M-air builds momentum six months after launch

M-air and the University of Michigan are taking a leading role in a new era of aerial mobility through engagement and collaboration with industry, government and academia.

Expanding the Mcity public-private mobility research partnership from the ground to the sky, M-air could not have launched with better timing, following actions by the state of Michigan and the federal government to prioritize air mobility innovation, particular drone usage.

“2025 was an exciting year for advanced air mobility at U-M, in the state of Michigan and across the country,” M-air Director Venkat Viswanathan and Mcity Managing Director Greg McGuire said in a year-end message to the growing M-air community. “We can’t wait to see what 2026 will bring!”

Milestones in M-air’s first six months include: 

• M-air launched July 17, 2025, the same day Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a directive to create the state’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Initiative, and announced a grant of $1 million to establish M-air, at the Reindustrialize Conference held in Detroit.  The launch generated coverage in key aviation and general media outlets, including Aviation Week, The Air Current, and Michigan Radio (NPR).
• M-air was featured prominently in the State of Michigan’s inaugural Advanced Air Mobility annual report, issued December 15.
• M-air addresses critical needs identified in the Advanced Air Mobility National Strategy unveiled December 17 by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. The national strategy executive orders issued by President Trump in June 
• U-M’s Look to Michigan fundraising initiative highlights M-air in the campaign’s Advanced Technology impact area.
• M-air supported 25 students working with six startup companies through the new Perot Jain Tech Lab Air & Space program.

M-air’s launch generated coverage in a variety of media outlets:

• Aviation Week
• The Air Current
• unmanned airspace
• Crain’t Detroit Business
• Michigan Public (NPR)
• TechBriefs (SAE)