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.
InnoSearch celebrates the entire journey — from identifying a problem worth solving to putting an idea into practice. At KYIC 2026, we brought that journey to the stage.
Meet the 2026 InnoSearch Winners
Best Innovations Across Metals + Manufacturing Lifecycle
Turning Mixed Metal Scrap into High-Value Feedstock with Dynamic LIBS Sorting
Best Innovations in Health + Workforce Solutions
The Money Nobody Claims: Why Manufacturers Leave Millions in Hiring, Training, and Employee Support Dollars on the Table
Implemented Innovations in Metals + Manufacturing Settings
An unbreakable tie!
Workforce Performance: The Bridge Between Safety and Wellness to Improve Outcomes for Companies and Individuals
From Disconnected to Proactive: Transforming Safety for 8,500 Deskless Manufacturing Workers
Pitch the Problem
Removing Metals from Stormwater at Scrap Recycling Facilities
The showcase was just the beginning.
Explore the companies and ideas behind this year’s solutions applications. Learn what they’re working on, who they can help, and where a conversation could lead.
KYIC was a blast.
New connections, big questions, and plenty of reasons to keep the conversation going.
Take a look at this year’s Kentucky Industry Conference.
Keep the ideas coming.
Stay connected with MI2 for opportunities to explore ideas, meet collaborators, and move innovation forward throughout the year.
Have a problem we should spotlight, a solution we should know about, or an idea for next year’s InnoSearch? We want to hear it.
Next stop: InnoTour.
Can’t wait till InnoSearch 2027 for more innovation?
Neither can we.
Get involved in 2027 InnoTour.
Take a look at this year’s inaugural tour, then get in touch to talk about how you can participate.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Submissions will be accepted until August 18, 2026
Field will be narrowed to 12 semi-finalists by the end of August
Finalists will be notified in early/mid September
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. It is sponsored by Fluor.
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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 2025’s winners.
Read about KYIC!