This document describes an Industry 4.0 accelerator program centered in Michigan. The program aims to support startups and small businesses bringing Industry 4.0 technologies to market, like robotics, AI, and advanced manufacturing. It will provide funding, connections to manufacturers, and support commercializing technologies. The goal is to help manufacturers adopt these innovations to remain competitive amid increasing automation. Selected companies will engage with partners, explore demonstration projects, and receive up to $110k in funding.

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Industry 4.0 ACCELERATOR
AN Advanced Manufacturing TECH PROGRAM

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An accelerator program centered in the heart of the world’s
most important advanced manufacturing market…Michigan
What is it?
I4.0 is focused on supporting the commercialization and growth of
Industry 4.0 technology companies enabled by the market pull of
Michigan manufacturer’s demand for implementation of these solutions.

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Why?
 Highest concentration of advanced mfg companies and advanced mfg R&D
firms
 Manufacturing companies not adopting Industry 4.0 technologies are at
serious risk of being non competitive in an increasingly globally competitive
environment
 Aligns with Michigan’s mission to lead in manufacturing innovation including
leading the charge in adoption of Industry 4.0 technology and in the
development and deployment of advanced material
 Supports Michigan’s business attraction, retention, growth, expansion and
industry cluster strategic plan

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Why?
Approximately 42% of Michigan’s labor force, could be
impacted by automation, including its top three sectors
High Medium Low
Automation potential
1 Does not include public sector jobs, except schools, hospitals, and USPS
358
241
204
191
106
90
89
85
77
72
56
53
23
20
18
16
9
3
2
173
Retail Trade
Utilities
Accomm. and Food Svcs.
Health Care
Admin and Support
Professional Services
Educational Services
Other Services
Construction
Wholesale Trade
55
71Management of Companies
Finance and Insurance
Information
Real Estate
Arts/Entertainment
Mining
Agriculture
1,713Total
144
608
478
386
20
294
4
299
350
165
124
57
624
6
Transport./Warehousing
145
4,057
Manufacturing
53
Estimates of number of jobs1 impacted by industry in Michigan, 2017, Thousands
59
50
53
31
62
30
24
47
45
42
37
33
35
33
30
45
48
40
42
35
▪ Largest impacts
from automation
will come in sectors
where larger
portions of the
work are
predictable
physical labor, and
data collecting and
processing
▪ As tasks are
automated away,
focus may be a
needed on
redeploying or
retraining workers,
and adapting
business models to
reflect new cost
structures
Not automatableAutomatable (FTE equivalent)
SOURCE: IEDC EDRP, “Industry 4.0”, 2019, Bureau of Labor Statistics

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What is it?
 The program will support both start-ups and small businesses who are
bringing to market Industry 4.0 innovation that support manufacturing
automation and efficiencies in the following areas…
 Robotics and automation system
 Human-Machine interaction & cobots
 Smart factory systems
 Machines that predict failures and trigger maintenance processes autonomously
 Self-organized inventory, Kanban and logistics systems
 Highly flexible production systems
 Real time data collection, exchange and analytics
 Cyber-physical systems
 Internet of things, cloud computing, interoperability and cognitive computing
 AI/AR/VR for manufacturing operational efficiencies
 Advanced engineered materials and manufacturing processes
 Additive manufacturing systems that support prototyping, tooling and production

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Industry 4.0 Innovation Pipeline

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How would we find the best Industry
4.0 tech companies?
 Automation Alley Industry 4.0 education and networking events
 Other Industry 4.0 Accelerators (I4 Valley, H-Farm, Bind.40, Fasttrack)
 Connections with global Hardware, Manufacturing, Robotics
incubators/accelerators
 MIBA and Start-Up Central
 Global Accelerator Network
 Corporate partners
 Investor partners
 Government partners
 Accelerator and investor platforms (e.g., F6S, SidePitch, Gust)
 Targeted digital marketing and social media campaign
 Participating in Industry 4.0 events globally
 Webinar series case studies derived from demo projects

