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MTRAC for Life Sciences Innovation Hub

MTRAC Life Sciences — Kickstart Early-Stage Award

Supports early life science teams at Michigan institutions by guiding proof of concept work toward development.

The MTRAC Life Sciences Kickstart Early-Stage Award is part of Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization (MTRAC), a statewide program co-managed by University of Michigan Innovation Partnerships and U-M Medical School's Fast Forward Medical Innovation office. The program's operating budget of approximately $2 million is funded 50/50 by the Michigan Strategic Fund (via the Michigan Econ

Early-stage life sciences translational work with commercial potential at Michigan research institutions, including in-vivo testing, prototype development, beta testing, and drug-candidate pre-clinical activities.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Multiple per year
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.1 Nov 2026
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.50%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.$2M

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Last verified: 22 Jul 2026Source: innovationpartnerships.umich.edu