Governor Whitmer announces PitchMI winner, new programs to transition auto workers, and initiatives to retain tech talent in Michigan’s mobility industry.
$100K Award for Civilized Cycles and Mobility Sector Innovation
DETROIT, Mich. – Civilized Cycles, a Detroit-based electric vehicle startup, has won the inaugural PitchMI competition, securing a $100,000 award to advance its ultra-light urban transportation vehicles. The award, announced at the first-ever Mobility Conference by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, signals Michigan’s intent to drive forward in the fast-evolving mobility sector.
“Today’s Mobility Conference celebrated collaboration, innovation, and talent investments,” Whitmer said. “From recognizing PitchMI’s inaugural winner to unveiling new initiatives for transitioning auto workers and retaining tech talent, we’re getting it done to secure Michigan’s place at the forefront of mobility innovation.”
PitchMI’s “Shark Tank” style event featured four startups competing for capital, with Civilized Cycles emerging as the winner for its flagship Semi-Trike, an affordable, cargo-friendly electric vehicle that offers a practical alternative for urban transport.
“Changing Lanes” Offers Auto Workers a Lifeline to Mobility Startups
Alongside the PitchMI announcement, Whitmer introduced Changing Lanes, a new program designed to help auto workers pivot into emerging mobility sectors. As the automotive industry shifts towards electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous technologies, layoffs have affected many workers, underscoring the need for new career opportunities.
“Changing Lanes will bridge the startup and automotive ecosystems, ensuring displaced auto workers have access to training programs, accelerators, and funding channels to transition into the mobility sector,” said Justine Johnson, Michigan’s Chief Mobility Officer.
The program will focus on key areas including clean transportation, shared mobility services, and autonomous vehicle technologies, providing tools and partnerships that empower workers to launch or join startups in Michigan’s evolving mobility landscape.
Michigander Scholars Program Expands to Retain Talent
Another key announcement at the conference was the expansion of the Michigander Scholars Program, aimed at attracting and retaining engineering and tech graduates within Michigan. First launched in 2023, the program has already awarded 268 scholarships and facilitated internships in leading mobility companies.
“This program will create new opportunities for emerging companies to attract talented students and ensure graduates can build their careers here in Michigan,” said Kerry Ebersole Singh, Executive Vice President of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).
Participating students from universities like Kettering University, Michigan State, and the University of Michigan will now be eligible for scholarships of up to $10,000 if they commit to working with Michigan-based employers for at least 12 months after graduation. The program aims to award 100 new scholarships over the next two years with $1 million in funding.
Civilized Cycles Leads a Competitive Field of Mobility Innovators
Civilized Cycles was one of four companies that pitched their ideas at the Mobility Conference. Other participants included:
- Boaz Bikes (Detroit) – Innovating micromobility with seated electric scooters offered through a subscription model.
- GEKOT Robotics (Southfield) – Developing active safety technology for light vehicles, including e-scooters and golf carts.
- Voltaic Marine (Southfield) – Designing electric boats to decarbonize the marine industry with advanced manufacturing and clean energy solutions.
Marc Liu, Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Civilized Cycles, expressed excitement about the award’s potential impact.
“This funding will accelerate our mission to revolutionize urban cargo transportation. We’re eager to scale operations in Michigan and expand our impact nationwide,” Liu said.
Driving Innovation: A Platform for Michigan’s Mobility Future
The PitchMI competition is part of Michigan’s broader strategy to cement its leadership in the mobility industry. It connects innovators with funding and offers resources to amplify entrepreneurial problem-solving.
The competition’s judges, including Melissa Butler of The Lip Bar and Allison Murdock of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, evaluated participants on factors such as innovation, market potential, and alignment with the MI Future Mobility Plan.
“With programs like PitchMI and Changing Lanes, Michigan continues to be a hub for innovators,” said Michigan’s Chief Growth Officer Hilary Doe. “We are committed to supporting startups that drive solutions for affordable, efficient transportation, while helping workers pivot into the mobility economy.”
The PitchMI winner will also receive legal services from Miller Canfield, Michigan’s oldest law firm, reinforcing the state’s investment in local entrepreneurs.
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