Maryland Manufacturing 4.0 (M4.0)
About this page. Grants from $25,000 to $500,000 to help Maryland manufacturers adopt Industry 4.0 technologies.
Program Status
This program awards grants in annual rounds. The most recent application window opened Aug. 3, 2026 and closed Aug. 31, 2026. Commerce is reviewing those applications now.
Applications are not being accepted at this time. Check this page for the next application window (August 2, 2027).
Pre-award option: After an application window closes, you may choose to start your project or make purchase decisions. If you are not awarded a grant, you will have to cover the full cost of the project yourself.
What This Program Does
Maryland Manufacturing 4.0 provides grants to small and mid-sized Maryland manufacturers to invest in Industry 4.0 technologies, in machinery and robotics and in digital business practices, so they can stay competitive and grow. Twenty percent of program funds are reserved for small manufacturers with 3–50 employees.
Companies that invest in Industry 4.0 technologies can benefit from increased productivity and sales, cost savings and better employee retention.
Who Can Apply
Existing Maryland manufacturers with 3 to 250 full-time employees that meet the eligibility requirements below. If you have received a Manufacturing 4.0 grant in a previous round, you may apply again once that earlier grant project is complete.
What the Grant Can Fund
Examples of qualified projects and investments include:
- Advanced sensor integration
- Artificial intelligence to continuously improve efficiency and productivity
- Big data and analytics, meaning systems that turn operational data into insights for better decisions
- Cloud computing and cybersecurity solutions
- Embedded software system applications
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and data-analytics software
- Robots and autonomous equipment that automate workflow (replacing existing equipment does not qualify)
- Systems-integration projects that share data vertically within the company or horizontally across supply chains
- Employee training and consulting costs tied to implementing the new systems, technologies or equipment
Eligible costs include machinery, equipment, software, implementation and installation costs and employee training. Consultant fees and soft costs (such as design, layout and license fees) directly tied to the project are reviewed case by case.
How the Program Works
Award amount and match
Grants range from $25,000 to $500,000, and your business must provide minimum matching funds based on its size:
| Company size | Match you provide | Grant covers up to |
|---|---|---|
| 3-50 employees | 25% match | 75% of total project costs |
| 51-250 employees | 50% match | 50% of total project costs |
How funds are paid
- 50% at notice of award, and the remaining 50% on completion with proof of expenses.
Key Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, your business must:
- Be an existing business in good standing with the State of Maryland
- Have 3 to 250 total full-time employees (a full-time employee works at least 1,800 hours in a 12-month period)
- Have a two-digit NAICS code of 31–33
- Have been established for at least two years
- Be in good standing with federal OSHA and Maryland OSH regulations
- Demonstrate the ability to successfully carry out the proposed project
- Demonstrate a commitment to, or strategy for, Industry 4.0 adoption
- Demonstrate the ability to provide matching funds
- Complete the CESMII Technology Assessment offered through partner Maryland MEP
- Not have an open Maryland Manufacturing 4.0 grant project
Documents You Will Need to Apply
Review these before you apply (the program contact can confirm current links):
- Scoring rubric for the current round - PDF - 93.03 KB
- Blank Application - PDF - 598.16 KB
- Informational webinar recording, most recently held July 14, 2026
- Maryland Manufacturing 4.0 Webinar Q and A 7.14.26 - PDF - 91.67 KB
How to Apply
- Complete the technology assessment (CESMII Technology Assessment through Maryland MEP).
- Submit your application during an open application window, using the official application form.
Applications are expected to be highly competitive. The larger your request, the more detailed and exceptional your proposal should be.
How Applications Are Reviewed
Commerce funds as many strong proposals as possible, using each project’s overall impact to the company and to the State of Maryland as the basis for funding decisions. Reviews consider technical capability, operational experience and financial capacity to support the project. Awards are competitive and limited to available funds.
How You Receive Your Funds
Funds are disbursed in two parts: 50% shortly after notice of award, and the remaining 50% after the project is complete and you provide proof of expenses.
Impact Report
In 2026, Commerce released a report summarizing the program’s impact in Maryland from 2025-2026, download the Impact Report - PDF - 4.74 MB. You can also view the 2023 to 2025 Impact Report - download the Impact Report. - PDF - 290.59 KB
Funding Source and Required Disclosures
This program is funded by the State of Maryland through the Industry 4.0 Technology Grant Fund.
Authorizing statute: HB0622-CH0498
Contact
David Minges
M4 Program Grant Manager
Maryland Department of Commerce
Email: [email protected]