News from the Metals Innovation Ecosystem

MI2 CEO Speaks about MI2's Mission and Focus at WKU Innovation Campus

Recently, MI2 CEO Vijay Kamineni spoke to more than 50 members of the Western Kentucky University Innovation Campus at the organization's first Member Communication Lunch. Kamineni shared Metals Innovation Initiative’s mission and focus with representatives from member companies and organizations from across the Innovation Campus HQ facility.

MI2 Holds Leadership Retreat in Louisville, KY

This week, MI2 held a leadership retreat to plan for the upcoming fiscal year. Above is a shot of MI2's COO Summer Dixon Goldman, MI2's CFO, Leland Lorentzen, and MI2's Director of Strategic Communications, Sam Ford. We are excited by the momentum achieved so far this year with our member companies and strategic partners and look forward to planning bold goals that match our vision to continue bringing everyone together to make Kentucky the destination for meals innovation in the years ahead.

MI2 to Host Grants & Funding Webinar on June 27th at 2pm Eastern/1pm Central

MI2's Grants & Funding Consultant, Ruthie Caldwell, will give an overview of clean energy-related grants and funding opportunities and how to find them. She will also feature various funding databases you may use to your company's benefit. A representative of 50001 Ready will share information about their cohort, what the process is like, and what MI2 members will receive from it. MI2 will also host representatives from EFN, MI2’s “Power Connectors” working with us through our recent American-Made Challenge Community Energy Innovation Prize from the US Department of Energy. EFN is also responsible for developing a free funding database called Empower Innovation that they will discuss. If you have any questions, contact our Grants & Funding Consultant Ruthie Caldwell at ruthie@visiongranted.com.

KSTC Awarded $1 million from NSF for Enhancing Additive Manufacturing

Congratulations to our strategic partners at the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation, a nonprofit focused on science and technology, which has been awarded $1 million by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) to advance 3D printing in Kentucky. This funding, through the NSF Engines Development Award, aims to enhance additive manufacturing in Kentucky and nearby areas. The project, led by KSTC and involving the University of Louisville, is supported by the NSF Regional Innovation Engines program. This initiative is part of the United States CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, which promotes scientific innovation and advances key manufacturing capabilities in the U.S.

Manufacturing & Logistics Leadership Series Schedule Releases

Calling Kentucky manufacturers! Are you facing challenges with employee engagement and retention? Do you aspire to enhance your team's collaborative mindset and attitude and foster a positive workplace culture? This training offers the transformative solutions you need. Send your leaders to their 4-part leadership series and watch your organization thrive. This event will take place 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the NKY Chamber, 300 Buttermilk Pike, Ft. Mitchell, KY on 5/31/24, 6/7/24, 6/14/24 and 6/21/24. Register here.

SECAT Shares Reaccreditation for NADCAP Certification

Secat is excited to share their recent reaccreditation for NADCAP certification in Materials Testing Laboratories, alongside an expanded scope covering axial fatigue testing, metallography, and microhardness. Explore their updated Scope of Accreditation at the Secat website. Plus, enjoy a generous 20% discount on NADCAP testing services throughout May.