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A Practical Guide to the 2026 MEDC Real-World Deployment & Test Site Grants

  • Writer: Aaron Thelenwood
    Aaron Thelenwood
  • Feb 6
  • 3 min read

Michigan has reopened one of its most impactful mobility funding opportunities: the 2026 Real-World Deployment and Test Site Grants, administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) through the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME).


Photo by Maximalfocus on Unsplash
Photo by Maximalfocus on Unsplash

At their core, these grants are designed to help proven technologies move into operational environments—supporting testing, validation, and deployment across Michigan’s mobility ecosystem.


Mobility, as defined by OFME, includes technologies that enable the movement of people, goods, and information by land, water, and air. This includes not only cars and trucks, but also aviation, maritime systems, logistics, energy, infrastructure, software, and the enabling technologies that support them.


What These Grants Are (and Are Not)

These grants are not intended for early-stage research or concept development. Eligible projects must involve technologies that are already built, functional, and ready for testing or deployment within the grant period.


Two Tracks, One Objective


Real-World Deployment Grants


Real-World Deployment projects occur in live, operational environments such as cities, airports, ports, campuses, public right-of-way, or other active facilities. Projects must include at least one Michigan-based partner.


Examples of prior Real-World Deployment projects include EV fleet charging software for electric school buses, solar-powered boat rental systems at marinas, drone delivery of medical supplies, and robotic food-waste collection pilots in Detroit neighborhoods.


Test Site Grants


Test Site projects occur in controlled or closed environments, leveraging Michigan’s network of established mobility test sites. These projects focus on validation, performance testing, and system integration.


Examples include autonomous mobile EV-charging robots, vehicle-to-grid software testing, remote vehicle operation and autonomy testing, and autonomous cargo drone testing.


Funding Expectations

Award amounts range from $50,000 to $500,000, though typical awards are lower. Test Site projects often range from $50,000 to $150,000, while Real-World Deployment projects commonly fall between $150,000 and $250,000.


How Applications Are Evaluated

Applications are reviewed through a multi-stage process and scored across the following categories: Proposed Project, Project Team and Partners, Technology and Interoperability, Project Costs, Matching Funds, Financial Sustainability, State Mobility Plan Alignment, and Overall Project Quality. Eligibility is evaluated on a pass/fail basis.


Program Mechanics That Matter

Funding is reimbursement-based and tied to defined project milestones. Contracting is administered through NextEnergy, and proof of insurance is required during contracting, not at application submission.


Matching Funds and Eligible Costs

All projects require matching funds, which may include cash or in-kind contributions such as staff time or facilities. Capital expenditures are not eligible; however, labor and short-term operating costs tied directly to the project are.



Michigan Test Sites

Keweenaw Research Center (Michigan Tech)

Extreme cold, ice, and snow testing across more than 900 acres of proving grounds.

 

American Center for Mobility

High-speed proving grounds, EV interoperability, V2X, and cybersecurity testing.

 

Detroit Smart Parking Lab

Operational parking structure supporting logistics, EV charging, and UAS pilots.

 

Urban Tech Xchange

Real-world building systems, energy, and sustainability technology testing.

 

Transportation Innovation Zone (Detroit)

Public-space deployment and regulatory process testing.

 

GM Mobility Research Center (Kettering University)

Connected vehicles, autonomy, and smart infrastructure research and testing.

 

MCity (University of Michigan)

Urban, suburban, and rural simulation environments, including aerial mobility.

 

MSU Mobility (Michigan State University)

Multidisciplinary mobility testing across campus and research systems.

 

FLITE – Ford Launchpad for Innovative Technologies & Entrepreneurship

Airport operations, aviation systems, and UAS testing.


Final Takeaway

The 2026 MEDC Real-World Deployment and Test Site Grants are designed to help ready technologies demonstrate real-world value. The strongest applications show clear readiness, credible partnerships, and realistic project scope.


Need Support Navigating This Opportunity?

Thelenwood Consulting is ready to support applicants at every stage of the 2026 MEDC Real‑World Deployment and Test Site Grant process—from early fit assessment through partner coordination and application development.


We work with technology providers, airports, municipalities, test sites, and nonprofit partners to help translate innovative mobility concepts into strong, competitive grant applications aligned with MEDC and OFME priorities.


Our support can include:


  • Determining whether your project is a strong fit for Real‑World Deployment versus Test Site funding

  • Identifying and engaging Michigan‑based partners and test sites

  • Clarifying scope, budget, and matching fund strategies

  • Aligning project narratives with the MEDC scoring framework

  • Supporting application development, review, and submission readiness


If you are considering applying—or are unsure whether this opportunity is the right fit—we are happy to have an initial conversation.


To learn more or start a conversation, visit www.thelenwoodconsulting.com or reach out directly to discuss how we can support your deployment, partnership strategy, or application.


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