Leader in U.S. Autonomous Transportation Chooses East Lansing, Michigan, Reinforcing Commitment to Autonomous Transportation Innovation

ADASTEC Corp, a trailblazing provider of automation solutions for full-size buses and commercial vehicles, has announced the relocation of its headquarters to East Lansing, Michigan. Established in 2018, ADASTEC has been a leader in the U.S. autonomous transportation sector, with its flagship product, the advanced Level 4 automation platform flowride.ai, setting the standard in full-size bus automation.

“The Lansing Region stands as a beacon of technological advancement and community collaboration. Our decision to relocate ADASTEC’s headquarters to East Lansing embodies our dedication to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in automated public transportation. In partnership with Michigan State University, we’re not just developing technology; we’re driving societal change and sustainable progress,” said Dr. Ali Peker, chief executive officer of ADASTEC. 

In 2020, ADASTEC received support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Michigan Mobility Platform, leading to a fruitful partnership with Michigan State University (MSU). This collaboration resulted in the deployment of a full-size, electric Level 4 automated bus on the MSU campus, showcasing ADASTEC’s commitment to advancing accessible transportation.

The Technology Innovation Center (TIC) was founded in 2008 by the City of East Lansing and is currently managed by the MSU Research Foundation in partnership with LEAP and the Lansing Regional SmartZone. The TIC offers a space for collaboration and co-working in combination with resources such as grants and programming to fuel the growth of technology startups in the Greater Lansing region. The TIC and the surrounding offices are the center of gravity for technology innovation in the region with the offices for MSU Tech Transfer, Red Cedar Ventures, Spartan Innovations, and the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship all housed under one roof. Since then, many of Lansing’s brightest and most forward-thinking entrepreneurial minds have converged here to share their ideas, learn from one another, and build exceptional companies and projects.

“Since our investment in ADASTEC about a year ago, the company has made significant progress in the development of their solutions around automated public transportation,” said Jeff Wesley, executive director of ventures at the MSU Research Foundation. “ADASTEC’s move to East Lansing solidifies the relationship with the MSU Research Foundation and the University and assists MSU Mobility with their overall electrification and automation research focus.”

ADASTEC’s decision to establish its new headquarters in East Lansing is strategically aligned with its long-term partnership with Michigan State University. This relocation will streamline operations and support the United States’ first and only Level-4 automated bus project, demonstrating ADASTEC’s dedication to long-term collaboration and operational excellence in automated bus deployment.

ADASTEC plans to deploy a new electric and automated bus at Michigan State University by mid-2024. The 28-feet long Level-4 automated bus will comply with FMVSS and ADA regulations, with public operations scheduled to commence in August. In addition to this initiative, ADASTEC is set to enhance the University at Buffalo’s transportation infrastructure with the deployment of a Level-4 automated electric bus, also operational by mid-2024.

Judd Herzer, mobility director at Michigan State University, expressed his excitement for ADASTEC’s move to East Lansing, saying, “ADASTEC is a great partner to MSU, and we look forward to enhancing our collaboration in autonomous technologies for accessible transportation. Our students and researchers benefit greatly from working with ADASTEC’s visionary team.”

“Technology-based companies continue to multiply throughout our region, and we are most pleased with the hard work of so many partners to land a nice growing company like ADASTEC,” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP.

ADASTEC is proud to hold multiple industry-related certifications, reflecting their commitment to excellence across multiple domains. flowride.ai-equipped buses are revolutionizing public transportation by offering a flexible, clean, and cost-effective service. Their unique approach ensures a clear return on investment (ROI) while leading the way in transforming public transit into a more sustainable and efficient future.

“Moving our headquarters to East Lansing aligns strategically with our core mission and underscores the collaborative spirit at the heart of our operations. Being close to Michigan State University strengthens our capability to drive innovation and leadership within the Level-4 automated bus domain. It’s this synergy where advanced technology meets with real-world application, steering us towards a transformative future in public transportation” said Cemre Kavvasoglu, north america product management director of ADASTEC. 

“We look forward to ADASTEC’s opening in the City of East Lansing. We are excited about the company’s potential and what they will bring to this community,” said Robert Belleman, East Lansing city manager. 

The Headquarters relocation announcement by ADASTEC resonates seamlessly with the Lansing Region’s overarching vision to foster the mobility sector and bolster Michigan’s standing as a pivotal hub for the future of innovation. Positioned at the forefront of the evolving autonomous landscape, ADASTEC is a leader in propelling technology and fostering growth at the core of Michigan, solidifying our commitment to shaping the future of the industry.

In forging university-company partnerships, we envision a collaborative economic development model that not only advances technological frontiers but also creates sustainable jobs, supports local communities, and positions Michigan as a global leader in autonomous transportation innovation.

Visit www.adastec.com to learn more about the company.