Innovation Hub for Advanced Applied Materials
Innovation Hub for Advanced Applied Materials supports Michigan researchers with translational research funding to develop materials technologies that meet market needs and move toward commercialization.
Funder: Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization (MTRAC)
Due Dates: January 1, 2027 (RFP opens) | March 26, 2027, 5:00 PM (Full proposal) | May 6, 2027 (Finalist presentations) | May 20, 2027 (Awards announced) | September 1, 2027 (Funding begins)
Funding Amounts: Typically $30,000–$50,000 in program funding for one year, plus required matching funds
Summary: Supports milestone-driven translational research to move advanced materials technologies addressing unmet market needs toward commercialization.
Key Information: Technology must have an invention disclosure under active technology-transfer management and be available for licensing in the proposed field and geography.
Description
Michigan Tech’s MTRAC Innovation Hub for Advanced Applied Materials supports collaborative translational research with high commercial potential. Projects may develop demonstrations, prototypes, or process scale-up needed to attract follow-on funding. Its scope includes novel materials, new applications of conventional materials, and equipment or processes enabling those uses. Illustrative applications include building materials, transportation, energy transfer, energy storage, and aerospace.
The hub aims to reduce technology risk rapidly while developing a strong understanding of customer needs and a credible path to commercialization. Research funding comes with business-development assistance and mentoring from Michigan Tech’s Office of Innovation and Commercialization and an Oversight Committee of industry, materials, and investment experts. MTRAC is sponsored by the 21st Century Jobs Fund through the Michigan Strategic Fund and administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).
