Michigan R&D Program Targets Israeli Startups

As part of its PlanetM mobility initiative, the Michigan Economic Development Corp. has created a new program to attract Israel-based tech startups to test emerging technologies in Michigan.

MEDC will provide matching grant funding to approved businesses under the Israel Michigan Autonomous Technologies Collaboration. Participating companies will be able to test and validate technologies on select Michigan roadways and have access to nearby research facilities, such as the American Center for Mobility in Ypsilanti and Mcity in Ann Arbor.

The focus will be on autonomous and connected vehicles, electrification, artificial intelligence, smart manufacturing, big data and smart cities. In addition to providing funding and access to test centers, the program will allow Israeli companies to test their technologies in cold weather environments.

Israel is becoming a leader in the development of emerging technologies for autonomous vehicles, connectivity and cyber-security. Last year, five startups (Actasys, Addionics, CipherSip, Foretellix, TriEye) visited Michigan to meet with MEDC and potential local partners.

MEDC announced the new program at this week’s EcoMotion mobility conference in Tel Aviv. Several Israeli startups have expressed interest, and at least one is said to be in the process of applying for a $100,000 grant. The application process for the first phase of the program is open through Sept. 3.

More information is available HERE.