NextEnergy

More initiatives and news from the inaugural Mobility Conference! While the Pitch MI competition took center stage, Gov. Whitmer announced two more major programs: First, Changing Lanes is a new program that utilizes resources from the state’s entrepreneurship channels to create a talent pipeline fostering job creation and innovations by bridging the startup and automotive ecosystems. Next, the Michigander Scholars program enables mobility companies to retain local tech students by offering networking opportunities, industry experience, and scholarships across multiple sectors. Learn about these programs and more: https://lnkd.in/e5MDSbpj

Congrats to Civilized Cycles on winning the inaugural Pitch MI competition at the MI Future Mobility Conference! Civilized Cycles designs and manufactures ultra-light EVs for commercial cargo transportation. They are located in Michigan Central where they design and build their bikes. Nearly 50 companies applied to Pitch MI, which was narrowed down based on innovation, feasibility, impact, and other criteria. Four finalists then presented at the conference. All four finalists presented compelling pitches. We are proud of GEKOT Robotics Inc., Boaz Bikes, and Voltaic Marine for representing the amazing innovation happening right here in Michigan. Learn more about Civilized Cycles and why they chose Michigan: https://lnkd.in/eyP_654K

Today we spotlight our partners at OpenGrid, a company simplifying fast charging for electric vehicles. In a new LinkedIn article, co-founder Nanbo Liu explains how OpenGrid has made the charging station installation process easier - and the charging time faster: "We aim to make fast charging a natural and effortless part of your weekly routine, fitting seamlessly into your life without disruption." Check out the full article and be sure to stop by the Detroit Smart Parking Lab to check out their fast charging station! https://lnkd.in/enGsdKcc

Our friends at Orange Sparkle Ball, Inc. have expanded their pilot program to now include Penny Pickup, a platform where autonomous and micromobility solutions can be requested for specific waste pickup and reuse. If you're in the greater Corktown area, you can now request a pickup for plastic bags, e-waste, and food waste. Check out the map below to see the full coverage area. You can sign up for Penny Pickup here: https://lnkd.in/gxs8G9S4

Food trucks are a critical component of downtown Detroit’s lunch ecosystem. What if they were suddenly powered by clean hydrogen? We went to Cadillac Square to check out the future of clean energy. Both NextEnergy and Michigan Clean Cities were represented as we visited with our friends from the Office of Mobility Innovation at The City of Detroit and the Downtown Detroit Partnership. The future of clean energy looks bright!

Our team is excited to attend the Mobility Conference at Newlab in Michigan Central on Oct. 24! This is an event you can’t miss if you’re passionate about the future of transportation and innovation! Hosted by Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Mobility MI, this is your chance to: 🔹 Dive deep into the future of autonomous, electric, and connected vehicles. 🔹 Network with industry leaders driving change. 🔹 Discover the latest trends in sustainable mobility solutions. Whether you're in tech, automotive, or public policy, this is the place to see how Michigan is paving the way in mobility innovation! Be sure to register before spots fill up: https://lnkd.in/dRzTHtD5

The Detroit Auto Show is returning to its original January time slot and you can buy your tickets now! Though the show won't be outside, you'll still get to see the innovation and experiential events at Huntington Place in downtown Detroit. The AutoMobili-D technology showcase and future leaders forum will also return, presented by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. See more about the show and book your tickets: https://lnkd.in/eWVsiU7Z

This week the Michigan Clean Cities team was in Jackson, MI to celebrate their new fleet of electric school buses. Partners from the It’s Electric coalition were in attendance including US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 5, Clean Fuels Michigan, and Highland Electric Fleets. Funding for these buses was provided by the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program. Districts can still apply for funding: https://lnkd.in/e8PEpmiV

More fun events from The Battery Show! Last night we attended a networking reception with our friends from across the Detroit River at the Renaissance Center. Pictured from left to right: Maggie Striz Calnin, a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Lauren Mattar, and Nick Thomas.