Metals Innovation Initiative

Mi2 was founded to facilitate an ecosystem for Metals Innovation. Activities include facilitating ecosystem collaboration for metals-related precompetitive r&d, technology commercialization, talent & workforce development, information sharing, entrepreneurial activity, and supply chain development. See schedule o for additional information. Mi2's initial geographic focus is the ky ecosystem, with the intent to broaden impacts to additional states and regions over time. Ecosystem participants include a wide range of stakeholders, member companies and partner organizations. Member companies inform mi2's priorities and participate in precompetitive activities. Partner organizations have an interest in connecting to the Metals ecosystem and provide access to resources. Current activities include: 1. Ecosystem building - outreach to build, maintain, and facilitate connection to a diverse Metals ecosystem through events, meeting with members and partner organizations, and dissemination of information. Convening industry members set high-level priorities for precompetitive collaboration. The member leadership council (mlc) is comprised of up to 15 representatives from member companies and informs mi2's annual strategic plan. 2. Strategy group facilitation - facilitating topical strategy group participation to identify pre-competitive collaboration opportunities. There are currently five strategy groups with different focus areas. Such areas are expected to evolve over time in response to changing priorities. 3. Project team facilitation - facilitation of teams (members, partners, contractors) and providing project management services for precompetitive project activities. Mi2's project portfolio evolves continually and currently includes 14 project groups. Future activities include: 1. Federal programs - mi2 will seek federal funding to advance metals-related r&d, technology commercialization, talent & workforce development, information sharing, entrepreneurial activity, and supply chain development. Mi2 anticipates working as a subcontractor on partners' federally funded projects and leading proposals to federal agencies. 2. Specialized technical and consulting services - mi2 may provide specialized Metals Innovation services that are not readily available within the ecosystem, such as acquiring equipment for specialized Metals testing or providing Metals Innovation consulting. Such services will not compete with existing commercial capabilities available within the ecosystem.