Michigan Industry 4.0 Technology Implementation Grant
Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) / Automation Alley
Up to $25,000 (50% match)
Tech adoption grants for MI small manufacturers
Michigan small manufacturers can get 50% reimbursement up to $25,000 toward qualifying Industry 4.0 technology investments. Covered technologies include AI, robotics, additive manufacturing, augmented reality, cybersecurity tools, cloud computing, and digital twins. Rolling applications until funding is exhausted. Administered regionally through MEDC-designated partners including Automation Alley and the Manufacturing Growth Alliance.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- State
- Amount range
- $5,000 – $25,000
- Realistic amount
- Most awards are in the $10,000–$25,000 range; the program is designed for single-technology implementation projects, not…
- Deadline
- Rolling — accepted until all funding allocated
- Status
- active
- States
- MI
- Payment model
- reimbursement
Who qualifies
- Company must be a manufacturer defined by Michigan NAICS manufacturing codes (31-33) with the proposed project taking place at a Michigan manufacturing facility
- Must qualify as a small business under SBA size standards for the applicable NAICS code
- Must complete an Industry 4.0 Technology Assessment by MMTC (Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center) prior to award, OR provide documentation of an executed technology strategy
- Must be an Essential Member with Automation Alley (free membership) or an existing Automation Alley member
- Cannot combine this grant with any other grant program or external funding source for the same project
Hard requirements
- Must be incorporated
- Location restriction: Michigan manufacturing facility
- Restricted to industry: manufacturing (NAICS 31-33)
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Additive manufacturing / 3D printing equipment and software
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning tools for manufacturing operations
- Industrial robotics and automation equipment
- Cybersecurity tools and software for operational technology
- Augmented reality / virtual reality for training or quality inspection
- Cloud computing and IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) platforms
- Digital twin software
- Collaborative robots (cobots)
- Computer vision systems for quality control
Ineligible expenses
- Installation, training, or implementation labor if bundled with excluded costs
- Operating expenses (recurring software subscriptions beyond initial license)
- Equipment not directly related to Industry 4.0 technology adoption
- Costs incurred before the award notification date
- Projects funded by other grant sources simultaneously
How to apply
-
1
Join Automation Alley (free Essential Membership)
Register for a free Essential Membership at automationalley.com if not already a member. This is a hard eligibility requirement — grants cannot be processed without it.
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2
Schedule Industry 4.0 assessment through MMTC
Contact Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) to schedule a free or low-cost I4.0 Technology Assessment. Alternatively, document a completed technology strategy. This step identifies which technology to implement and provides the technical justification for your application.
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3
Contact your regional grant administrator
Identify and contact your regional I4.0 grant administrator (Automation Alley / Manufacturing Growth Alliance / etc.) to confirm funding availability and obtain the current application form. Regional admins manage awards for specific Michigan counties.
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4
Submit application with technology quotes
Submit the application form including vendor quotes for the qualifying technology, the MMTC assessment report, and proof of Automation Alley membership. All expenses must be incurred after award notification.
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5
Purchase technology and submit reimbursement request
After award, purchase the qualifying technology and submit paid invoices/receipts for reimbursement. Grant covers 50% of actual costs, capped at $25,000.
Industry & certifications
NAICS codes: 31, 32, 33
Free Automation Alley Essential Membership is required — create it before you do anything else. Regional administrators have varying availability; contact MMTC and your local admin simultaneously.
Deadline & timing
Applications accepted on a rolling basis with no announced intake windows. Program can close without advance notice when funds are exhausted. Apply early in the calendar year.
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Related programs
Last reviewed 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.