Innovation Partnerships

#hailtothestartup! May Mobility, a University of Michigan startup developing autonomous driving technology, recently announced a partnership with European minibus manufacturer Tecnobus. This collaboration will allow May Mobility to provide autonomous minibus services and offer more flexible transit options to fleet operators. Learn more about the partnership at https://myumi.ch/Jwjdg

We are excited to announce the funding of six new postdoctoral commercialization fellowships. These fellows will be supported by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Tech Transfer Talent Network, along with the U.S. Economic Development Association Global Epicenter for Mobility program and the Build Back Better Regional Challenge . The 2024 fellows were selected based on the strong commercialization potential of their doctoral research. Their time in the fellowship program will provide them the opportunity to further develop their innovations into marketable products and services. Learn more about the program and 2024 fellows at https://myumi.ch/egPZW

Introducing Innovation Champions – a new initiative designed to support research commercialization across all three campuses of University of Michigan. We are proud to announce that 20 outstanding faculty innovators have been chosen to serve as "champions" within their respective schools, colleges and departments. These Champions will act as peer-level contacts, sharing valuable information and resources to help fellow researchers collaborate with businesses and entrepreneurs, thereby amplifying the impact of their innovative work. Learn more about the Innovation Champions program at  https://myumi.ch/XGqjn

We are thrilled to share the latest breakthroughs from University of Michigan startup Ambiq, a leader in ultra-low-power microprocessors and edge AI technology. Ambiq recently unveiled two remarkable advancements: Apollo510 Microcontroller (MCU): This cutting-edge MCU will soon be powering over-the-counter hearing aids, delivering AI-enhanced speech recognition for an improved user experience. Learn more at https://myumi.ch/Q6jGA AiLens Smart Glasses: In collaboration with ThinkAR, Ambiq has developed AiLens, lightweight smart glasses that incorporate augmented reality features through Ambiq’s Apollo4 System-on-Chip. Learn more at https://myumi.ch/M6jJ8

Exciting news for Michigan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem! Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the $60M Michigan Innovation Fund into law. This transformative investment will fuel the growth of venture funds across the state, including our own Accelerate Blue Fund, empowering the creation and expansion of Michigan-based startups. This funding marks a pivotal step toward fostering long-term support for homegrown innovation and driving sustainable economic development in Michigan. We’re proud to be part of a thriving ecosystem that continues to elevate entrepreneurship and innovation in our state! “Innovative startups have the power to change lives—whether through medical breakthroughs or cutting-edge technologies—and they play a crucial role in driving Michigan’s economy forward. Gov. Whitmer’s signing of this bill into law today demonstrates our state’s dedication and foresight in supporting Michigan-founded startups,” said Kelly Sexton, associate vice president for research - innovation partnerships and economic impact at the University of Michigan. “Michigan is now making a bold statement: we are committed to fostering an innovation ecosystem where companies aren’t just founded here—they grow, thrive and create jobs right here in our communities.” Learn more about the Michigan Innovation Fund here: https://myumi.ch/g18XZ #hailtothestartup!

The Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization for Advanced Transportation Innovation Hub RFP is accepting applications until Feb. 28, 2025. This is a great opportunity for Michigan Innovators working on transportation and mobility research to receive funding support for their work! Learn more at https://myumi.ch/8rDjq

The University of Michigan Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE) and National Science Foundation (NSF)'s Winter I-Corps Course starts February 28th! Explore how to translate your research, learn leadership and innovation skills and gain a digital certificate upon completion! Also included is $500 in funding for customer discovery and opportunities for future grants. Learn more about the program at https://myumi.ch/4jM6n

Get your AI “Driver’s Permit” and confidently navigate the world of artificial intelligence with Ann Arbor SPARK! This interactive course will teach you how to use AI tools ethically and effectively using TorranceLearning’s W.I.S.E. A.T. A.I. framework. Learn more and register at https://myumi.ch/VGJdx

ONO PHARMA USA’s ongoing RFP is the perfect opportunity for University of Michigan researchers to apply for funding support for rare genetic disease research! 🧬 Learn more and submit your proposal at https://myumi.ch/G4rJE

Dr. Robert Chisena, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of University of Michigan startup Amplitude Vascular Systems, recently sat down for an interview with Pulse 2.0. During the conversation, he shared the origin story of AVS and discussed how their technology addresses the challenges faced by patients with severely calcified arterial disease. Read the full interview at https://myumi.ch/1bXMr