MIED Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Michigan Innovation Equipment Depot?
The Michigan Innovation Equipment Depot (MIED) is the result of the collaborative efforts of Pfizer, Ann Arbor SPARK, MichBio, Southwest Michigan First and Michigan’s SmartZones. The mission is to provide life science start-up companies throughout Michigan with equipment resources to further their growth.

What is the purpose of the MIED?
The purpose of the MIED is to accelerate commercialization by providing access to previously used laboratory equipment critical to a company’s product research, development and manufacturing.

Who qualifies to receive equipment from the MIED?
Many factors will be taken into consideration when choosing companies to receive equipment through the MIED. Criteria include:

Michigan-based
Critical need for the equipment
Anticipated benefits of having access to the equipment
Resources to operate and maintain the equipment in place
New jobs created

Who makes the decisions regarding equipment donation through the MIED?
Each SmartZone will be responsible for due diligence of the companies. An evaluation committee will evaluate competing requests to determine best use of equipment for the benefit of Michigan’s fast growing life science sectors.

Ann Arbor SPARK is the program administrator. SPARK will determine if equipment is available, in working order, and not already requested by other qualified applicants.

How do I apply to obtain equipment from the MIED?
Click here to register your company

In addition to completing an online form, what other information must be provided for consideration to receive equipment from the MIED?
The application package must include:

Executive summary of the applicant’s business plan.
Certificate of Good Standing from the State of Michigan
Certificate of Eligibility from the applicant’s SmartZone.

The total Fair Market Value of equipment that any one company will receive is $150,000. A new application for more equipment may be made each month (30 days minimum following last application).

How long does the application process and granting process take?
The online application and granting process will occur monthly and involve these steps:

All complete equipment request applications are compared against the inventory list for availability, and other applications for duplicate request of the same items.
The package of competing applications are forwarded to our Evaluation Committee for their review. The Committee’s recommendations are forwarded to Ann Arbor SPARK for distribution.
If all items requested are available and there are no competing applications, a license agreement will be forwarded to the company within 30 days of the award date.
If an application includes competing requests, the time may be extended 15 days to allow the Evaluation Committee to act.

Can an applicant see the equipment before applying for it?
An applicant may ask for an appointment to come to the warehouse to see the equipment. Every effort will be made to accommodate these requests.

How is the equipment delivered to the selected recipients?
Each recipient is responsible for arranging receipt of the equipment from the warehouse. They may pick up the equipment themselves or arrange for a freight company to pick it up and deliver to the user’s lab.

Is there a cost?
Yes. Upon signing the Use Agreement the receiving entity must pay 1% of the Fair Market Value of the total equipment amount received. This one time payment made in advance covers the three year term. Upon expiration of the term the company will be offered a generous buy-out option.

MIED Links
General Information
FAQ's
Registration Form
SmartZone Contacts

Call 734 761-9317 for more information or email MIED@AnnArborUSA.org.

MIED is a collaborative program presented by: