MI2 InnoSearch 2026 Is Now Open for Applications

Applications accepted through August 4. Finalists present at KYIC in Lexington, October 13–15.

In its fourth year, the Metals Innovation Initiative this week has launched its portal accepting applications for its annual InnoSearch.

Building off of the 2026 MI2 Innovation Tour MI2 hosted last month, this week’s launch of the InnoSearch is the next step in an ongoing conversation about innovation in and around metals manufacturing in the U.S. That recent tour brought seven Kentucky metals manufacturers and 13 solution providers together face to face across Louisville, Northern Kentucky, Bowling Green, and Logan County over three days. It was designed to create direct interaction around the real challenges and opportunities facing manufacturers today.

InnoSearch takes that work further. This year’s search is where those conversations move toward solutions, pilots, and implementation.

"Events like these exemplify the importance of sharing knowledge and demonstrating the potential for scalable, durable, and reliable improvements across MI2 members," said Bob Soffel of CES, a 2025 InnoSearch finalist and InnoTour participant.

That same standard applies to this year’s InnoSearch. The program connects organizations carrying real operational problems with the innovators, researchers, and solution providers positioned to address them. Selected participants present before a live audience of manufacturers, industry leaders, investors, and researchers at the Kentucky Industry Conference each fall.

Three Showcases. One Stage.

InnoSearch is structured around three showcases, each corresponding to a different point in the innovation process. The goal across all three is the same: connect industry challenges with innovative solutions while celebrating successful implementation.

Define the Problem is for organizations ready to put a real challenge on the table. Industry leaders submit the challenges that need solving. Submissions may address workforce shortages, supply chain disruptions, safety, sustainability, efficiency, or highly specialized technical issues facing the metals sector. A clearly defined problem is often the first step toward a solution no one had previously considered. Strong submissions not only bring attention to an important challenge but help spark the conversations and partnerships that move the industry forward.

Find the Solutions is for innovators with a technology, process, partnership, product, or approach that addresses a real industry challenge and is ready to pilot, implement, or scale. The goal is direct connection between solution providers and manufacturers actively seeking answers. Eligible participants include startups, in-house innovation teams, pilot-ready research, service providers, and consultants.

Implement Innovation is for manufacturers and partners who have successfully implemented an innovative technology, process, partnership, or program and can demonstrate measurable outcomes, lessons learned, or meaningful impact. Proven implementation is among the most underrecognized contributions in this industry. Strong submissions in this category do more than highlight organizational success. They provide a roadmap for others working toward similar results.

How to Participate

The process is straightforward: choose the showcase that best fits your organization, complete the online application, and selected participants will take the stage at KYIC. Featured submissions will be recognized during the conference and highlighted across MI2's network.

Participants gain visibility before industry decision makers, exposure at the Kentucky Industry Conference, opportunities for partnerships and pilots, and connections to the MI2 innovation ecosystem.

Key Dates to Remember:

• Applications close: August 4, 2026
• Semi-finalists announced: August 20, 2026
• Finalists notified: September 9, 2026
• Finalist presentations at KYIC: October 13–15, 2026, Central Bank Center, Lexington

MI2 produces InnoSearch in partnership with InnoEngine, an innovation strategy firm focused on turning industry challenges into measurable outcomes. KYIC is co-organized by MI2, the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers, and the University of Louisville's Kentucky Manufacturing Extension Partnership.

Apply innoengine.co/innosearch for program details and application PDFs.

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