This May, the Michigan Israel Business Accelerator (MIBA) orchestrated several dynamic initiatives to strengthen ties between Michigan and Israeli businesses and to position the Great Lakes State as the premier destination for Israeli innovation.

Early in the month, the MIBA hosted Dimoveo and MedX, highlighting the unique opportunities and resources Michigan offers to the best of Israeli innovation looking to scale. The MIBA also launched a new Lunch and Learn webinar series under its Connecting Communities initiative, enabling the BIRD Foundation to educate Michigan businesses on how the BIRD Grant can finance their R&D endeavors through partnerships with Israeli innovators.

As the month drew to a close, Michigan embraced summertime temperatures of 80°F (26.7°C) alongside the Women in Mobility (WIM) Israel Delegation! Over four electrifying days, 11 executive Israeli women leaders from the mobility sector took part in over 10 engagements and events, resulting in more than 1,000 combined connections with Michigan business leaders. Delegates experienced Michigan's global Mobility leadership firsthand, participating in B2B matchmaking, roundtables, thought leadership panels, and networking sessions with investors, innovation hub leaders, government, and corporate executives from the Big Three OEMs. The week resonated with innovation, opportunities, and empowerment. No doubt, WIM 2024 marked the beginning of a lasting reciprocal partnership between WIM organizations in Michigan and Israel.

Looking ahead, the MIBA is excited about the continued growth and strengthening of Michigan-Israel business connections, anticipating further collaborative ventures and innovations that will drive both regions toward a prosperous future.Interested in joining the nine other Israeli companies that are already taking The Elevator to new heights? Click here to see how this free resource will help you succeed in Michigan.

Innovation Events in Michigan

• June 18, 2024, Noon – 1:00 pm EST: Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine presents Healthcare Economics, a Virtual Lunch-and-Learn session that explores understanding healthcare economics, quality, and value from regulatory and insurer viewpoints. Delve into navigating revenue strategies, regulatory timelines, reimbursement intricacies, and avoiding common pitfalls. Register for the workshop here.

Opportunities in Michigan

• BIRD (Binational Industrial R&D) Energy Grants: Provides matching grants of up to $1.5M to Michigan companies that collaborate with Israeli innovation on an R&D project.  Grants can be applied to almost any industry, but they also have sector-specific grants for Cyber, Energy, and Homeland Security. Next BIRD R&D Grant deadline:  BIRD Energy Proposals due July 1.  See the MIBA’s informational session here.

• Emerging Technologies Fund: Provides matching dollars to support the commercialization of SBIR/STTR projects in Michigan.

• I4.0 Implementation Grant: MEDC’s Industry 4.0 grant program will provide 50% reimbursement for qualifying I4.0 technology costs up to $25,000. The proposed project must take place at a Michigan manufacturing facility.

• Michigan Mobility Funding Platform: (Rolling Application) Provides grants to mobility and electrification companies looking to deploy their technology solutions in Michigan.

Other Opportunities

• American Made Challenges: The program represents more than 10 offices within the Department of Energy, 200 industry organizations, and $100M in cash prizes and provides support across 30+ unique challenge areas including solar, water, geothermal, buildings, hydrogen, transportation, manufacturing, and tech transition. 

• Chloe Capital - Women-led Cleantech Innovation Companies: Investing in seed-stage women-led technology company with climate tech solutions.

• Energy Foundation Grants: (Rolling Application) The Energy Foundation’s mission is to secure a clean and equitable energy future to tackle the climate crisis. Their comprehensive approach advances energy efficiency and renewable energy in the power, transportation, and buildings sectors.

• Evergreen Climate Innovations 501vc ® Investment Fund: Investing in early-stage climate tech startups in the greater Midwest region. Mobility is one of the qualifying climate tech sector categories.

• First Capital Fund: Provides early-stage investment capital to high-tech startups.

• Solar Prize Round 7: The Solar Prize Round 7 offers $4.2 million in prizes to competitors over three progressive contests.