Real World Deployment and Test Site Grant

The Real World Deployment and Test Site Grant Opportunities are administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) through the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform. MEDC is a state-level economic development agency focused on advancing innovation, business growth, and mobility leadership within Michigan. This grant program is specifically designed to accelerate investment in advanced mobility and electrification solutions by supporting pilot deployments and testing initiatives that demonstrate emerging transportation technologies in both controlled and real-world environments. The primary objective of this funding opportunity is to support projects that advance mobility innovation, including connected, autonomous, and electrified transportation systems. The program distinguishes between two project types: test site deployments and real-world deployments. Test site projects are conducted in controlled environments at one of several pre-approved facilities across Michigan, while real-world deployments must occur in public spaces in partnership with municipalities or state agencies. The program emphasizes collaboration, requiring at least one Michigan-based project partner and encouraging partnerships across public and private sectors. Funding for this program ranges from 50000 to 500000 per project, with flexibility to award multiple smaller grants or a single larger award depending on project merit. Test site projects typically receive between 50000 and 150000, while real-world deployments often range from 150000 to 250000. Applicants are required to provide matching funds information, including both financial and in-kind contributions, indicating that cost sharing is an important component of project evaluation. Funds are intended to support pilot implementation, testing, and demonstration activities aligned with Michigan mobility priorities. Eligibility is structured around a lead applicant model, where the primary applicant must be a technology provider rather than a municipality, university, or incubator. However, partnerships with these entities are required, ensuring cross-sector collaboration. Applicants must submit letters of commitment or support from partners, a completed W9, and detailed information about matching contributions. Projects must align with one of the approved test sites or meet criteria for public deployment in partnership with government entities. The application process includes a standardized submission followed by a multi-stage evaluation. Applications are first reviewed internally for minimum qualifications, then evaluated by at least ten industry experts using a scoring system across categories such as project design, team strength, technology interoperability, financial sustainability, and alignment with the state mobility plan. Final decisions are made by a selection committee composed of representatives from multiple Michigan state agencies. This rigorous review structure ensures both technical merit and strategic alignment. The 2026 funding cycle included two rounds. Round 1 opened on January 26, 2026 and closed on February 27, 2026, with selections announced on March 26, 2026. Round 2 closed on May 15, 2026, with notifications issued on June 12, 2026. Applications submitted after the Round 1 deadline were automatically considered for Round 2. Based on this structured multi-round approach, the program operates on a recurring annual cycle. Information sessions are offered in lieu of individual consultations, and applicants are expected to rely on these sessions and published materials for guidance. Awardees are required to report quarterly on financial performance and key performance indicators such as jobs created, business growth, partnerships formed, and investment leveraged. Additional compliance requirements include adherence to state and federal laws, insurance coverage up to 5 million in liability, and agreement to share project outcomes for tracking and documentation. Questions about the program can be directed to the designated grant operations manager via the provided email contact.

Align proposal strongly with scoring criteria including project quality, interoperability, and financial sustainability; demonstrate strong partnerships and clear state mobility plan alignment