Lawrence Technological University’s Centrepolis Accelerator in Southfield is launching a $2 million program meant to drive innovation in drone and mobility technologies throughout the region.
Leadership at the accelerator is seeking 20 tech-based startups and small businesses who need support to move their drone and mobility products forward.
Eligible businesses must be based in Michigan, committed to developing or manufacturing in the state, show a technology readiness level from 4-6, and be engaged in the fields of mobility and electrification. Each business chosen for the grant will receive up to $100,000 to develop and market new products. This includes visibility at high-profile industry events like the Consumer Electronics Show.
Applications are due by July 14 through the LTU Centrepolis Accelerator and can be found here.
The team at LTU’s Centrepolis Accelerator helps fuel the growth of small manufacturers and hardware entrepreneurs, providing access to cutting-edge technologies, mentors, corporate connections and a 6,200-square-foot workspace and manufacturing lab in Southfield.
“We’re trying to understand how drone usage may be beneficial for hard technology, workforce development, connectivity, and more,” says Pedro Guillen, chief operations officer of LTU’s Centrepolis Accelerator.
The initiative is fueled by several sources, including a $1 million Make It in Michigan Mobility Prototyping Grant from the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, a $500,000 grant from the Michigan Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation, and an additional $500,000 in grant funds.
“Drone, autonomous, and next-gen mobility technologies are set to transform industries from defense and automotive to health care, construction, agriculture and beyond,” says Tarek Sobh, president of LTU. “Lawrence Technological University’s focus on offering an industry-immersed, technologically eminent education — grounded in research and creative practices — make us the perfect partner to drive this initiative forward.”
Through LTU’s Make It in Michigan Mobility Prototyping Grant Program, Guillen says, university is looking to fund the 20 most promising businesses working in any of three categories:
- Uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) for commercial, defense or both.
- Autonomous navigation that addresses national security.
- Mobility innovation.
At Centrepolis Accelerator, Guillen says he’s already working with startups like Swarm Defense, which has evolved from hosting drone light shows to manufacturing more than 12,000 drones annually.
“We’re looking at how to diversify,” says Guillen who says he sees wide-ranging potential for the use of uncrewed technologies for work that includes national defense, the automotive industry and extends to improve overall health and safety.
Some examples include:
- Drones can test weapons that counter-UAS technology (the systems used to detect, track, and neutralize or mitigate threats posed by drones).
- Drone-assisted energy audits in construction can identify potential for leaks or damage.
- Drone-assisted blood distribution for hospitals in remote areas that rely on ambulance deliveries.
- Bridge audit inspections can be completed by remote piloting.
- Drone-assisted transportation moving needed parts from distribution center to car dealership.
- Personal safety drones for high-risk environments.
- Precision agriculture using drones to monitor crops, pests, and water usage.
As drone technologies intersect with AI, Guillen says he sees LTU as uniquely positioned to lead this cross-disciplinary revolution through education, workforce development, and enterprise collaboration.
“We have great programs in mechanical, electrical, or software engineering as well as gaming,” Guillen says. “Drones are an opportunity-rich space. Here, we can transform the automotive space, building and manufacturing.”
