MI2 In The News

Get the latest news on MI2 — from regional and national press to local spotlights, the stories below highlight the people and partnerships building the future of the metals industry.

The Lane Report
March 2025

Metals Innovation Initiative appoints Bob Eviston as new Chairman of the Board

The Metals Innovation Initiative (MI2), a Kentucky-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing the state’s metals industry, is pleased to announce the appointment of Bob Eviston as the new Chairman of the Board. Eviston brings over three decades of industry experience and a deep commitment to innovation and sustainability in metals manufacturing.

The Lane Report
March 2025

Metals Innovation Initiative appoints Bob Eviston as new Chairman of the Board

The Metals Innovation Initiative (MI2), a Kentucky-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing the state’s metals industry, is pleased to announce the appointment of Bob Eviston as the new Chairman of the Board. Eviston brings over three decades of industry experience and a deep commitment to innovation and sustainability in metals manufacturing.

Bowling Green Daily News
February 2025

Buckentin to Lead the Metals Innovation Initiative

He led Russellville’s Logan Aluminum through a period of rapid growth, now Mike Buckentin aims to do the same for the fledgling Bowling Green-based nonprofit Metals Innovation Initiative (MI2). Buckentin, Logan Aluminum’s CEO for seven years before his retirement in October 2024, has been named CEO of the MI2 organization that was formed in 2022 with a mission of promoting Kentucky as a destination for innovation in the metals industry. Read more at the link above.

Louisville Business First
February 2025

Metals Innovation Initiative Names New CEO

The Metals Innovation Initiative is shaking up its leadership team after two years of growth. Read the full article on Louisville Business First at the link above.

Northern Kentucky Tribune
January 2025

KAM names commission to investigate ways KY can better contribute to nation’s industrial growth

MI2’s CIO, Vijay Kamineni, was named to The Kentucky Association of Manufacturers (KAM) “Blue-Ribbon Commission on Kentucky’s Contributions to America’s Critical Industrial Base” to develop recommendations on how Kentucky can more directly contribute to America’s industrial growth in critical economic sectors, with a primary focus on the nation’s defense industrial base.

U.S. Department of Energy
December 2024

Community Energy Innovation Prize

The American-Made Community Energy Innovation Prize is multi-million-dollar prize competition designed to create opportunity for college students, manufacturing coalitions, and community organizations to engage underserved communities to ensure an equitable clean energy transition.

KY INNO
November 2024

MIT researcher provides insights into U.S., Kentucky manufacturing landscape

MIT Research Scientist Ben Armstrong addresses the crowd during a session at MI2, KAM and GAME Change’s Kentucky Industry Conference on Oct. 30, 2024.

TEKNOVATION.BIZ
September 2024

Next GAME Change Summit Scheduled For Louisville, KY

Participants will intermingle GAME Change sessions with keynote speakers, vendors, and networking as part of GAME Change’s collaboration with the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers (KAM) and Metals Innovation Initiative (MI2). GAME Change Summit and Workshop agendas will be available soon.

KY INNO
August 2024

Meet The Five Winners of The KY INNO Fire Awards

Kentucky Inno Fire Awards recognizes companies and leaders sparking innovation, fueling growth and blazing a path to be the next big thing.

KY INNO
August 2024

Fire Awards: Vijay Kamineni galvanizes the quest for innovation in the metals industry

Metals Innovation Initiative is one of five winners in our 2024 Kentucky Inno Fire Awards.

KY INNO
July 2024

Metals Innovation Initiative starts global search for ideas with help from Louisville VC

One of Kentucky’s newest statewide nonprofit organizations is partnering with one of Louisville’s most well known venture capital firms.

Western Kentucky University
June 2024

Metals Innovation Initiative (MI2) Launches Global MI2 Competition to Source Pilot-ready Innovations

The Metals Innovation Initiative (MI2) has launched a global search for pilot-ready innovations addressing challenges in the metals industry.

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