Key Industry
Industry profile: Advanced Manufacturing
Contact us
Email: info@urcmich.org
Phone: (517) 999-4007
The URC: A Critical Driver of Advanced Manufacturing Success
The URC has bold aspirations to rebuild America’s manufacturing capacity with advanced technologies and processes that enable many sectors—including mobility, robotics and energy—to be more globally competitive. It contributes to a thriving economy by preparing talent, conducting research and development, bringing new technology into the commercial space, and establishing strong partnerships among participating universities and industry leaders.
Embracing Technology
A manufacturing revolution
“Report after report shows that Michigan is leading the future of advanced manufacturing.”
- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
Metrics
Talent
The URC is a national leader among university innovation clusters in preparing graduates for careers in advanced manufacturing–over 7,700 in 2022, more than university clusters in California, Massachusetts, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. 1
URC universities awarded 12,430 high-tech and 13,132 high-demand degrees, including those in computer science, business and engineering in 2022, ranking fourth in high-tech degrees and third in high-demand degrees among other peer university innovation clusters.2
The University of Michigan and Michigan State University rank among the top 50 universities for engineering programs. U-M ranks second for graduate industrial/ manufacturing/systems engineering and fifth for engineering overall according to U.S. News & World Report. 4, 5, 6
Keep Exploring:
Wayne State’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering launched the state’s first online semiconductor engineering master’s program, which offers an interdisciplinary curriculum, including real-world experience, preparing students for in-demand careers in a broad range of industries.3
Michigan State University recently introduced a new Technology Engineering bachelor of science program that integrates engineering and technology to cultivate practice-ready engineers prepared to address the challenges of our interconnected world.7
Michigan Advanced Vision for Education and Research in Integrated Circuits (MAVERIC)
Michigan Advanced Vision for Education and Research in Integrated Circuits (MAVERIC) is a joint effort of University of Michigan faculty to harness courses, research and resources to address the challenges in the development and production of next-generation semiconductors, with a focus on automotive systems and beyond. Their solutions encompass novel materials, circuits, architectures, and innovative educational initiatives that substantially expand the semiconductor workforce. U-M offers over 54 courses in the semiconductors and nanoelectronics domain, spanning materials, future technologies, devices, VLSI, wireless communication, and computing systems. Courses range from upper-division undergraduate to introductory and advanced graduate courses, and are offered by the University’s engineering, physics and chemistry degree programs.8
Wayne State’s Manufacturing Engineering Program covers various aspects of advanced manufacturing,
Wayne State’s Manufacturing Engineering Program covers various aspects of advanced manufacturing, CNC machining, robotics, and automation. Students work with program faculty to conduct research and develop solutions to improve manufacturing processes and systems efficiency.9
MSU’s Engineering and Digital Innovation Center
MSU’s Engineering and Digital Innovation Center will cultivate a skilled tech workforce and become a regional hub for advanced manufacturing research. The center, currently in the architectural design phase, will ensure graduates are ready to work in a world with rapidly increasing manufacturing digitization.10
Semiconductor Education and Training
- The Michigan Semiconductor Talent and Automotive Research (MSTAR) initiative, a public-private partnership between semiconductor company KLA, Belgium-based technology innovation hub imec, the University of Michigan, Washtenaw Community College, General Motors and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), established a center of excellence in Michigan creating a skilled talent pipeline for future chip manufacturing and training programs to prepare the current workforce for future careers.11
- With support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Semi Higher Education Initiative, the largest investment in state history to expand semiconductor education and workforce training, professors of electrical and computer engineering at Wayne State University are launching new programs that will help develop the future workforce in the semiconductor industry and keep the state of Michigan among the top regions for semiconductor talent, solutions and growth.12
MSU’s Department of Mechanical Engineering
MSU’s Department of Mechanical Engineering teaches advanced and traditional manufacturing, including rapid prototyping, with an undergraduate concentration in Manufacturing Engineering that involves product development from design through prototype fabrication. Graduate courses in metal forming, additive manufacturing, and statistical quality design and control are also offered.
