Michigan’s startups and small businesses have an opportunity to be on the forefront of revolutionary climate action innovation.
Michigan’s population growth effort identified the importance of entrepreneurship and climate action as a way to lay the groundwork for growth in the Department of Energy’s (DOE) ARPA-E Vision OPEN 2024 grant opportunity.
To help Michigan entrepreneurs apply for and win federal funding, the Michigan Infrastructure Office announced $10 million for the Vision OPEN Challenge made available through the Make it in Michigan Competitiveness Fund.
The goal of the program is to bring advanced clean energy and innovative technologies from the lab to the marketplace. Initial applications to the Competitiveness Fund are due by Monday, July 15, to meet the DOE’s concept paper deadline of Tuesday, July 16.
Michigan can leverage this opportunity to accomplish multiple objectives simultaneously – to support the implementation of the MI Healthy Climate Plan, position itself as a climate leader in clean energy and innovation and showcase the incredible technology and entrepreneurialism that’s rooted in its history. Taken together, these objectives will help Michigan boost its population by retaining and attracting talent.
According to the 2023 Clean Jobs America Report, Michigan added more than 5,400 workers in 2022 and now employs 123,983 Michiganders. The World Resource Institute shows that by the year, 2040 Michigan could create 41,000 new jobs as it advances electric vehicle manufacturing and builds out renewable energy, like solar and wind.
As reported in the Growing Michigan Together Council’s final recommendations, states with robust innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems are magnets for high-growth businesses and the nation’s top talent. Bolstering the state’s current ecosystem with the necessary early-stage investment capital that startup companies seek will help attract and retain high-growth businesses and the talent to fill quality jobs.
“Startups and small businesses across Michigan have a strategic opportunity to help beat the drum that Michigan is well on its way to becoming an innovation hub and a global leader in climate action,” said Michigan’s Chief Growth Officer Hilary Doe.
Let’s Grow Michigan, the state’s campaign to engage Michiganders in the effort to grow the state’s population, conducted a national poll that found 50% of 18- to 34-year-olds said they wished their community invested more resources toward combating climate change. Winning ARPA-E funding would enhance Michigan’s strategic position in attracting young changemakers.
“We’ve heard from young people here in Michigan and across the country that climate action is a top consideration when selecting a place to call home. Continuing to lead in clean energy is good for Michigan’s economic growth as well as for talent attraction and retention,” said Doe.
Program Details & Application Information
The DOE is making up to $150 million in federal grants available through the ARPA-E program. Under the Vision OPEN Challenge, the Make it in Michigan Competitiveness Fund will provide half of the 10% match required by the DOE.
The ARPA-E Vision OPEN challenges the research and business community to commercialize groundbreaking technologies aligned with three specific goals to enable a future energy landscape that protects the environment. These goals include greenhouse gas-free energy, intermodal transportation of diverse primary energy sources, and sustainable carbon transition for polymers and other materials.
Investments in these core areas reduce the need to rely on other countries for energy resources and technologies, lessen the impact of energy production on the environment, and create new long-term job opportunities in the clean energy sector.
For additional information about the Make it in Michigan Competitiveness Fund and how to apply for funding or technical assistance, visit the Make it in Michigan Competitiveness Fund website at www.michigan.gov/whitmer/issues/michigan-infrastructure-office/make-it-in-michigan-competitiveness-fund.
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