MI BioTalent Connect on Hold Following State Budget Action

In October, MichBio was awarded a competitively selected Michigan Innovation Fund (MIF) grant to launch MI BioTalent Connect, a new statewide initiative designed to connect students with employers across Michigan’s life sciences ecosystem. The program was scheduled to begin implementation on January 1, 2026, with the goal of strengthening workforce readiness and talent retention in our sector. 

That launch is now on hold following recent action by the Michigan House of Representatives, which voted to cancel approximately $645 million in previously approved and appropriated state “work projects.” This action included a range of economic development and workforce programs funded through the Michigan Strategic Fund, effectively halting the BioTalent Connect grant before implementation could begin. 

Earlier this week, the Michigan Senate voted to restore most of the canceled funding—approximately $634 million—through a supplemental budget, citing the disruption the cuts would cause to workforce, education, and economic development initiatives statewide. While this vote represents an important step, the supplemental budget must still be taken up by the House, leaving the final outcome uncertain. 

For MI BioTalent Connect, the pause comes after meaningful early progress had already been made. MichBio had begun implementation planning in good faith, including convening a statewide advisory group of educators and life sciences employers to shape program design and ensure alignment with real-world workforce needs. These early efforts were intended to lay the groundwork for rapid rollout and meaningful impact in 2026. 

MichBio is closely monitoring developments and continuing engagement with policymakers. We remain committed to advancing workforce solutions that support our members and Michigan’s life sciences community, and are hopeful that funding can be reinstated and the program relaunched.