Automation Alley has active partnerships with the following organizations:
National Automotive Center - Liaison member
Automation Alley operates under a formal Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC). TARDEC houses the U.S. Army National Automotive Center (NAC) that operates with a primary mission to serve as a catalyst linking industry, academia, and government in the development and exchange of dual-use (advanced automotive/defense) technologies that benefit all sectors. The National Automotive Center has provided additional project seed funds to Automation Alley for technology commercialization in the dual-use and homeland defense technology areas. This early stage commercialization funding is perhaps the most difficult and critically needed type of technology business development funding, and an available pool of capital for qualified businesses represents a significant differentiating advantage.
To learn more about how your organization can partner with the NAC through their SBIR program, click here. To view the entire Department of Defense SBIR programs, click here.
Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Through its official affiliation with the State of Michigan, Automation Alley offers services to Southeast Michigan businesses as a Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) SmartZone technology accelerator. A grant from the State of Michigan and funding from MEDC (as well as other sources) allowed Automation Alley to construct its Headquarters, which opened in 2004.
The Headquarters is located in the designated Automation Alley Technology Park - Troy, located on Big Beaver between John R and Rochester Roads. It is also located in one of Michigan’s 11 designated SmartZones that were created through the assistance of the MEDC to stimulate the growth of technology-based companies.
For additional information on the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, click here.