The Maryland Department of Commerce is seeking applications for Maryland Manufacturing 4.0 grant program for Maryland manufacturers to invest in Industry 4.0-related technologies.
Donor Name: Maryland Department of Commerce
State: Maryland
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 10/07/2022
Size of the Grant: $50,000
Details:
The Maryland Manufacturing 4.0 grant program provides grants to small and mid-sized Maryland manufacturers to invest in Industry 4.0-related technologies, machinery and robotics, and digital business practices in order to remain competitive and drive growth. This pilot program is funded by $1 million in the state’s fiscal year 2023 budget.
Benefits
Companies that invest in Industry 4.0 technologies can benefit from increased productivity and sales, cost savings, retention of employees, and more. Awarded grants will cover 50 percent of project costs, with a minimum grant of $15,000 and a maximum grant of $50,000. Projects must clearly demonstrate a tie to Industry 4.0, and a long term strategy for Industry 4.0 adoption.
Examples of qualified projects and investments include:
- Big Data & Analytics – investing in systems that allow manufacturers to better analyze the data collected within their operation, turning data into actionable insights that drive better decision-making
- Robots and autonomous equipment to help automate workflow (replacement of existing equipment would not be qualified)
- Implementation of Industrial Internet of Things technologies such as shop floor data sensors, smart warehouse, or new quality control systems
- Adoption of additive manufacturing
- Simulation/Digital Twins to enable predictive maintenance, test ideas for operational changes, etc.
- Systems integration projects – either vertically sharing data within the organization to improve efficiencies, or horizontally across supply chains
- Virtual and Augmented Reality
- Employee training and /or consulting costs associated with the implementation of the new systems/technologies/equipment
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for an M4.0 grant, your business must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be an existing business in good standing with the State of Maryland
- Have between 3 and 150 full-time employees (defined as an employee who works at least 1,800 hours in a 12-month period)
- Have minimum annual revenue of $1m, not including grant funding
- Have a two-digit NAICS code of 31-33
- Have been established for a minimum of 3 years
- Be in good standing with federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Maryland Occupational Safety and Health regulations
- Demonstrate an ability to successfully implement the proposed project
- Demonstrate an overall commitment to, or strategy for, Industry 4.0 adoption
- Demonstrate ability to provide matching funds
For more information, visit Maryland Department of Commerce.