Detroit — More satellites likely will orbit into space after a startup uses $375,000 in grant funds it won at a statewide pitch competition aimed at promoting fledgling Michigan businesses.

Birmingham-based General Orbit is one of multiple businesses getting a financial boost through PitchMI, an entrepreneurial fund for early-stage companies hosted by Michigan State University's Research Foundation and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

Also receiving $250,000 each: health care and life sciences business BedConnect of Ann Arbor and cleantech and outdoor innovation startup Electric Outdoors based in Detroit. On Wednesday, General Orbit — which says it designs and builds next-generation satellite systems that simplify production — won the mobility, defense and advanced manuf

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