MTRAC Advanced Transportation Innovation Hub
MTRAC Advanced Transportation Innovation Hub supports Michigan researchers developing commercially promising technologies to advance initial applications in transportation and mobility markets.
This grant was recently updated
Applications open November 1, 2026 (previously November 1, 2025) and close February 26, 2027 (previously February 27, 2026). Mid-Stage awards decrease from $50,000–$200,000 to $50,000–$150,000, including match; selection and project-start dates, the operating budget, and other program details also changed.
Funder: Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization (MTRAC)
Due Dates: November 1, 2026 (RFP opens) | February 26, 2027 (Applications close) | April 22, 2027 (Final-round decisions) | May 20, 2027 (Oral presentations) | September 1, 2027 (Projects begin)
Funding Amounts: Kickstart: up to $50,000; Mid-Stage: $50,000–$150,000; both include institutional match and support 12-month projects
Summary: Supports Michigan researchers advancing technologies with high commercial potential for initial applications in transportation and mobility.
Key Information: Applicants must be researchers at Michigan public higher-education institutions, hospital systems, or nonprofit research centers, with institutional matching cost-share.
Description
The MTRAC Advanced Transportation Innovation Hub is a statewide program administered by Innovation Partnerships at the University of Michigan. It funds translational research with high commercial potential to launch technologies into transportation and mobility markets. Priorities include advancing early-stage research, understanding market adoption readiness, and reducing technology-development risks.
The program supports technologies that move people, goods, and information across land, sea, air, and space. Kickstart funding supports initial testing and prototype data, while Mid-Stage funding supports larger proof-of-concept studies, commercialization work, and customer validation. Projects receive support for technical and commercial milestones, alongside industry connections and coaching from mentors, licensing professionals, and industry and investment experts.
