Maryland Manufacturing 4.0 Grant

The Maryland Manufacturing 4.0 Grant Program is administered by the Maryland Department of Commerce with the purpose of accelerating the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies across small and mid-sized manufacturers in the state. The program aligns with Industry 4.0 principles, encouraging Maryland manufacturers to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving industrial landscape. Industry 4.0 technologies encompass advanced data analytics, artificial intelligence, embedded software, robotics, systems integration, and more. By supporting digital and technological transformation, the state aims to enhance productivity, streamline operations, and retain employment within the sector. Eligible applicants must be manufacturing businesses located in Maryland, in good standing with state and federal occupational safety agencies, and operating under a two-digit NAICS code of 31–33. Businesses must have been established for at least two years and employ between 3 and 250 full-time workers. Those with 3 to 50 employees qualify as small manufacturers and can receive up to 75% of project funding, while those with 51 to 250 employees qualify as mid-sized manufacturers and may receive grants covering up to 50% of project costs. A total of 20% of the available funds is reserved for small manufacturers. All applicants must demonstrate matching funds and complete a CESMII Technology Assessment via Maryland MEP. Qualified projects must have a clear connection to Industry 4.0 technologies and be part of a long-term adoption strategy. Eligible expenses include but are not limited to advanced sensors, AI solutions for efficiency improvement, ERP and data analytics platforms, cybersecurity tools, autonomous robotics, systems integration, and associated training or consulting fees. Replacement of existing equipment is not eligible. Projects are judged based on technical merit, operational experience, financial capacity, and overall project impact on both the business and the state. Grant awards range from $25,000 to $500,000. Applicants are encouraged to submit highly detailed proposals, especially for larger funding requests. Funds are disbursed in two parts: 50% upon notice of award and the remaining 50% after project completion with proof of expenditure. Application decisions will prioritize broad economic benefit and scalability. Previous recipients from FY2023 and FY2024 may reapply if their prior grant cycles have been completed. The application window for FY2026 opens on August 1, 2025, and closes at 5 PM on August 29, 2025. Applicants may begin project purchases or activities after the close date with the understanding that reimbursement is contingent on award selection. This allows some pre-award flexibility while maintaining financial risk for non-selected applicants. The program is expected to recur annually, and proposals are evaluated using a scoring rubric published alongside the application materials. For additional information or questions, interested applicants may contact David Minges, M4 Program Grant Manager, at m4grant.commerce@maryland.gov or by phone at 410-767-6300. The Maryland Department of Commerce is located at 401 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202.