The Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) and the Michigan National Guard (MING) have agreed to jointly engage Michigan’s defense-focused innovation resources to make relevant critical infrastructure available to entrepreneurs so they can advance and test their ideas.
The Infrastructure for Innovation initiative was created by Michigan Executive Directive 2024-2, which instructs state agencies to catalogue technology, equipment, and facilities across the state and work with the owners to make it available to the innovators who need it.
Through the partnership, MING will place a special emphasis on highlighting business ease of use, ease of access to facilities, and year-round availability of Michigan-based military installations and infrastructure.
MEDC will emphasize close coordination with local, county, and state government entities to streamline processes of innovation infrastructure use and incentivization. The combined effort will highlight a whole-of-government approach to expanding economic opportunities in the state.
“Michigan is home to a variety of military assets, infrastructure, and test facilities that significantly impact our economy and national defense strategy,” says Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general of the Michigan National Guard and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
“Historically, the Michigan National Guard has prioritized establishment and development of partnerships with the military and defense entities within the region to enhance innovation-enabling capabilities. We are excited about the opportunity to enhance these partnerships through use of Michigan-based defense capabilities and infrastructure, increasing the level of impact that Michigan’s defense industry has locally and globally.”
This effort seeks to ensure Michigan can be more accessible to defense, dual-use, and non-defense early-stage companies. It will also help the state identify and, where appropriate, develop assets and infrastructure necessary to enhance emerging technologies that advance national security priorities and capabilities.
 and the Michigan National Guard (MING) have agreed to jointly engage Michigan’s defense-focused innovation resources to make relevant critical infrastructure available to entrepreneurs so they can advance and test their ideas.){kind=link}