Maryland Manufacturing 4.0

​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 

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

HOW TO APPLY 

• Download the grant application here. 
• Round 1 applications are due by Friday October 7, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.
• If additional funding is available, a second round of competitive grant applications will open in early 2023.
• Completed applications should be submitted by email to: m4grant.commerce@maryland.gov 

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS 

• Grants of $15,000-$50,000 will be made available to manufacturers to adopt new technologies, machinery and robotics, and digital business practices in order to remain competitive and drive growth.
• Grant awards will vary based on the applicant's total investment, not to exceed 50% of the total eligible project costs.
• Applicants must be an established Maryland manufacturing business and demonstrate experience, technical expertise and financial capacity to implement the proposed modernization project. 
• Eligible costs include but are not limited to expenses such as machinery, equipment, software, implementation/installation costs, and training of employees on use of the new technology. 
• Consultant fees directly associated with implementation of the eligible project costs, such as design and layout of new equipment, soft costs such as license fees, and training costs are permitted, and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• Funding decisions will be made based on a variety of evaluation criteria, including but not limited to technical capability, operational experience, and financial capacity supporting the project. 
• Funds will be disbursed as follows: 50% at notice of award, with remaining 50% paid upon completion with proof of expenses. 
• Grant awards are competitive and limited to available funds.

FOR MORE INFORMATION 

Todd Sabin

Program Manager, Manufacturing

443-388-0735

todd.sabin@maryland.gov

Read More