National innovation search launches in $38 billion Kentucky metals industry

National innovation search launches in $38 billion Kentucky metals industry

Startups, manufacturers and researchers invited to compete in dual-track challenge to solve real-world problems and scale breakthrough solutions

The Metals Innovation Initiative (MI2) has launched its annual InnoSearch, a national competition to uncover high-impact problems and breakthrough solutions within the $38 billion Kentucky metals industry, the fastest-growing in the United States. InnoSearch aims to identify persistent issues in the metals sector and provide pilot-ready solutions prepared to address those challenges. The competition is open to both innovators and industry professionals.

“With this year’s search, we’re building the connective tissue that turns ideas into action and action into results,” said Summer Dixon, chief operating officer of MI2. “It’s all about impact: for our industry, our workforce and our future.”

The InnoSearch program, backed by an industry that has outpaced national growth with a 1.7% annual rise in primary metals employment, is now accepting applicants across the United States. Unlike traditional pitch competitions, the MI2 innovation search invites participants to apply in one of two categories:

• Problem statements – Open to manufacturers, industry leaders and ecosystem stakeholders ready to define and share pressing operational or strategic challenges.
• Innovative solutions – Open to startups, researchers and technology providers with breakthrough innovations in technologies, processes or partnerships ready for deployment.

Selected finalists in both tracks will pitch live at the Kentucky Industry Conference (KYIC) in Lexington, Ky., on Oct. 27–29 in front of corporate partners representing this $38 billion output industry in Kentucky across the aluminum, steel and copper sectors. The visibility will provide a space for real-time connection and future partnership development. Backed by InnoSearch, the selected winner, for both the problem and solutions side, will offer a real runway to pilot, scale and partner within the industry. The winners of each search (problem and solution) will be eligible for a $ 5,000 prize.

Applications are open through Sept. 4 at www.innoengine.co/innosearch. Finalists will be announced Oct. 1.

The competition and event aim to foster collaboration, innovation and inspiration among attendees, aligning with the mission and values of MI2. The 2025 InnoSearch also lays the groundwork for a third track debuting in 2026, which will highlight the impact stories of successful pilots, implementations or partnerships that originated through the innovation search. Read more about InnoSearch and learn more about the 2024 competition winner here.

About MI2
MI2 is a Kentucky-based nonprofit working to position the commonwealth as a global leader in metals innovation. By bringing together industry, government and research partners, MI2 drives progress in sustainability, workforce development, advanced manufacturing and commercialization across the state’s robust metals sector.