An established destination for research and development initiatives.
With a network of pre-eminent institutions, and a compilation of tech industries and academic powerhouses, Ann Arbor is a key player in research and development. On the national scale, Ann Arbor is ranked as one of the most educated cities in America with some of the best universities leading the way.
The University of Michigan alone spends $1.6B in research and development annually ranking first among public universities nationally for R&D.
In the past ten years, the region has fostered more than 249 startup companies and continues to be a national trailblazer even above competitive regions like the North Carolina research triangle and Silicon Valley.
Michigan has taken a bold step forward to support businesses investing in research and development (R&D). With the passage of Public Acts 186 and 187 of 2024, the state has introduced a new R&D tax credit, effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025. This incentive is designed to encourage innovation by providing financial relief to businesses engaged in R&D activities within Michigan.
Ann Arbor Research and Development Innovation Centers
State-of-the-art research facilities exist at top-tier companies in the Ann Arbor region and continue to drive innovation. Some of the more notable R&D centers include:
Working closely with R&D companies, both established and early stage, to drive success.
Ann Arbor SPARK offers a comprehensive range of resources tailored to meet the specific needs of R&D companies, regardless of their size or stage of growth. We’re committed to empowering R&D companies at every step of their journey, including through incentives like Michigan’s new R&D tax credit.
Here are some of the ways Ann Arbor SPARK can help your company:
FACILITATE CONNECTIONS
Forge valuable partnerships and collaborations within the thriving ecosystem of Ann Arbor.
SKILLED TALENT
Access a pool of top-tier talent through our connections and resources
SITE SELECTION
We’ll help you find the ideal location to establish or expand your operations
OFFICE SPACE
Discover our incubators and co-working spaces, offering a supportive and collaborative environment for R&D companies to thrive.
FUNDING & GRANTS
Tap into our funding opportunities and grants to fuel the growth and innovation of R&D companies.
COLLABORATIVE PROGRAMS
Engage in our collaborative programs, fostering innovation, knowledge sharing, and strategic partnerships.
TOP REGIONAL RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT EMPLOYERS
| Company Name | Regional Employees | R&D Field |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Motor North America Research and Development (TMNA R&D) | 1,230+ | Advanced Automotive |
| Terumo Cardiovascular Group | 370+ | Life Sciences |
| Stellantis – Chelsea Proving Grounds | 480+ | Advanced Automotive |
| Hyundai America Technical Center | 300+ | Advanced Automotive |
| NSK Americas, Inc. | 310+ | Advanced Automotive |
| Wacker North American Headquarters | 240+ | Advanced Materials |
| PIDC | 80+ | Manufacturing |
| Navitas Advanced Solutions Group | 200+ | Alternative Energy |
| Mitsubishi Motors R&D | 25+ | Advanced Automotive |
| Mercedes-Benz Emission Test Lab | 40+ | Advanced Automotive |
| American Center for Mobility | 7+ | Advanced Automotive |
| Arbor Research Collaborative for Health | 100+ | Life Sciences |
| A&D Technology, Inc. | 100+ | Advanced Automotive |
| IMRA America, Inc. | 75+ | Advanced Automotive |
| AVL Ann Arbor Technical Center | 60+ | Advanced Automotive |
Related Content
Accelerate Your R&D Success in the Ann Arbor Region
Reach out to Phil Santer, our Senior Vice President, to discover how Ann Arbor SPARK can help you achieve your goals and propel your innovation-driven journey forward.