Maritime Innovation Grant

Supporting the State of Michigan's Maritime Strategy, the Maritime Innovation Grant will accept applications from Wednesday, April 8 through Friday, May 8, 2026.

Overview: 

The State of Michigan recently announced the Michigan Maritime Strategy, a first-of-its-kind, 10-year plan to drive economic growth, attract investment, foster innovation, and create good-paying jobs across Michigan’s maritime industry while protecting the Great Lakes. The strategy provides a clear roadmap for strengthening Michigan’s water-based economy statewide. To support its implementation, the Maritime Innovation Grant will fund projects that advance one or more of the following four objectives outlined in the strategy:

  1. Support economic development by modernizing maritime infrastructure, improving intermodal transportation connectivity, leveraging manufacturing capability, and supporting supply chain resilience.
  2. Accelerate the clean energy transition in the maritime sector.
  3. Invest in maritime research, innovation, education, and workforce development.
  4. Enhance sustainability, resilience, and revitalization of ports, harbors, and waterfronts.

How Funds Will Be Awarded: 

Maritime Innovation Grant recipients will be awarded after the completion of a competitive selection process. This process includes a standardized application, internal and external reviews, one-on-one calls with finalists, due diligence calls and review committee approval. The Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME) will first conduct an internal review to ensure projects meet minimum qualifications before eligible applications are evaluated by a review committee comprised of various State of Michigan agencies involved in the Michigan Maritime Strategy (EGLE, MDOT, LEO, MEDC, etc.). Applications will be scored across the following categories: 

  • Eligibility (Pass/Fail)
  • Proposed project (20 Points) 
  • Project team and partners (20 Points)
  • Project cost/budget/matching funds (20 Points)
  • Alignment with Michigan Maritime Strategy (20 Points)
  • Program evaluation plan/metrics (20 Points)

Successful applicants will set milestones and will be reimbursed with grant funding when milestones are completed. A progress report will be required at the completion of each milestone with a final report required upon completion of the project.

Application Eligibility: 

  • Grant requests may not exceed $500,000
  • Proposed projects must be located in Michigan
  • Proposals must clearly align with the Michigan Maritime Strategy
  • Proposals must include a public-private partnership (State of Michigan agencies are not eligible to apply)
  • Projects must incorporate digital and/or physical maritime infrastructure
  • Proposals must demonstrate long-term impact beyond the grant period
  • Matching funds and/or in-kind contributions are required

Timeline: 

  • Wednesday, April 8, 2026: Application opens (available for 30 days)
  • Friday, April 10, 2026: An informational webinar will be held for this grant. Please register here. A recording will be posted on this webpage for those unable to attend.
  • Friday, May 8, 2026 (at 11:59 PM): Application deadline
  • Monday, June 1, 2026: Selections and notifications made