The Advanced Technology Education Center at Wayne State
The Advanced Technology Education Center at Wayne State provides training and workforce development programs in advanced manufacturing technologies and collaborates with industry partners on research projects to address manufacturing challenges.13
Research and Development
In 2022, total research and development expenditures for URC universities reached $2.8 billion, marking a growth of 7.2 % over the previous year.14
In the past five years, URC schools have conducted more than $542.4 million in mobility-related research and development, including work that involves autonomous vehicles, crosswalk and curb sensors, cybersecurity and consumer experiences.15
MSU transformed its 5,200-acre campus into a live, connected ecosystem across 8.1 square miles of contiguous urban, suburban, industrial and rural zones, making it a one-of-a-kind environment to study all areas of mobility advancement.16 MSU’s mobility research includes providing vehicle and pedestrian modeling and management for safety, efficiency, and predictive control and integrated recognition and situational awareness for high-level recognition of the environment.17
Keep Exploring:
Michigan Advanced Vision for Education and Research in Integrated Circuits (MAVERIC)
Michigan Advanced Vision for Education and Research in Integrated Circuits (MAVERIC) is a University of Michigan semiconductor collaborative pulling together efforts from across the university to support a secure, resilient and innovative domestic semiconductor sector. Through education, research, and top-tier facilities, MAVERIC has secured numerous patents and produced multiple startups.18
The Wayne State University Industry Innovation Center
The Wayne State University Industry Innovation Center. As the first major investment in Detroit Urban Solutions, a partnership between Wayne State, TechTown Detroit and NextEnergy, Wayne State’s 45,000 square-foot Industry Innovation Center includes a microgrid pavilion for vehicle-to-grid research demonstration, electric vehicle infrastructure, biofuels and hydrogen fuel cell demonstration facilities and an Internet of Things smart house, demonstrating many of the latest IoT technologies.19
MSU’s research in Advanced Manufacturing
MSU’s research in Advanced Manufacturing develops new manufacturing processes integrating traditional manufacturing, additive manufacturing, and post processing (e.g., vibration- and magnetic field-assisted machining). MSU capabilities in additive manufacturing include powder-bed fusion (selective-laser and electron-beam melting, or SLM and EBM), direct energy deposition (DED), and binder jet printing (BJP). Projects include manufacturing compact heat exchangers for extreme conditions, magnetic electric motors, innovative antennae, and shape memory stents and dental implants tailored to individual patients.
Wayne State’s Materials Science and Engineering Program
Wayne State’s Materials Science and Engineering Program conducts research on advanced materials, including their synthesis, characterization, and application in the manufacturing processes. This includes research on nanometals, polymers, and composites.20
U-M’s Center for Wireless Integrated MicroSensing and Systems
U-M’s Center for Wireless Integrated MicroSensing and Systems (WIMS2) researches micro/nano-scale sensors and systems for various applications, including advanced manufacturing processes monitoring and control.21
MSU’s Composite Materials and Structures Center conducts research on composite materials and their manufacturing processes
MSU’s Composite Materials and Structures Center conducts research on composite materials and their manufacturing processes. Projects include developing lightweight and high-strength composites for automotive and aerospace applications.22
Center for Materials Innovation at the University of Michigan
The NSF-funded Center for Materials Innovation at the University of Michigan is a campus-wide ecosystem established to accelerate the design, discovery, and deployment of novel materials critical for the Industries of Tomorrow, including advanced manufacturing, clean energy/sustainability, artificial intelligence, and future semiconductors.23
The Arava Research Group at Wayne State
The Arava Research Group at Wayne State explores fundamental electrochemical principles underlying energy systems such as batteries, supercapacitors and fuel cells. Research applications include developing high-energy and safe batteries for electric vehicles, microbatteries to power microsensors and flexible hybrid energy devices for wearable assistive technologies.24
U-M’s world-class Lurie Nanofabrication Facility
U-M’s world-class Lurie Nanofabrication Facility supports semiconductor research, hands-on education, and regional economic development. The facility enables multidisciplinary research, experiential learning, and cooperation with industry to advance cutting-edge technologies. Its mission is to serve technology educators and creators through broad access to advanced nanofabrication equipment and staff expertise in a safe, collaborative environment. Over the past five years, 95 companies, 150 U-M faculty members and researchers from 40 other U.S. universities have used the lab.25
Successful Commercialization
URC schools’ research and development investments can lead to new inventions or startup companies, supporting growth and dynamism in Michigan’s economy.
