Detroit launches Round 2 of Detroit Startup Fund to fuel job creation and startup growth

• Mayor Mary Sheffield announces Round 2 of the Detroit Startup Fund, a first-of-its-kind $700,000 municipal startup fund that builds on Detroit’s legacy of innovation by providing grants to high-growth Startups building in Detroit.  

• Mayor Sheffield, who spearheaded the creation and funding of the Startup Fund as City Council President, outlines future support for the program alongside leaders from Newlab, Techtown and Black Tech Saturdays. 

• Round 1 of the program featured over 600 applications from startups across the metro area. Round 1 grant recipients included startups operating in the biotech, AI, environmental tech, fintech and other emerging industries. Notably, 11 of the 13 Round 1 recipients are Detroit residents.  

• Second round applications open now, February 2nd, via Detroitmi.gov/startup and close on March 2nd. The City’s startup website also connects tech startups to relevant resources to help drive their growth. 

February 2, 2026 (DETROIT) – Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield, the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) and startup ecosystem leaders announced the launch of  Round 2 of the Detroit Startup Fund at a press conference today at Newlab Detroit. Round 2 will feature $300,000 in grants to 13 tech startups to fuel innovation that improves life for Detroiters, retains talent, and supports job creation. 

Startup Genome’s 2022 Global Startup Ecosystem Report ranked Detroit the world’s #1 emerging startup hub. This momentum builds on record levels of investment and development within Detroit’s growing tech community. From Newlab at Michigan Central and TechTown, to the University of Michigan Center for Innovation and the new precision medicine center at Bedrock’s Gratiot site, billions of dollars are being invested in the infrastructure needed to power the future of Detroit’s economy. 

“My administration is laser-focused on creating high-paying jobs, investing in our neighborhoods, and making Detroit the best place in the country to start and scale bold ideas,” said Mayor Mary Sheffield. “Detroit’s future depends on whether we invest in the people and ideas building the next generation of our economy. The Detroit Startup Fund underscores my commitment to doing just that.” 

Investment in ideas that improve Detroiters’ lives 

In addition to driving economic growth, the Detroit Startup Fund is designed to support startups whose technologies can directly improve quality of life for Detroit residents, from public health and safety to education and infrastructure. Round 1 awardees included companies developing air quality monitoring tools, mobile healthcare platforms expanding access to care, educational technology improving literacy outcomes and infrastructure technologies for inspecting water systems. 

“The Detroit Startup Fund proves that when we back Detroiters with real resources, they create real impact, real jobs, and real innovation right here in our city,” said Justin Onwenu, Director of the Office of Small Business Services and Economic Opportunity. “Our startups have the potential to meet the needs of our city and our world, and I’m so excited to see the future being built right here in Detroit.” 

“The Detroit Startup Fund played a catalytic role in supporting CircNova’s growth,” said Crystal Brown, CEO of CircNova and a Round 1 awardee. “The support allowed us to recruit and relocate top technical talent to Detroit, accelerate development of our drug discovery platform, and reach critical milestones. It also positioned CircNova for follow-on investment and strategic partnerships, while reinforcing Detroit as a credible home for next-generation biotech and advanced manufacturing. I’m proud to be a Round 1 recipient and encourage other startups to apply.” 

Building Detroit’s innovation pipeline 

As a key part of the city’s broader economic development strategy, the Detroit Startup Fund supports early-stage companies as they grow into scalable businesses that generate jobs, attract private capital and contribute to long-term economic growth. 

“The Detroit Startup Fund is about building a strong innovation pipeline for our entire city,” said Kevin Johnson, president and CEO of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. “Round 1 showed the depth of entrepreneurial talent in Detroit, and Round 2 continues our commitment to growing high-potential companies that can scale, attract capital and anchor long-term economic growth in Detroit.” 

How to apply 

Startups can apply for the Detroit Startup Fund and learn more at DetroitMI.gov/startup. The program will open for applications on February 2, with awardees announced later this spring following a competitive review process. Applications will require a detailed business plan and a clear strategy for how grant funds will be deployed. Funding for the Detroit Startup Fund is made possible through the City’s general fund budget allocation to the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, approved by the Mayor and Detroit City Council. 

Detroit Startup Fund Round 1 grant recipients included: 

• CircNova, Inc. ($50,000): Biotech company developing circular RNA therapeutics using AI-driven platform to target previously undruggable diseases 

• JustAir Solutions, Inc. ($50,000): Environmental tech startup providing air quality management software for governments and community organizations 

• Motmot, Inc. ($50,000): Infrastructure technology company using autonomous underwater robots for pipeline inspection and asset management 

• Boone Productions, LLP (The Nap Time Show) ($15,000): Children’s media company building streaming platform for early childhood classrooms 

• DAT’s LAW GAMES, LLC ($15,000): A legal education app that uses a gamified approach to teach laws and rights, particularly for marginalized communities 

• Fluoroscreen, LLC ($15,000): Medical technology company developing novel fluorescence-based cancer screening using urine samples 

• Lectric Boil, LLC ($15,000): Clean energy startup creating battery and solar-powered portable induction cooking systems 

• Neumo ($15,000): Mobility technology company developing brainwave sensors for detecting driver fatigue and impairment 

• R.U.S.H Healthcare ($15,000): Mobile healthcare platform connecting patients with licensed providers for in-home urgent care services 

• Stock Pal, Inc. ($15,000): Financial technology platform helping users discover investments based on social media and spending behavior 

• Synapse Creations, Inc. (Spelling Safari) ($15,000): EdTech company providing adaptive spelling instruction for K-7 students 

• ThermoVerse, LLC ($15,000): Advanced thermal controls and smart city technology for energy efficiency solutions 

• WhatsEatLike, Inc. (Goodpluck) ($15,000): Local food delivery network coordinating orders from farms to reduce delivery costs for consumers 

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Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) 

Detroit Economic Growth Corporation is a non-profit organization that serves as Detroit’s lead implementing agency for business retention, attraction and economic development. DEGC is led by a board comprised of business, civic and community leaders. Its staff provides services for key public authorities that facilitate incentives and other forms of financing for projects that bring new jobs and investment to the City. DEGC also manages important initiatives to support small businesses and grow neighborhood commercial corridors. DEGC is dedicated to inclusive development and access to economic opportunity.