Announcing the MITI FORUM: Twin Cities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DULUTH, MN — June 11, 2026 — Building on growing national momentum for industrial innovation, the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) at the University of Minnesota has announced its upcoming MITI FORUM: Twin Cities — From Strategy to Deployment, a public gathering focused on what it will take to move industrial transformation from vision and planning into real-world implementation.
The event will take place on Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at The Lowlands, located at 160 Wabasha Street South, Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Hosted in partnership with regional and national collaborators, this high-energy forum focuses on moving next-generation manufacturing, energy systems, and climate technology off the drawing board and into real-world deployment across Minnesota and the Upper Midwest.
While visionary strategies are essential, transitioning to actual implementation requires intense collaboration. This year's forum aims to bridge the gap by uniting leaders across industry, utilities, policymakers, climate tech startups, researchers, Tribal Nations, labor, and community organizations to build a cohesive ecosystem for change.
The fast-paced agenda will feature:
- Ecosystem Updates: Progress reports on MITI’s vision and strategic future direction.
- Expert Panels & Conversations: Insights from industry executives, utility representatives, policymakers, and climate tech entrepreneurs.
- Action-Oriented Discussions: Deep dives into practical deployment barriers, including permitting reform, workforce development, regional infrastructure, and building public trust.
- Startup Showcases & Lightning Talks: Spotlights on the cutting-edge companies and technologies scaling in the region.
- Interactive Dialogue: Facilitated networking sessions and collaborative stakeholder workshops.
The event is free and open to the public, and a complimentary lunch will be provided. An optional post-event networking opportunity will follow the main program.
Because space is limited, advanced registration is required. Representatives from industry, media, government, and community organizations can secure their spot by visiting the official registration page.
About MITI
The Midwest Industrial Transformation Initiative (MITI) is a collaborative platform that brings together industry, Tribal Nations, researchers, government, utilities, investors, labor, and communities to explore what it will take to deploy next-generation industry across the Midwest. MITI focuses on the opportunities and challenges shaping industrial transformation in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, energy systems, critical materials, and the industrial bioeconomy. Through research, partnerships, and public convenings, MITI works to identify the technological, economic, workforce, infrastructure, and community conditions needed to move industrial transformation from strategy to deployment. Learn more by visiting our website.
About NRRI
The Natural Resources Research Institute is a state-chartered applied research institute of the University of Minnesota's Research and Innovation Office, hosted by the Duluth Campus. NRRI maintains three sites in Northern Minnesota with a mission to deliver integrated research solutions that value our resources, environment and economy for a sustainable and resilient future. For more information visit our website.
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