MEDC Launches Centers of Energy Excellence Program
Thursday, August 28, 2008
$45 million program to create jobs in alternative energy
Michigan Economic Development Corporation President and CEO James C. Epolito today announced that the state is now accepting applications for the Centers of Energy Excellence (COEE) program, part of Governor Jennifer M. Granholm’s overall job creation and economic stimulus package she proposed in her State of the State address. The newly created grant program brings businesses, universities and the state together to create jobs in the alternative and advanced energy industry.
“The Centers of Energy Excellence program will create partnerships between public and private entities to immediately create jobs in the alternative energy industry to help transform Michigan’s economy,” Epolito said. “With our world-class universities and pool of highly skilled workers, Michigan has the potential to lead the nation in the growth and development of the alternative energy field.”
In July, Granholm signed legislation, passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, authorizing the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) to allocate up to $45 million to create the COEE program. The program supports the development, growth and sustainability of alternative energy sectors throughout the state by identifying and/or locating a base company with necessary business and supply-chain infrastructure for commercialization of innovative energy technology. A key component of the program is the ability to provide matching funds for projects that include federal, foundation, or international investments.
The COEE program matches base companies with universities, national labs and training centers to accelerate next-generation research, workforce development and commercialization. The centers focus where the state has competitive advantages in areas of the workforce, intellectual property and natural resources but where funding is required to overcome technical and supply-chain hurdles that could prevent or stall the commercialization process.
COEE grants are available only to for-profit companies, but university participation in each center is required. For consideration, applicants must submit a cover letter detailing the project and amount of funding requested, a business plan or proposal, and a letter of support from the university involved with the project.
About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.
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