Michigan Mobility Takes the Global Stage at CES

Las Vegas becomes the epicenter of global breakthroughs as the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) draws innovators, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders from around the world every January. This year, Lawrence Technological University’s Centrepolis Accelerator helped eight startup companies showcase their technologies, network with industry leaders, and gain global exposure.

In partnership with the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME) and the City of Southfield, LTU attended CES from January 6 – 9.

What Is CES?

CES is owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, North America’s largest technology trade association, and is the only trade show to showcase the full tech spectrum in one event.

According to its website, the event “serves as a launchpad for new, innovative technology products, attracting industry professionals, media, and tech leaders from around the globe.” The organization adds the show “covers the entire technology ecosystem, including artificial intelligence, vehicle technology, digital health, smart home devices, and gaming.”

CES convenes more than 4,100 exhibitors, including manufacturers, developers, and suppliers of consumer technology hardware, technology delivery systems, and content gathered to network and debut their latest releases and technological breakthroughs. The event also features a conference program where global business leaders and pioneering thinkers address the industry’s most pressing issues.

Centrepolis and City of Southfield

The Michigan Mobility Pavilion showcased groundbreaking technologies shaping the future of transportation — from electric propulsion and next-generation vehicles to autonomous systems and smart infrastructure at the 2026 CES. Led by LTU’s Centrepolis Accelerator, the pavilion highlighted Michigan’s rapidly growing mobility, electrification, and advanced manufacturing ecosystem. The companies in attendance emphasized the state’s role in powering the future of clean, connected, and intelligent mobility solutions.

“We had a group of companies that are at the forefront of technology, [and a] lot of [them] gained significant exposure to possible customers and investors,” Pedro Guillen, chief operating officer at Centrepolis, explained.

Each startup exhibited its technology on-site, engaged in media briefings and networking events, and participated in pavilion-hosted programming, including a Hardtech Meetup and Michigan Networking Reception. The pavilion is part of a broader statewide initiative to elevate Michigan’s global presence in next-generation mobility and manufacturing innovation.

The Seven Startup Companies

The startups included companies in electric off-road and marine mobility, advanced battery and motor systems, aerial and underwater autonomy, and driver-assist technologies, representing the state’s leadership in hard tech development.

The seven companies were:

1. AG3 Labs: Pioneering the next generation of autonomous aerial systems for defense, commercial, and industrial applications. The company develops high-performance, attritable platforms and swarm-control software that enable intelligent, coordinated missions in complex environments. With a focus on autonomy, modular design, and U.S.-based manufacturing, AG3 Labs is redefining what’s possible in scalable, resilient drone technology.
2. Intermode: Democratizing autonomous delivery with its modular robotic vehicle platform called the “Modal.” Designed for leasing rather than purchase, the Modal is a durable, vehicle-grade platform built for customization with sensors, compute stacks, and payload modules. Intermode enables businesses and researchers to integrate robotics at scale with lower upfront cost and minimal complexity.
3. LIVAQ: Reinventing off-road mobility with its all-electric ORV platform — the EQUAD. Built for adventure and sustainability, the vehicle delivers high performance, a long range, and rugged design, while reducing emissions and noise. LIVAQ blends Detroit’s automotive heritage with next-gen EV technology to reshape how people explore and connect with nature.
4. Modal Motors: Redefining electric propulsion with high-torque, non-rare-earth electric motors and fully automated robotic assembly. Designed and built in Michigan with a 100% U.S. supply chain, Modal Motor’s platforms power next-generation mobility — from electric vehicles to drones and robotics — eliminating dependence on rare-earth materials while maximizing performance and manufacturability.
5. Motmot: Uses autonomous underwater robots to inspect live water mains and capture high-resolution data from inside the pipes. The asset management platform turns that data into actionable insights — helping cities prevent failures, prioritize repairs, and invest in smarter, more sustainable infrastructure.
6. Neumo: Measures the condition and cognitive state of drivers in real-time using contactless brainwave sensing. Car makers and fleets use the insights to identify risky behaviors and make driving safer and more comfortable.
7. Voltaic Marine: Developer and producer of advanced electric boats for consumer, commercial, and defense markets. Its patented hull and high-performance battery platform deliver up to twice the range, efficiency, and power of traditional systems.

Beyond CES, Centrepolis continues to work closely with the startups to help them grow within Michigan’s innovation ecosystem. “It is essential that we continue working with the companies that attended and continue developing the products by commercializing them, obtaining additional funding, and securing new projects,” Guillen added. Centrepolis works with companies for three to five years to support product expansion, secure funding, and bring their technology to the market.