The average annual commercialization activity (2018–2022) of URC universities:26
License options
Inventions disclosed
Start-Ups Launched
Patents awarded
Keep Exploring:
University of Michigan is a partner in two CHIPS Act Midwest microelectronics hubs
University of Michigan is a partner in two CHIPS Act Midwest microelectronics hubs designed to accelerate domestic hardware prototyping and “lab-to-fab” commercialization of semiconductor technologies, as well as develop the U.S.-based semiconductor workforce. Both these efforts are aimed at increasing the resilience of the domestic semiconductor supply and talent.27
Great Lakes Crystal Technologies began as a collaboration between MSU and the Fraunhofer USA Center for Coatings and Diamond Technologies
Great Lakes Crystal Technologies began as a collaboration between MSU and the Fraunhofer USA Center for Coatings and Diamond Technologies and is creating commercial diamond materials applications for semiconductors and other advanced electronics sought after by entities such as the U.S. Department of Energy.28
Wayne State University researchers are working to optimize maintenance planning and reduce failures through stamping tool failure prediction
Wayne State University researchers are working to optimize maintenance planning and reduce failures through stamping tool failure prediction using machine learning algorithms to predict when a machine or equipment is likely to fail or experience a breakdown. By analyzing historical data and identifying patterns and indicators, this failure prediction system can provide early warnings or alerts, enabling proactive maintenance and minimizing downtime.29
Movellus, a University of Michigan startup, drives innovative efficiencies in the semiconductor industry.
Movellus, a University of Michigan startup, drives innovative efficiencies in the semiconductor industry. Movellus is a digital IP platform that delivers chip-level architectural innovations to improve system-on-chip (SoC) performance and reduce power consumption. Movellus technology is integrated into various applications ranging from edge AI devices (small, low-power computing devices at the edge of a network) to high-performance cloud datacenters.30
NanoXplore, a leader in graphene production and innovative applications
NanoXplore, a leader in graphene production and innovative applications including mechanical strengthening, electromagnetic shielding, and electrical and thermal conductivity applies Michigan State University professors’ research in their production processes.31 Their patented mechanochemical production process is low cost, large volume, and highly scalable and is also environmentally friendly.32
Wayne State University research
Wayne State University research has produced precursors for atomic layer deposition growth of metal oxide and nitride thin films. The technology encompasses several novel nitrogen donor ligands that provide volatile, thermally stable, and reactive precursors for broad implementation in the semiconductor industry and the microelectronics manufacturing.33
Ulendo, an advanced manufacturing startup from the University of Michigan, is a software services company specializing in manufacturing automation
Ulendo, an advanced manufacturing startup from the University of Michigan, is a software services company specializing in manufacturing automation. The company provides advanced software solutions that monitor, control, and optimize the performance of manufacturing machines, aiming to improve productivity and quality while reducing costs.34
RedoxBlox, Michigan State University’s 2024 Startup of the Year
RedoxBlox, Michigan State University’s 2024 Startup of the Year, uses a novel energy storage material developed by MSU Mechanical Engineering researchers to decarbonize grid storage and industrial heat.35
The statewide Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization (MTRAC) Advanced Computing Technologies Innovation Hub at Wayne State University
The statewide Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization (MTRAC) Advanced Computing Technologies Innovation Hub at Wayne State University provides resources to support translational Wayne State research with high commercial potential. The program includes research funding for proof-of-concept and late-stage translational studies, regulatory guidance, business plan development and mentorship from industry and investment experts outside the University for technologies in Cognitive Computing, Immersive Technologies, Cybersecurity, Internet of Things, Industry X.0, and Blockchain.36
Powerful partnerships
Partnership highlights
URC universities work closely with mobility centers and businesses, including the Academic Consortium at the American Center for Mobility
URC universities work closely with mobility centers and businesses, including the Academic Consortium at the American Center for Mobility, a nonprofit smart mobility test center at Willow Run in Ypsilanti. The center provides test environments, the opportunity for mobility companies to co-locate, and convening and demonstration space.37, 38
U-M’s Economic Growth Institute (EGI)
U-M’s Economic Growth Institute (EGI) seeks to leverage university resources, research, technologies, and expertise to foster innovation and create positive economic impact for local, state and national communities and economies by working with small and medium-sized enterprises. The EGI also partners with URC institutions, as follows:
