East Lansing, MI — 09/22/2025 — The Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization (MTRAC) Advanced Transportation Innovation Hub, funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and working in partnership with the University of Michigan Electric Vehicle Center, has awarded more than $2 million to support 13 promising mobility research projects across Michigan—including MSU faculty member, Dr. Chengcheng Fang’s project, which received funding from both MTRAC and the EV Center, as well as fellow MSU faculty member, Dr. Josh Siegel’s project, funded solely by MTRAC.
This marks the first round of funding since MTRAC and the EV Center launched a strategic collaboration earlier this year, with the EV Center contributing $1 million to expand the 2025 award cycle. Through this partnership, MTRAC and the EV Center are advancing high-potential projects that align with Michigan’s vision for clean, connected, and electrified mobility.
MSU faculty are at the forefront of this effort, accelerating the future of mobility and energy with breakthrough technologies that promise to transform both industry and society. Their innovations are lighter, smarter, and more sustainable, offering new opportunities for corporate partnerships and public impact.
Ultralight Copper Current Collectors: A Leap Forward for Battery Technology
Dr. Chengcheng Fang and her team at MSU’s Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science have developed a scalable, cost-effective method to fabricate ultralight and ultrathin copper current collectors for lithium-ion batteries. Using a rapid electroless plating process, the team created copper collectors that are just 500 nanometers thick, deposited on a 5-micron polyethylene scaffold—resulting in a component that weighs only 20% as much as conventional copper foils.
The new collectors improve battery energy density by 5 to 10 percent, directly translating to longer range for electric vehicles and more efficient grid storage. Despite their light weight, the collectors maintain high mechanical strength and thermal stability up to 400 degrees Celsius. The process is fast, energy-efficient, and compatible with mass production, thereby overcoming the cost and scalability barriers associated with traditional methods. Reduced copper usage also lowers both material costs and environmental impact.
“Our ultralight copper collectors offer a practical path to lighter, more powerful batteries without sacrificing safety or manufacturability,” said Dr. Fang. “This is a game-changer for electric vehicles and energy storage, and we’re eager to collaborate with industry partners to bring this technology to market.”
AI-Powered Acoustic Diagnostics: Smarter Maintenance with Everyday Devices
Dr. Josh Siegel, Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, is leading the development of an AI-driven acoustic monitoring system that uses standard smartphones to diagnose mechanical issues in vehicles and heavy equipment. By applying advanced machine learning and deep learning, including a novel cascading convolutional neural network architecture, the system can detect engine misfires and other faults with up to 99% accuracy, even in noisy, real-world environments.
An early version of the technology was trained on over 200 unique engine samples, covering gasoline, diesel, turbocharged, and various engine configurations, making it robust across vehicle types. No special sensors or precise placement are required; users simply record with a phone and receive instant diagnostics. This enables the early detection of faults, reducing downtime and maintenance costs for fleets, infrastructure, and manufacturing operations. The technology can also be adapted for industrial machinery, HVAC systems, and other equipment, making it valuable for a wide range of corporate and public sector partners.
“Our approach brings expert-level diagnostics to anyone with a smartphone,” said Dr. Siegel. “By combining deep learning with pervasive mobile sensing, we’re helping organizations move from reactive repairs to proactive, data-driven maintenance.”
Translational Research and the MTRAC Program: Turning Michigan Innovation into Impact
These advances are enabled by translational funding initiatives like the statewide MTRAC program. The MTRAC program includes five innovation hubs that focus on bridging the gap between academic research and real-world applications. MTRAC offers essential funding, mentorship, and industry connections to assist university researchers in moving promising discoveries from the lab to the marketplace. The program stands out for its collaborative, cross-institutional approach, uniting Michigan’s public universities, hospital systems, and nonprofit research centers to maximize public investment impacts and speed up the commercialization of technology.
MTRAC’s support is not limited to funding alone. Each project benefits from the guidance of oversight committees composed of industry experts, venture capitalists, and experienced entrepreneurs who help teams refine their business models, validate their technologies, and connect with potential partners and customers. This rigorous process ensures that innovations are not only technically sound but also aligned with real market needs, reducing risk for investors and partners and increasing the likelihood of successful commercialization.
“Technology commercialization is a team sport,” said Denise Graves, MTRAC Transportation Program Commercialization Program Director. “By supporting translational research, we’re not only driving innovation but also delivering tangible benefits for Michigan’s economy. MTRAC and its five innovation hubs help ensure that investments in research yield real returns—new companies, new jobs, and solutions that improve quality of life across the state.”
Translational research programs, such as MTRAC, are vital for transforming Michigan’s research excellence into economic and societal value. By helping researchers “de-risk” their technologies and connect with industry, MTRAC accelerates the journey from discovery to deployment—whether that means safer, lighter batteries for electric vehicles, or smarter, more accessible diagnostics for infrastructure and manufacturing.
Want to Learn More About Dr. Fang’s and Dr. Siegel’s Research?
Fabricating ultralight and ultrathin copper current collectors for high-energy batteries
Improving Misfire Fault Diagnosis with Cascading Architectures via Acoustic Vehicle Characterization
Engine Misfire Detection with Pervasive Mobile Audio
Opportunities for Partnership
The MSU Innovation Center is seeking companies interested in next-generation battery materials, AI diagnostics, and other mobility technologies.
Whether you’re exploring sponsored research, licensing opportunities, or co-developing next-generation solutions, we’re ready to collaborate.
Interested in partnering with MSU faculty on mobility and battery innovation?
Visit innovationcenter.msu.edu or contact us to start the conversation.
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About the MSU Innovation Center
The MSU Innovation Center connects faculty, industry, and entrepreneurs to accelerate the commercialization of research and drive economic development. Through programs like MTRAC, MSU is powering the next generation of technologies that improve lives and strengthen Michigan’s economy.