact and scalability; align with environmental and equity goals