Michigan’s Maritime Grant Signals a Bigger Shift Toward Integrated Mobility

Michigan Maritime Innovation Grant

https://www.michiganbusiness.org/ofme/projects-and-programs/funding-and-testing/technology-deployments/maritime-innovation-grant/

At first glance, Michigan’s Maritime Innovation Grant looks like a mode-specific program—focused on ports, waterways, and maritime infrastructure.

But the structure tells a different story.

This is not just a maritime investment.

It is part of a broader shift in how states are approaching mobility—moving away from siloed systems and toward integrated, multi-modal networks.

That shift matters for AAM.

What the Program Actually Does

The Maritime Innovation Grant is designed to support implementation of the State’s broader maritime strategy, with projects required to advance one or more core objectives:

• Support economic development by modernizing maritime infrastructure, improving intermodal transportation connectivity, leveraging manufacturing capability, and supporting supply chain resilience

• Accelerate the clean energy transition in the maritime sector

• Invest in maritime research, innovation, education, and workforce development

• Enhance sustainability, resilience, and revitalization of ports, harbors, and waterfronts

Up to $500,000 per project is available, with a strong emphasis on:

• Public-private partnerships

• Deployment-ready concepts

• Long-term impact beyond the grant period

• Matching funds and/or in-kind contributions

Projects must:

• Be located in Michigan

• Align directly with the Michigan Maritime Strategy

• Incorporate digital and/or physical infrastructure

• Demonstrate long-term impact beyond the grant period

This is not exploratory funding.

It is deployment funding.

How Funds Will Be Awarded

Maritime Innovation Grant recipients will be selected through a structured, competitive process:

• Standardized application submission

• Internal eligibility screening by the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME)

• Evaluation by a multi-agency review committee (including EGLE, MDOT, LEO, MEDC, and others)

• One-on-one calls with finalists

• Due diligence review and final approval

Applications will be scored across:

• Eligibility (Pass/Fail)

• Proposed project (20 points)

• Project team and partners (20 points)

• Project cost, budget, and matching funds (20 points)

• Alignment with Michigan Maritime Strategy (20 points)

• Program evaluation plan and metrics (20 points)

Timeline and Key Milestones

• April 8, 2026 — Application opens

• April 10, 2026 — Informational webinar held (recording expected to be posted)

• May 8, 2026 (11:59 PM) — Application deadline

• June 1, 2026 — Selections and notifications

This is a fast-moving cycle—aligned with projects that are already positioned to move.