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Ford Launchpad for Innovative Technologies and Entrepreneurship (FLITE) Program

THE RIGHT PLACE INC

Foundation Grants for StartupsTechnology Grants

Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Ford Launchpad for Innovative Technologies and Entrepreneurship (FLITE)

Status: Active grant and pilot-testing program

Geographic Scope: Greater Grand Rapids region, Michigan

Focus Areas:

  • Aviation innovation

  • Air travel technologies and services

  • Companies developing new aviation solutions

    • Program Description:
    FLITE is a first-of-its-kind aviation innovation program that supports companies developing new air travel technologies and services. Through a combination of grant funding and real-world testing opportunities, FLITE allows participating companies to test their solutions directly within airport operations, bridging the gap between innovation and implementation.

    Funding Available:

  • Grant funding provided to selected companies

  • Real-world testing opportunities at Gerald R. Ford International Airport

  • Program has supported 40+ projects and awarded over $1.5 million in grant funding across nine rounds

    • Program Partners:

  • Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority (lead)

  • Avflight Grand Rapids

  • Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

  • Seamless Ventures

  • Southwest Airlines

  • West Michigan Aviation Academy

    • Selection Process:

  • Competitive application process

  • Companies can reapply with refined proposals

  • Program provides feedback to strengthen applications

  • Selection includes live airport environment testing opportunities

    • Contact Information:

  • Eric Icard, Senior Director of Business Development

  • The Right Place, Inc.

  • Email: icarde@rightplace.org

  • Phone: 616-350-3982

    • Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    startupstechnology

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