Motmot
Data that keeps water flowing
www.motmot.ai
Motmot is a Detroit-based robotics company that develops autonomous underwater robots to inspect live, pressurized drinking water mains without shutting down service. Its hydrant-deployed system captures video, acoustic, pressure and other data that help utilities prioritize repairs and capital plans. Since launching, Motmot has raised pre-seed funding, secured NSF SBIR Fast Track support, and begun municipal pilots in Michigan.
Motmot is headquartered in Detroit and expanded to 12 staff in 2025. The company has completed pilot work with Michigan municipalities including Detroit, Fenton, Adrian, and Sault Ste. Marie. Motmot also works with Michigan-based partners including Michigan State University, Mcity, ACM, TechTown, and other in-state ecosystem partners.
“Michigan SBDC gave us huge support early in our development; including SBIR strategy to commercialization preparedness. Their team helped
sharpen our story, convert grants with the NSF, and move faster as we built Motmot in Detroit.”Elliot Smith, PE, Motmot CEO
Key Accomplishments
• $1.555M NSF SBIR Fast Track
• $1.34M pre-seed raised
• Detroit Startup Fund awardee
• TechCrunch Disrupt 2024
• PitchMI Top 20 semifinalist
• Pilots in 6 Michigan cities
• Grew to 12 staff in 2025
• Detroit HQ at Michigan Central
• MEDC OFME awarded residency at
the American Center for Mobility
• “Make It In Michigan” mobility
prototyping grant winner
Michigan SBDC Assistance
Tech Team Consulting
-
SBIR/STTR strategy
ETF/BAF Support
- ETF Phase 1: $25,000
- Prototype Development
- ETF Phase 2: $125,000
- Commercialization of technology
to market
- Commercialization of technology
- BAF Phase 1 – $15,000
- Legal
- BAF Phase 2 – $31,500
- Legal
Additional Support From
- TechTown Detroit
- Venture 313
- Great Lakes I-Corps
- Michigan Rise
- American Center for Mobility
Published May 2026
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