Innovation doesn't end with a great idea.
Every innovation begins with a challenge.
But real impact happens when ideas become solutions — and solutions become reality.
The MI2 InnoSearch recognizes every stage of that journey: defining industry challenges, developing innovative solutions, and demonstrating proven impact.
Applications open June 9, 2026.
Finalists present at the Kentucky Industry Conference.
Innovation isn’t a single moment. It’s a journey.
It’s a process. And Innovation Unlocked celebrates innovation at every stage of that process.
DEFINE THE PROBLEM
The best solutions begin with a clearly defined challenge.
Industry leaders submit the challenges that need solving — the locks waiting for the right keys. Challenges may range from workforce shortages and supply chain disruptions to safety, sustainability, efficiency, or highly specialized technical issues.
Who It's For:
Any organization ready to share their real-world challenges, and articulate the scale of the problem. Clearly defined problems often uncover solutions no one has considered yet.
FIND THE SOLUTIONS
Innovation begins when someone sees a better way.
We want to recognize technologies, products, services, partnerships, and processes that can help solve — or unlock — industry challenges.
Who It's For:
Creators of innovative technologies, processes, or partnerships, including startups, in-house innovation teams, pilot-ready research, service providers, or consultants.
IMPLEMENT INNOVATION
Ideas become valuable when they create results. Manufacturing and the metals industry don't need more ideas — we need more examples of what works. This showcase highlights innovations that have moved beyond concept and delivered measurable impact. A key is only valuable once it finds its lock.
We want to see the impact. This is an opportunity to showcase those successfully implemented innovative technologies, processes, partnerships, or programs and demonstrate the impact.
Who It's For:
Manufacturers, innovators, researchers, startups, service providers, and industry partners with proven implementation success.
Three showcases. One innovation journey.
Innovation doesn't happen all at once.
It begins with a challenge, grows through new ideas, and creates value through implementation. Our goal is to connect industry challenges with innovative solutions while celebrating successful implementation.
HOW IT WORKS:
Step 1. Choose the showcase that best fits your organization.
Step 2. Complete the online application.
Step 3. Selected participants will take the stage at KYIC.
Step 4. Featured submissions will be recognized during the conference and highlighted across MI2’s network.
TAKE THE STAGE AT KYIC:
Selected participants from all three showcases will share their challenges, solutions, and success stories before a live audience of manufacturers, industry leaders, researchers, investors, and innovators.
This is where challenges find solutions.
Where innovators find partners.
And where implementation success inspires the next wave of innovation.
Where are you in the journey?
Choose the showcase that best fits your organization, and join us at KYIC 2026.
You are a good fit for this showcase if you work for an organization facing a real-world challenge — either within your organization or across the industry — and can clearly articulate the scale and significance of that problem.
In a perfect world, your submission not only brings attention to an important challenge, but helps spark conversations, partnerships, and solutions that move the industry forward.
You are a good fit for this showcase if you have developed an innovative technology, process, partnership, product, or approach that addresses a real industry challenge and is ready to pilot, implement, or scale.
In a perfect world, your submission helps connect your solution with organizations actively seeking new ways to solve the challenges they face.
You are a good fit for this showcase if you have successfully implemented an innovative technology, process, partnership, or program and can demonstrate measurable outcomes, lessons learned, or meaningful impact.
In a perfect world, your submission not only highlights your organization's success, but provides a roadmap and inspiration for others looking to achieve similar results.
Why participate?
MI2 exists to bring collaboration to the metals industry, academic, and government. InnoSearch brings that spirit to every level of the innovation journey.
Participants gain:
Visibility before industry decision makers
Exposure at the KY Industry Conference
Opportunities for partnerships and pilots
Recognition as leaders in industry innovation
Connections to the MI2 innovation ecosystem
Frequently Asked Questions
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Submissions will be accepted until August 4, 2026
Field will be narrowed to 12 semi-finalists by August 20th
Finalists will be notified by September 9th
Finalists will present at KYIC in Lexington, October 13-15, 2026
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The Innovation Search Competition is brought to you by the Metals Innovation Initiative and is hosted by Innovation Engine.
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“The 2.5-day event—co-organized by the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers, the Metals Innovation Initiative, and the University of Louisville Manufacturing Extension Program—tackles the most pressing challenges and explores new opportunities within the manufacturing innovation ecosystem. From workforce needs and recycling to energy solutions and technological advancements in manufacturing operations, the 2026 Kentucky Industry Conference promises to cover challenges we are all facing together.”
October 13-15, 2026
Central Bank Center
Lexington, KY
More info to come soon! Check back here or the MI2 website for updates.
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MI2 (Metals Innovation Initiative) is a Kentucky-based non-profit that brings together industry, academia, and government to solve shared challenges facing the metals industry. By fostering collaboration and piloting innovative solutions, MI2 helps strengthen Kentucky's metals ecosystem and advance the future of manufacturing.
To learn more or get involved in MI2’s mission, contact their member relations manager, Jerilyn Bristow. -
InnoEngine is an innovation strategy firm focused on helping organizations turn challenges into opportunities. By bringing together the right people, ideas, and processes, InnoEngine helps clients design, implement, and scale innovation initiatives that create measurable impact.
To engage with InnoEngine, e-mail founding partner and Chief Connection Officer, Sam Ford or contact us here.
Relevant Links
Check out Innovation Unlocked 2025.
InnoSearch 2025
2025 Problems Winner: Nucor and River Metals Recycling
2025 Solutions Winner: Visia
Check out last year’s winners.
Read about KYIC!