How much is the Michigan Industry 4.0 Technology Implementation Grant?
Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) / Automation Alley
Up to $25,000 (50% match)
Researched for this program: 6 rejection traps · 5 required documentsWhat decides this award ↓
Up to $25,000. It pays back 50% of one Industry 4.0 technology project, so a $50,000 project gets the full $25,000. Of the 249 awards MEDC lists, 200 were the full amount.
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. It took applications on a rolling basis until its funds were allocated; MEDC’s page now says the application is currently closed. Administered regionally through MEDC-designated partners including Automation Alley and the Manufacturing Growth Alliance.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- State
- Amount range
- $2,500 – $25,000
- Realistic amount
- Most awards were the full $25,000 (200 of the 249 MEDC lists); the program is designed for single-technology implementation projects, not multi-stage buildouts.
- Deadline
- Closed — MEDC states the application is currently closed (it ran on a rolling basis until funds were allocated)
- Status
- closed
- 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 hold a current Michigan certificate of good standing (LARA) if awarded
- Location restriction: Michigan manufacturing facility
- Restricted to industry: manufacturing (NAICS 31-33)
What people ask next
How much would my project get?
Half of what you spend on the technology, up to $25,000 per company. A $20,000 cobot cell gets $10,000 back. A $50,000 project gets the full $25,000, and so does a $120,000 one, because the cap is per company. The grant is a reimbursement, so you buy first and claim the 50% with paid invoices. Of the 249 awards on MEDC’s recipient list, 200 were the full $25,000 and the smallest was $2,500. A full award implies a project of at least $50,000, so about four in five recipients budgeted that much or more.
Who could get it?
Small manufacturers with the project at a Michigan plant. MEDC requires that the company be a manufacturer by NAICS code (31–33) and meet the SBA’s small-business size standard for its industry. Before an award it needs an Industry 4.0 Technology Assessment from MMTC, or a documented strategy for choosing the technology, plus a free Essential Membership with Automation Alley. Winners also show a current certificate of good standing from Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Awards went to manufacturers in 49 Michigan counties, led by Oakland, Macomb and Wayne.
What technology does it pay for?
Hardware and software in nine Industry 4.0 categories. MEDC lists additive manufacturing and advanced materials; artificial intelligence; big data; cloud computing; cybersecurity; the industrial internet of things; modeling, simulation, visualization and immersion; robotics and automation; and connected-worker platforms and wearables. A cobot (robotics), a metal 3D printer (additive) or machine-monitoring sensors (industrial IoT) each fall in one. General equipment with no Industry 4.0 element does not.
Can I combine it with other grants?
No, not for the same project. MEDC says the grant cannot be combined with any other grant program or external funding source. You can still use other programs for separate work: the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership for consulting, or the Michigan Going PRO Talent Fund to train the people who will run the new equipment.
Is it taking applications, and what can I use instead?
Check the Status row above; MEDC’s program page says the application is currently closed and gives no reopening date. The catalog re-checks that row, and the watch box below sends one email if a new round opens. Until then, the closest options for a Michigan shop are the two programs above and the wider lists of manufacturing grants and Michigan small business grants. Equipment you buy without a grant may still be deductible in the year you put it in service under Section 179.
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.
-
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 were accepted on a rolling basis with no announced intake windows, and the program closed when its funds were allocated. MEDC’s page says the application is currently closed and gives no reopening date; the Deadline row above tracks any change.
Not accepting applications right now — get one email when it reopens
GrantCompass tracks Michigan Industry 4.0 Technology Implementation Grant’s application windows in the live catalog. Leave an email and we’ll tell you the day the next window opens.
Free. One email when the window moves, deadline warnings on your watchlist, and the monthly closing-soon digest. Unsubscribe anytime.
Programs that stack well
- NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)
- Michigan Going PRO Talent Fund
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Last updated October 30, 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.