Maryland Manufacturing 4.0

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The Maryland Manufacturing 4.0 grant program provides grants to small and mid-sized Maryland manufacturers to invest in Industry 4.0-related technologies, machinery and robotics, and digital business practices in order to remain competitive and drive growth. 20% of the funds will be reserved for small manufacturers with 3-50 employees. BENEFITS

Companies that invest in Industry 4.0 technologies can benefit from increased productivity and sales, cost savings, retention of employees, and more. Awarded grants will cover 75% of project costs for small manufacturers and 50% of project costs for mid-sized manufacturers with 51-250 employees, with a minimum grant of $25,000 and a maximum grant of $500,000. Projects must clearly demonstrate a tie to Industry 4.0, and a long term strategy for Industry 4.0 adoption.

Examples of qualified projects and investments include: Advanced Sensor Integration Artificial Intelligence for continuous improvement of efficiency and productivity Big Data & Analytics, investing in systems that allow manufacturers to better analyze the data collected within their operation, turning data into actionable insights that drive better decision-making Cloud computing and cybersecurity solutions Embedded software system applications Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Data Analytics software Robots and autonomous equipment to help automate workflow (replacement of existing equipment would not be qualified) Systems integration projects, either vertically sharing data within the organization to improve efficiencies, or horizontally across supply chains Employee training and /or consulting costs associated with the implementation of the new systems/technologies/equipment ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for an M4.0 grant, your business must meet all of the following requirements: Be an existing business in good standing with the State of Maryland Have between 3 and 250 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 of 31-33 Have been established for a minimum of 2 years Be in good standing with federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Maryland Occupational Safety and Health regulations Demonstrate an ability to successfully implement the proposed project Demonstrate an overall commitment to, or strategy for, Industry 4.0 adoption Demonstrate ability to provide matching funds Complete the CESMII Technology Assessment offered through partnr Maryland MEP

Applications are expected to be highly competitive - the larger the request, the more detailed and exceptional the proposal should be. The Maryland Department of Commerce will be seeking to fund as many proposals as possible while using overall project impact to both the company and the State of Maryland as criteria for funding decisions.

Recipients of FY2023 & FY2024 Maryland Manufacturing 4.0 Grants may choose to apply if their previous grants are completed. HOW TO APPLY Applications for the 2026 program closed on August 29, 2025 at 5PM.

Pre-Award Funding: You will be permitted to make purchase decisions or to start the process on your project immediately following the application period (after 8/30) with the understanding that if you are not awarded a grant you will need to incur the total cost of your project. View FY26 Scoring Rubric Blank Application GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS Grants of $25,000-$500,000 will be made available to manufacturers to adopt new technologies, machinery and robotics, and digital business practices in order to remain competitive and drive growth. Grant awards…

Topic areas: Advanced Manufacturing and Industry, Workforce Development, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).

Funding amount

This grant provides Varies in funding.

Deadline

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; there is no single fixed deadline.

Who can apply

This opportunity is open to the following applicant types:

• Not specified by the program.

Eligibility

The program did not publish a separate eligibility statement. See the official opportunity page for the full eligibility criteria.

Agency

Maryland Manufacturing 4.0 is administered by Maryland Department of Commerce (MD Commerce), listed via Maryland Department of Commerce.