Ford Launchpad for Innovative Technologies and Entrepreneurship (FLITE) Program

Ford Launchpad for Innovative Technologies and Entrepreneurship (FLITE)

Program Type: Grant funding and pilot-testing initiative

Administrator: Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority

Geographic Scope: Greater Grand Rapids region, Michigan

Focus Areas:

• Aviation innovation
• New air travel technologies and services
• Infrastructure inspection technologies

Program Details:

• First-of-its-kind aviation innovation program
• Supports companies developing new air travel technologies and services
• Provides combination of grant funding and real-world testing opportunities
• Allows participating companies to test solutions directly within airport operations
• Bridges gap between innovation and implementation

Funding History:

• Since launch, supported more than 40 projects
• Awarded over $1.5 million in grant funding across nine rounds
• Nine cohorts completed as of February 2026

Partners:

• Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority
• Avflight Grand Rapids
• Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
• Seamless Ventures
• Southwest Airlines
• West Michigan Aviation Academy
• The Right Place, Inc.

Contact:

• Name: Eric Icard
• Title: Senior Director of Business Development
• Phone: 616-350-3982
• Email: icarde@rightplace.org
• Organization: The Right Place, Inc.

Application Process

Initial Application:

1. Submit application to FLITE program (application process details not fully specified in source materials)
2. Applications are reviewed and scored
3. Applicants may receive feedback and be encouraged to reapply

Reapplication Process:

• Program provides guidance and support to refine applications
• Feedback process helps applicants:
  • Refine technical deployment model
  • Strengthen value proposition for airport operators
  • Incorporate input from regional aviation stakeholders and economic development partners
  • Improve alignment with real-world operational needs
  • Focus on compliance mapping and operational integration

Selection Criteria:

• Technical viability of aviation/airport technology
• Operational feasibility for airport environments
• Alignment with airport safety and infrastructure needs
• Demonstrated commitment to addressing real-world aviation problems

Post-Selection:

• Selected companies receive grant funding
• Opportunity to conduct pilot testing in live airport environment at Gerald R. Ford International Airport
• Structured pilot program with defined testing parameters