In Detroit, Innovation and Mobility Go Hand-in-Hand
Michigan has been a leader in mobility since we started building cars more than a century ago. Today, we are continuing that leadership in the development of technologies that support the connected and autonomous vehicles of tomorrow.
Further proof Michigan is leading the next transportation revolution: Detroit was named one of the Top 10 Cities for Corporate Innovation in the nation by Innovation Leader Magazine due to the city’s emergence as a hotspot for autonomous and connected vehicle (CAV) technology. Along with being home to world-class test facilities like Mcity and the American Center for Mobility, Michigan is also working to make resources more accessible to mobility-focused companies and startups through PlanetM, the state’s mobility-focused brand and business development program.
Recently, Governor Rick Snyder, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), PlanetM and other key stakeholders announced the $8 Million Michigan Mobility Challenge at the 2018 Mackinac Policy Conference.
The grant program will address core mobility gaps across the state, for seniors, persons with disabilities and veterans, engaging the region’s technology, start-up and transportation network to encourage public-private partnerships in the design and implementation of problem-solving pilot proposals. Projects will deploy in urban, rural, and suburban communities throughout Michigan. Proposals are due July 16, 2018, with the first round of projects are set to begin operations in fall of 2018.
![]() Last week, PlanetM announced the launch of a first-of-its-kind grant program of $1 million. The PlanetM Startup Grant has two components, the PlanetM Testing Grant and the PlanetM Pilot Grant, and will enable mobility startups to deploy and test their technologies on Michigan’s roadways – within closed and real-world environments – to ensure Michigan residents’ travel is easier, safer and more affordable. “The startup technology that is being tested and deployed here in Michigan will lead to real and meaningful improvements in the quality of life and access to transportation solutions throughout the state,” said Trevor Pawl, vice president of PlanetM. “We’re constantly working to address the needs and challenges expressed by those actively engaged in the mobility community and we are taking it to the next level via testing and deployment.” To learn more about Michigan’s mobility industry and PlanetM visit PlanetM.com. |