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Maryland MADE (Manufacturing Assets Deployed for Energy)

​The Maryland MADE grant program provides grants to small Maryland manufacturers to invest in the adoption and deployment of smart manufacturing and high-performance manufacturing technologies that will increase energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and enable lasting improvements.

Benefits

According to the US Department of Energy, on average 26% of all end-use energy in the US is used in manufacturing utilities.  For a manufacturer that represents on average 5-10% of their full costs. These are big numbers and it is clear that energy efficiency efforts equal higher profitability. Additionally, there are environmental benefits from saving energy. These are impactful reasons for the manufacturing community to be engaged in energy reduction and it is why the Maryland Department of Commerce, with the support of the United States Department of Energy, secured this funding to support the future of manufacturing in Maryland.

Examples of qualified investments include: 

  • Any smart manufacturing technology 
      • Digital Twins/Simulation
      • Industrial Internet/Sensors
      • Additive Manufacturing
      • Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality 
      • Robots/Collaborative Robots (Cobots)/Automation 
      • Big Data & Analytics/Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning
      • Other approved smart manufacturing technology
  • Smart Thermostats and Programmable Controls - Smart thermostats for HVAC systems, programmable controllers for automated energy usage.
  • Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) - VFDs for motors in pumps, fans, or conveyors.
  • Energy Meters and Monitoring Devices - Sub-meters, data loggers, and smart meters.
  • Compressed Air System Upgrades - High-efficiency nozzles, air leak detectors, and low-pressure drop filters.
  • High-Efficiency Motors - Replacement motors with IE3 or IE4 energy ratings.
  • Power Factor Correction Devices - Capacitor banks or power factor controllers

Eligibility

To be eligible for a Maryland MADE grant, your business must meet all of the following requirements:
  • Proposed project must involve Advanced Manufacturing Technologies as described above
  • Proposed project must take place at a Maryland manufacturing facility
  • Be an existing business in good standing with the State of Maryland
  • Applicant must not have an open Manufacturing 4.0 grant project
  • Have between 3 and 75 total full-time employees (defined as an employee who works at least 1,800 hours in a 12-month period)
  • Have a two-digit NAICS code prefix of 31-33
  • Be in good standing with federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Maryland Occupational Safety and Health regulations
  • Have completed a Maryland MADE technology initial assessment review - Please contact our Partner Maryland MEP at this email address to complete this short assessment.

Application Process

The application portal will open on February 10, 2025 at 9AM.


General Terms and Conditions

Grants of $15,000.00 will be made available to manufacturers to adopt new energy efficient technologies to remain competitive and drive growth.

Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements above.
  • Funding will be limited to expenses of support devices, machinery and equipment. 
  • Funding decisions will be made based on meeting the evaluation criteria above as a pass/fail.
  • Funds will be disbursed as follows: 100% paid upon completion of the project or installation of the equipment with proof of paid expenses. Applicants will have to carry the expenditure of $15,000 through the project until completed, and will then request/receive reimbursement from Commerce.
  • Projects are expected to be complete within 6 months of executed agreement
  • No expenses incurred prior to award date will be reimbursed
  • All recipients will be required to provide a brief summary of outcomes including projected energy savings
  • Applications are on a first come, first-served basis. All applications must meet the above requirements to be considered.

Grant awards are competitive and limited to available funds.

You will be contacted within 2-3 weeks of your application submission. The application will be open for 60 days or until fully funded. You will be notified as soon as your application has been reviewed and selected or not selected based on the requirements.

Contact

David Minges
M4 Program Grant Manager
m4grant.commerce@maryland.gov