Scheduled for October 24 during the inaugural MI Future Mobility Conference in Detroit, the competition aims to foster a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem by connecting innovators with capital and resources, a key element of Governor Whitmer’s strategic plan for economic growth.
Spurring Innovation to Solve Real-World Mobility Challenges
Governor Whitmer’s PitchMI initiative underscores her administration’s dedication to lowering costs, strengthening the workforce, and restoring infrastructure. By encouraging innovative ideas, Whitmer hopes to continue building on Michigan’s legacy as a hub for creativity and engineering excellence. With the state's unmatched research and development capacity, home to the most engineers per capita and the 5th largest advanced manufacturing workforce, the competition provides fertile ground for revolutionary ideas to take root.
“Building a more prosperous future for Michigan means supporting and investing in innovators and entrepreneurs,” Governor Whitmer said in her announcement. “PitchMI will unleash Michigan’s innovative spirit, strengthen our entrepreneurial ecosystem, create good-paying jobs, and spur new ideas on the future of mobility.”
The competition will focus on solutions that are demonstration-ready, meaning applicants must have working prototypes to present to judges and potential investors. The target participants are pre-seed, seed, Series A, and Series B companies with at least 51% of their workforce based in Michigan. The emphasis is on practicality and real-world application, ensuring that the ideas presented are not only creative but also feasible.
Empowering Michigan Entrepreneurs for Global Impact
Chief Growth Officer Hilary Doe echoed Whitmer’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of giving Michigan entrepreneurs the platform they need to thrive. Doe noted that the competition is designed not only to provide capital but also to offer visibility for startups, a crucial component in their growth and success.
“This competition offers our entrepreneurs a stage to share their ideas with the world and demonstrate yet again that Michigan is at the cutting edge of innovation,” Doe said. By showcasing Michigan’s talent, the state aims to attract businesses and talent, drive population growth, and support local startups in scaling their operations.
These efforts align with Michigan’s broader commitment to placemaking and fostering a knowledge economy, creating an environment where innovation thrives in tandem with community prosperity.
A Holistic Approach to Innovation: Michigan’s New Ecosystem Officer
Governor Whitmer’s focus on innovation doesn’t stop with PitchMI. Earlier this year, she appointed Ben Marchionna as Michigan’s first-ever Chief Innovation Ecosystem Officer. In his new role, Marchionna oversees the development and growth of Michigan's innovation economy. He emphasized the state’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and tackling the real-world challenges of the future.
“This competition will build on our work to empower innovators to tackle real-world challenges, building a stronger, more connected Michigan,” said Marchionna. “It’s about sparking the next wave of globally impactful solutions.”
PitchMI will help sustain the momentum created by the Growing Michigan Together Council, which has identified innovation as a key driver in attracting and retaining talent, creating high-paying jobs, and cementing Michigan's reputation as the innovation hub of the Midwest.
Deadlines and Application Information
The deadline to apply for PitchMI is rapidly approaching, with applications due by Monday, September 16 at 11:59 p.m. ET. The competition is open to startups across various stages of growth, from pre-seed to Series B, provided that they meet the residency and prototype requirements.
Interested entrepreneurs can find more information and apply at growingmichigan.org/opportunities.
Whitmer’s Broader Commitment to Michigan’s Economic Future
PitchMI is just one part of Governor Whitmer’s broader initiative to foster economic growth in Michigan. As part of the FY '25 budget, she has secured $45.5 million to support Talent and Growth initiatives aimed at expanding Michigan’s workforce and growing its population. Additionally, $10 million has been earmarked for Minority-Owned Business Grants, ensuring that underrepresented entrepreneurs have the support they need to succeed.
Governor Whitmer also signed an Executive Directive for Innovation, calling for a statewide catalog of technology equipment and facilities that innovators can access to further develop their ideas. This move complements her appointment of Ben Marchionna and ensures that entrepreneurs have the resources and government support needed to scale their businesses in Michigan.
With these bold initiatives, Michigan is well on its way to becoming not only the Midwest's premier innovation hub but a national leader in solving the transportation challenges of the future.
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.
Most Popular
Comments / 0