MI2 Highlights from the 2024 Kentucky Innovator Challenge

UK Innovate recently hosted the second Kentucky Innovator Challenge, an event designed to address pressing challenges facing the state through collaborative research and innovation. Held at the Gatton Student Center at the University of Kentucky on April 11, the one-day summit brought together leaders from various sectors including business, service organizations, and higher education and acted as a showcase for innovation and collaboration in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

[Image: KIC 1]

The event featured three unique tracks: Materials Enabling the Future of Kentucky, Creating a Circular Economy in Kentucky, and Innovations Advancing a Healthier Kentucky.

MI2 COO Summer Dixon Goldman was proud to present MI2’s mission and work to help kick off the Materials Enabling the Future of Kentucky section of the event. She talked about MI2’s work, FY23-24 initiatives, and in particular the ways in which we are working with metals companies and strategy partners on collaborative projects for the region that benefit metals manufacturers and companies in related fields. In particular, Summer spoke to MI2’s involvement in the GAME Change NSF Regional Innovation Engine project being led by University of Kentucky and involving dozens of collaborators across Kentucky and Tennessee seeking advanced carbon centric circular economy technologies for advanced manufacturing solutions.

[Image: KIC 2]

Goldman also talked about UK’s announcement of a new Research Priority Area in Materials Science with a focus on metals announced last year, and MI2’s excitement to work with researchers across UK on that new research priority area.

Also as part of the Materials Enabling the Future of Kentucky section of the program, North American Stainless VP of Operations Anil Yadav presented to the approximate 300 attendees of the event about NAS’s operations in Ghent, Kentucky, and the company’s continued expansion and growth in the stainless steel market. Yadav spoke about the need for innovation in sustainability, digital transformation, and new materials.

You can find both Goldman’s slides for MI2 and Yadav’s slides for North American Stainless here.

[Image: KIC 2]

Also, as part of the event, Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development Secretary Jeff Noel spoke about the state’s investment in innovation, specifically pointing attendees to the state government’s support of MI2. We thank Sec. Noel and our partners at the Cabinet for Economic Development for their funding and collaboration on establishing MI2 these past two years.

[Image: Sec Noel]

Last year, MI2 Board Chair Matt Bedingfield (Wieland) and board member Mike Buckentin (Logan Aluminum) presented about MI2

MI2 looks forward to participating in this event every year. The event fosters collaboration, innovation, and inspiration among attendees, which aligns with the mission and values of MI2.