August 5, 2026.
LANSING, Mich. — Michigan businesses, universities, Tribal entities, nonprofit organizations and public agencies have until Friday, Aug. 7, to apply for a specialized accelerator aimed at developing new ways to reuse and recycle electric vehicle batteries.
Next Cycle Michigan, an initiative of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, or EGLE, is seeking projects that could strengthen domestic supply chains for recovered critical minerals while improving the management of EV batteries at the end of their useful lives.
The six-month EV Battery Recycling & Reuse Accelerator provides selected teams with customized technical and business assistance at no cost and takes no equity stake in participating businesses. Next Cycle Michigan says the program has supported 21 cohorts and 171 teams since launching in 2020.
The new accelerator focuses on large-format traction batteries, defined by the program as rechargeable batteries weighing more than 25 pounds or rated above 2,000 watt-hours that are used to power electric vehicles.
Eligible projects must address at least one type of qualifying large-format battery, including batteries used in passenger vehicles, buses and fleet vehicles. The program also lists forklifts among potential battery sources.
“Michigan’s deep history in the automotive industry coupled with a focus on strengthening the state’s circular economy creates a prime opportunity for an accelerator focused on EV battery reuse and recycling,” Julie Staveland, assistant director of EGLE’s Materials Management Division, said in the Aug. 4 announcement.
“Our goal is to support innovative ideas and advance them to shovel-ready ventures that keep valuable materials in circulation and out of the landfill,” Staveland said.
Projects could include repurposing used EV batteries for stationary or portable energy storage, recovering critical minerals from retired batteries, establishing battery collection or aggregation operations, improving transportation and logistics, and developing systems for diagnosing, tracking, discharging, dismantling, reusing or recycling batteries.
The effort comes as Michigan works on a broader strategy for handling batteries at the end of their useful lives. EGLE's Battery Circularity Program is developing a statewide roadmap that includes identifying infrastructure and policy opportunities, supporting education and developing public-private partnerships.
An EGLE-backed analysis released in May found that more than 10,000 tons of batteries are sent to Michigan landfills annually, although that figure encompasses batteries more broadly and is not limited to EV batteries. The study identified opportunities to recover valuable materials while reducing environmental and safety risks.
Businesses, Tribal entities and other organizations eligible
Participation is not limited to established battery companies. Eligible applicants include startups and established businesses, universities, research organizations, Tribal entities, nonprofits and public-sector agencies.
Because handling EV batteries involves technical and regulatory requirements, applicants without their own battery-handling capabilities are encouraged to partner with licensed processors, transporters or original equipment manufacturers. Teams may consist of a single organization or involve multiple partners from different sectors.
Projects dealing exclusively with small-format or consumer batteries are not eligible for this accelerator. Next Cycle Michigan says a separate accelerator focusing on consumer battery recovery, reuse and recycling is planned.
Selected teams will begin with a two-day, in-person academy in October. Several months of virtual coaching will follow, covering areas including business planning, supply-chain connections, marketing strategies, technical issues and potential funding sources.
The program concludes with an in-person showcase in April 2027, when participating teams will present their projects to an audience and judging panel.
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
NextCycle Michigan EV Battery Recycling & Reuse Accelerator — information and application
