Success Story
Dataspeed
A Michigan-based autonomous vehicle solutions company expands from early-stage startup to international supplier of advanced mobility solutions with support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and its global trade programs
Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Rochester Hills, Michigan, Dataspeed Inc. develops autonomous vehicle (AV) platforms and Drive-by-Wire systems that enable organizations to build, test and deploy autonomous vehicle technologies. Dataspeed solutions support applications across defense, automotive, industrial and academic research sectors, helping teams accelerate development timelines and deploy scalable autonomous systems in real-world environments.
Since its early stages, Dataspeed has focused on building advanced mobility technology in Michigan, contributing to the state’s leadership in automotive engineering, robotics and autonomous systems innovation.
Early MEDC Support Helped Launch Growth
Dataspeed was one of the early recipients of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Business Accelerator Grant in 2011, receiving approximately $48,545 in State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) funding. Support from MEDC played an important role in helping Dataspeed transition from an early-stage startup to a viable high-tech company, providing resources that enabled the company to further develop its technology and expand market opportunities.
In 2015, Dataspeed also became a client of the Oakland University Incubator (OU INC), one of the MEDC’s SmartZones that offers comprehensive development and support services to startup and emerging businesses by fostering an entrepreneurial environment. Thanks to the services offered by the MEDC’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation team at OU INC – including access to funding from the Business Accelerator Fund and assisted customer and product discovery – Dataspeed was able to propel its product development for early-stage prototypes within a series of product lines, such as IMU/GPS navigation units and multi-sensor fusion controllers.
When the company prepared to shift its strategic focus toward mobility solutions, it once again turned to the MEDC, utilizing Michigan’s former mobility initiative, PlanetM to access additional funding. allowing it to create connections in the market and identify pilot opportunities.
Through a PlanetM Mobility Grant, Dataspeed was able to grow into the market of mobility-as-a-service and create new partnerships with key industry players. Dataspeed announced a series of strategic partnerships, including with the leading intelligence platform for running new mobility services, Ridecell Inc. These partnerships are an example of the opportunities Dataspeed discovered thanks to the support and resources offered by the MEDC’s programs.
As Dataspeed’s technology gained traction, the company partnered with MEDC’s international trade team and leveraged STEP funding to pursue global opportunities. Participation in international trade missions and export support programs helped Dataspeed connect with customers across Europe and Asia.
Through MEDC-supported initiatives, Dataspeed has expanded its international presence in markets including Germany, France, Japan and Singapore, generating more than $9.7 million in facilitated sales thanks to the support of STEP funding.
Participation in recent MEDC trade missions, including delegations to Poland and Czechia, continues to strengthen Dataspeed’s relationships with global partners and reinforce Michigan’s position as a hub for advanced mobility innovation.
Supporting High-Tech Job Growth in Michigan
Today, Dataspeed supports more than 40 advanced manufacturing and engineering jobs in Michigan, contributing to the state’s growing leadership in robotics, AVs and defense mobility technologies. The company’s continued growth demonstrates the impact of public-private collaboration in building high-tech industries and creating new economic opportunities within the state.
Funding programs designed to support emerging technology companies can be instrumental in helping startups establish a foundation for long-term growth. Early public-private partnership support helped Dataspeed build momentum and invest in the engineering and manufacturing capabilities required to bring its technology to market and create high-tech jobs in Michigan.
Looking Ahead
With continued global demand for AV technology across defense, commercial and research sectors, Dataspeed is well-positioned for continued expansion. Ongoing collaboration with the MEDC supports the company’s ability to connect with international partners, grow exports and advance Michigan’s leadership in next-generation mobility solutions.
By supporting early-stage innovation and enabling global market access, MEDC programs continue to help Michigan companies like Dataspeed bring advanced technologies to customers around the world.
Learn more about how the MEDC’s international trade resources help businesses go global.