MTRAC Innovation Hub for Life Sciences
The MTRAC Innovation Hub for Life Sciences funds and mentors Michigan-based translational research to advance promising life sciences innovations toward commercialization and human health impact.
Funder: Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization (MTRAC)
Due Dates: November 1, 2026 (Kickstart early-stage) | May 1, 2027 (Kickstart early-stage) | October 31, 2026 (MTRAC mid-stage)
Funding Amounts: Kickstart: up to $42,500 per project; MTRAC mid-stage: up to $250,000 per project; all awards require institutional cost share.
Summary: Supports Michigan-based translational life sciences research with high commercial potential to advance innovations toward commercialization and positive human health impact.
Key Information: Proposals are milestone-driven; cost share from the applicant institution is required for all awards.
Description
The Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization (MTRAC) Innovation Hub for Life Sciences is a statewide program designed to accelerate the transfer of biomedical discoveries from Michigan’s academic and non-profit research institutions into the commercial sector. The program provides funding, mentorship, and commercialization guidance for life sciences projects with high commercial potential, with the goal of advancing technologies toward market adoption and improving human health. Managed in partnership with Innovation Partnerships and the University of Michigan Medical School’s Fast Forward Medical Innovation Program, the hub supports both early-stage (Kickstart) and mid-stage (MTRAC) translational research and development across devices, diagnostics, therapeutics, and healthcare IT.
