Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization (MTRAC) Program
Forecasted
Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization (MTRAC) Program supports Michigan research teams with translational research funding to move technologies into commercial markets through licenses or startups.
Funder: Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026 (Life Sciences Mid-Stage) | November 2026 (Life Sciences Kickstart) | February 2027 (Transportation) | March 2027 (Materials) | May 2027 (Life Sciences Kickstart) | May 2027 (AgBio Challenge)
Funding Amounts: Hub-specific awards: AgBio up to $125,000; Transportation up to $200,000 including match; Life Sciences up to $250,000; Materials typically $30,000–$50,000 plus match
Summary: Supports Michigan translational research that moves technologies into commercial markets through licenses or startup formation.
Key Information: Applicants must provide matching funds and a project manager, and meet the relevant Innovation Hub’s requirements.
Description
The Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization (MTRAC) Program supports research with commercial potential at Michigan institutions of higher education, nonprofit research centers and hospital systems. Created in 2012 and expanded statewide in 2016, it aims to de-risk technologies for licensing or startup formation while advancing entrepreneurship, innovation and economic growth. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation provides administrative services to the Michigan Strategic Fund for the program.
Five Innovation Hubs organize funding by technology area: Agriculture-Biology at Michigan State University, Life Sciences and Advanced Transportation at the University of Michigan, Advanced Applied Materials at Michigan Technological University, and Advanced Computing at Wayne State University. Projects pursue technical and commercial milestones, with industry and investment experts reviewing proposals and mentoring funded teams.