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Who does it serve?
Global Industry 4.0 Tech Start-Ups Global Industry 4.0 Tech Small Biz MI Manufacturers

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Industry 4.0 Innovation Application
Apply for I4.0 Accelerator Program on Gust:
https://gust.com/programs/automation-alley-industry-4-0-accelerator/startups/new
Apply for I4.0 Accelerator Program on F6S:
https://www.f6s.com/automationalleyindustry4.0accelerator/apply

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Industry 4.0 Application and Committee Process
• Rolling applications
• Accepting applications now
• Applications accepted are vetted via a thorough tech and market value due
diligence process with…
• I4.0 Tech Committee
• Industry partners
• Investor and stakeholder partners
• Companies are down selected for 1on1 interview for further due diligence
• Companies accepted are provided tactical or deep level engagements
Industry 4.0 Innovation Vetting & Due
Diligence

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Industry 4.0 Innovation Application
Process
Month 1
Stage 1
• Applications will be reviewed by Accelerator project team to make sure companies meet criteria
and are a fit for Accelerator services
Stage 2
• Down selected applicants will be reviewed by Accelerator Technology Committee, a panel of
manufacturing efficiency experts who will scored based on the following criteria
• Quality and Completeness of Presentation
• Strength and Validation of Value Proposition to Manufacturing Operations
• Strength of Intellectual Property
• Understanding of Competitive Landscape & Uniqueness of Solution
• Strength of Management Team and Understanding of Business
• Funding to support product/ process development & launch?
• Existing Market Traction
• Go to Market Strategy
• Likely Contribution to Michigan Economy

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Industry 4.0 Innovation Application
Process
Months 2-3
Stage 3
• Scheduled interviews (in-person or remote) with Accelerator Program Team to understand
company needs and determine program fit and service support.
Stage 4
• Scheduled interviews with Accelerator Technology Committee and strategic manufacturing
partners to explore potential projects and partnerships.

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Industry 4.0 Innovation Application
Process
Months 4-12
Stage 5
• Companies accepted into the I4.0 Accelerator will be provided with a series of 1 on 1 matching making
meetings with potential manufacturing customers, suppliers, investors and strategic partners (e.g.,
system integrators).
• I4.0 Accelerator Team will work with accepted companies and strategic partners to scope out specific
demonstrations and/or product development partnerships and refine funding requirements
• I4.0 Accelerator Team will provide investment options to support accepted companies with customer
partnerships and demonstration projects.
• I4.0 Accelerator Team to support business/technical milestones and options for follow on funding for
Industry 4.0 accelerator clients

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Industry 4.0 Innovation Fund
Develop SOW for Industry 4.0
Tech Demo or Product
Collaboration with MI Mfg
Partner
$1.3 M Fund to
Support Projects
Launch Industry 4.0 Tech
Demo Projects or Product
Collaboration with MI Mfg
Partners

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Industry 4.0 Innovation Fund
Up to $110K Investments in
Industry 4.0 Tech Accelerator
companies
Convertible Note for Start-Ups; or
Low Interest Loans for Established Firms
Return after 12-24 Month Term
Financial Support

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Industry Sponsor Offering and Value
• Exclusive view of Industry 4.0 technology applications
• Provides direct alignment with technology focus areas of interest
• Allows first connection opportunities with Industry 4.0 tech companies to consider strategic
partnerships including
• Manufacturing operations efficiency pilots/demos
• Product collaborations
• JDA, joint ventures, licensing, investments
• Industry 4.0 tech companies follow on funding support through Michigan, Accelerator
• Automation Alley is committed to utilize $1.3 million for seed and project funding to Industry
4.0 Tech Accelerator companies
• Marketing exposure as sponsor of Accelerator on website, press releases, events, social media
• Potential for 1:1 funding offsets for demos and strategic partnerships through Michigan,
Accelerator
• No cost for 1st year pilot participation, available invite only