- Wayne State University and the EGI are key partners in Mobility Accelerator Innovation Network (MAIN). MAIN is one of six components of the Global Epicenter of Mobility (GEM) initiative, which received one of 60 Build Back Better Regional Challenge grants awarded nationwide by the U.S. Economic Development Administration in 2023. GEM is designed to create a smart, secure, sustainable and inclusive advanced mobility industry in Southeast Michigan, with MAIN focused on accelerating the growth of mobility startups in the region.39
- The MSU Industrial Training Assessment Center and the EGI received joint funding from the U.S. Department of Energy in August 2024 to launch the Michigan Automotive Supply Chain Technical Assistance Program. This two-year initiative will help small and medium-sized manufacturers in Michigan’s automotive sector transition to electric vehicle components and diversify their product lines.40
Wayne State and U-M are key partners of the national consortium, LIFT
Wayne State and U-M are key partners of the national consortium, LIFT. LIFT connects industry, academia and government to promote the development and adoption of new advanced manufacturing techniques and educational resources.41, 42
The MSU Research Foundation received a Tech Hubs Strategy Development Award from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration
The MSU Research Foundation received a Tech Hubs Strategy Development Award from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration. The award supports the Materials Advancement and Research Solutions Strategy Development Consortium, a partnership among the MSU Research Foundation, MSU and Fraunhofer USA Inc. that intends to use its collective expertise in advanced materials science in the manufacturing of specialized synthetic diamonds and rare isotopes, essential materials to advancements in semiconductor chips, quantum computing, and advanced manufacturing, among other key applications.43
The University of Michigan’s Mcity
The University of Michigan’s Mcity, a public-private research partnership among industry, government, and academia, funds research and works with partners to deploy connected and automated vehicles in the community. The Mcity Test Facility opened in 2015 as the world’s first purpose-built proving ground for these vehicles, offering a safe, controlled site to test performance and safety in a “city” set up to simulate urban and suburban driving.44
Rationale
Michigan is a leader in advanced manufacturing
Long an epicenter for manufacturing, Michigan has invested in advanced manufacturing and its workforce, making it smarter, more efficient, sustainable and globally competitive. The state, with local leadership from URC universities, continues to ensure the prominence of advanced manufacturing as a foundational asset for the state’s economy, its environment and its residents. Initiatives such as the Make it in Michigan Competitiveness Fund and the MEDC’s Industry 4.0 (I4.0) Technology Implementation Grant program set the stage for successful enterprise with URC universities poised to lead the charge. The State’s MOU with KLA and imec to become the home of the MSTAR Initiative demonstrates international recognition of Michigan’s stature as a leader in advanced manufacturing.
Favorable policies
Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Legislature allocated $350 million to launch the Make it in Michigan Competitiveness Fund, positioning Michigan to capture more federal resources to power domestic manufacturing, modernize infrastructure to support industry, improve quality of life and install new clean energy resources to lower costs and grow the economy.45, 46
Michigan’s $125 million Battery and Advanced Manufacturing Challenge provides matching funds for battery and advanced manufacturing projects that will help bring federal investments in transformative projects to Michigan.47, 48, 49
The MEDC’s I4.0 Technology Implementation Grant program provides 50% reimbursement to small businesses that have conducted an I4.0 technology assessment and are ready to implement I4.0 technologies, particularly transformative technologies such as robotics, automation, additive manufacturing and advanced materials.50
Michigan’s semiconductor industry contributes $4.6 billion to the state’s total gross regional product. Recognizing the intrinsic link between the semiconductor sector and the automotive and mobility industry ecosystem, the state proactively championed and supported the semiconductor industry, which accounts for nearly 19% of all U.S. automotive manufacturing.51
Vibrant and growing workforce
The MEDC I4.0 Technology Implementation Grant program supports advancement of the manufacturing and semiconductor workforce
The MEDC I4.0 Technology Implementation Grant program supports advancement of the manufacturing and semiconductor workforce through grant funding for employers seeking to modernize their workforce and advance the skill sets of nontraditional students.52
The state is coordinating with the SEMI Foundation’s Semiconductor Career and Apprenticeship Network Registered Apprenticeships program
The state is coordinating with the SEMI Foundation’s Semiconductor Career and Apprenticeship Network Registered Apprenticeships program53 to accelerate development of entry-level technicians, operators, and professionals for microelectronics careers.
