Regional Innovation Funds : Innovation Fund



Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the initial eight recipients of Michigan’s first-ever ‘Innovation Fund,’ distributing $60 million across existing and emerging venture funds to support early-stage startups throughout the state. The program awarded funding to organizations including ID Ventures, Ann Arbor SPARK, University of Michigan Accelerate Blue Fund, and MSU Research Foundation, with additional funds reserved for entrepreneurial support programs and pitch competitions.

This initiative represents part of Michigan’s broader ‘Make it in Michigan” economic development strategy, aimed at retaining entrepreneurial talent and competing with traditional tech hubs for startup investment and innovation. The bipartisan support for the fund demonstrates growing recognition that state-level innovation investments are critical tools for regional economic development. By supporting both established evergreen funds and emerging investment organizations, Michigan is creating a comprehensive ecosystem designed to nurture startups from the idea stage through maturity.

Image Credit: MEDC



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