A Nationally Unique Collaboration

The Midwest Industrial Transformation Initiative (MITI) is a unique collaboration between research institutions, industry partners, Tribal entities, and state and community leaders. The MITI goal is to innovate and de-risk integrated industrial innovations promoting global competitiveness, secure supply chains, national security, and economic prosperity. 

Leveraging the State of Minnesota’s unique resources, infrastructure, and skilled workforce, MITI will position the Midwest as a global leader in innovative industrial processes by:

  1. Modernizing four bedrock American industries: iron and steel, e-fuels, cement and concrete, ammonia and fertilizers
  2. Expanding the production of nationally strategic industrial materials and creating high skill jobs and training opportunities.
  3. Protecting the domestic supply chain for strategic industries and national security.
  4. Supporting American energy dominance by increasing domestic hydrogen-based fuels and reducing reliance on imported fuels via adopting hydrogen hybrid energy solutions.
  5. Improving and innovating new methods for responsible industrial utilization of domestic resources.

MITI’s Integrated Approach

In partnership with industry, communities, interest groups, Tribes, and government partners, MITI aims to catalyze, demonstrate, and drive replicable, scalable industrial technologies that enable Minnesota to be a national and global leader in innovative solutions.

A four-part infographic outlines steps for industrial transformation: ENGAGE – Partner with Tribes, governments, and communities (network icon). ENABLE – Focus on permitting, policy, and social license (lightning bolt icon). BUILD – Research, pilot, and scale projects (wrench and screwdriver icon). INSPIRE – Position Minnesota as a global model (state outline with arrows).

MITI Partner Organizations

Lead: The Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) is a University of Minnesota system-wide applied research organization that will evaluate and demonstrate ore resources and pilot scale technologies. They will also lead engagement with local stakeholders including industry and workforce.

The Great Plains Institute will apply its expertise to advance industrial policy and regulation, positioning Minnesota as a leader in innovative iron/steel, green ammonia, e-fuels, and cement/concrete processes. It will foster knowledge sharing and network-building to create informed, collaborative policy advocates. By connecting industry, advocates, agencies, and legislators, GPI will drive regulatory continuity and effective implementation. In the permitting realm, it will consolidate key insights and engage stakeholders to improve environmental review and shape a proactive industrial roadmap.

The University of Minnesota’s West-Central Research and Outreach Center provides research-based innovation and outreach by vigorously pursuing opportunities for agricultural producers and rural citizens while identifying and responding to emerging trends, developing dynamic solutions, and offering active learning experiences.

With support from the State of Minnesota, philanthropic organizations and industry partners.