Michigan recently launched the Semiconductor Talent Action Team
Michigan recently launched the Semiconductor Talent Action Team.54 The team deployed grants to higher education partners to develop industry-led semiconductor curricula, pre-K–12 and community engagement efforts and a Semiconductors Scholars program to encourage top engineering talent to seek employment in Michigan.55
Michigan has 26 Original Equipment Manufacturer headquarters and technology centers, the highest concentration in the U.S
Michigan has 26 Original Equipment Manufacturer headquarters and technology centers, the highest concentration in the U.S. One-third of battery development and production happens in Michigan and the mobility industry totaled an economic output of $304 billion in 2019, representing 23% of Michigan’s gross state product. More than 1.1 million Michigan jobs are either directly or indirectly tied to the mobility industry, more than 25% of the state’s 4 million private-sector jobs.56
Ranked at the Top of the Country Across Multiple Metrics in Advanced Manufacturing
Michigan ranks number one in the U.S. for concentration of engineering employment57 and number three for advanced materials workforce.58
Michigan has the fifth largest advanced manufacturing workforce in the country 65,000 workers.59
Michigan is home to nearly one-fifth of U.S. auto production and is ranked first in the nation for concentration of engineers.60
Michigan has the fourth largest engineering, design and development workforce in the nation.61
Michigan ranks in the top ten states for STEM degree completions in the nation.62
With 250,000 workers in the skilled trades, Michigan’s skilled trades workforce ranks in the top ten nationally.63
Michigan’s semiconductor workforce ranks among the top ten in the nation.64
In science and engineering, the state ranks seventh in research and development performance and 12th in science and engineering degrees awarded as a percentage of total degrees, according to the National Science Foundation. Michigan ranks 11th in academic research space.65
52Source: michiganbusiness.org
53Source: semiscan.org
54Source: michiganbusiness.org
55Source: businesswire.com
56Source: michauto.org
57Source: michiganbusiness.org
58Source: michiganbusiness.org
59Source: michiganbusiness.org
60Source: michiganbusiness.org
61Source: michiganbusiness.org
62Source: mistempartnership.com
63Source: michiganbusiness.org
64Source: michiganbusiness.org
65Source: nsf.gov
Culture of innovation
The city of Detroit—Michigan’s largest city and home to Wayne State University—is the top-ranked emerging startup ecosystem in North America, according to Startup Genome. The publication cited “the funding, local business network and support resources” for transforming Detroit into “one of the country’s most promising innovation and startup hubs.”66
Michigan businesses spent $22.4 billion on R&D in 2018, ranking fourth in the nation, and ranking fourth nationally for business R&D spending-to-GDP ratio—twice as high as the national average.67
Michigan’s venture capital industry had a total deal value of $1.0 billion in 2023, in part through strategic investments in mobility.68
Rapidly increasing megaprojects in Michigan. The four-year period from 2017 to 2020 saw six new megaprojects entering Michigan, while the two-year period from 2021 to 2022 saw more than 30. Of those, about 75% were in EV, battery, and/or semiconductor industries.69
69Source: Lansing Economic Area Partnership communications (n.d.)
Strategic location and strong infrastructure
Michigan’s strategic location and extensive transportation infrastructure provide unrivaled connectivity. The state boasts the busiest North American crossing (Detroit-Windsor port of entry) and plans to enhance cross-border trade with opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge in 2025. The Detroit region boasts seven interstates, four railroads, seven ports and 15 airports, including the award-winning Detroit Metropolitan Airport, offering global flight connections.
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