Our Programs
IN-2-Market works as a catalyst for new and unique collaboration between industrial companies and the the Tri-State Region’s research/innovation ecosystem to achieve both near-term benefits and transformative outcomes. We do this through a variety of current and future-planned programs as outlined here:
CURRENT PROGRAMS
IN-2-Market has several key programs underway in support of our overall mission of accelerating industrial innovation for the benefit of participating entities and the region. Each of these programs, while being managed as unique endeavors, leverage a common set of skills in driving collaboration and co-creation. I2M also strives for synergy and cross-fertilization of efforts to maximize connections and outcomes for the benefit of all.
Appalachian Energy Future (AEF) is an industry-led alliance that brings the power of collaborative innovation to the challenge of decarbonization and a new vision for building low-carbon industrial production systems in the Appalachian Region of Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and beyond. Our alliance includes companies in the energy, industrial, manufacturing and other sectors, working with other regional stakeholders who have come together to promote the development of a regional hub for hydrogen and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS.)
AEF is supporting the region in becoming a designated, regional hub for decarbonization and hydrogen. Our vision is to establish a regional ecosystem that can be a successful, recognized national model for sustainable, low-carbon industrial production systems.
AEF’s work includes direct engagement with key regional (and national) stakeholders who are all important to bringing this vision to life. We aim to promote the development of an integrated ecosystem of clean energy sources (esp. hydrogen), industrial users, transportation and infrastructure to decarbonize industrial production in the Tri-State Region and beyond.
Founding industrial companies include EQT, Equinor, GE Gas Power, Mitsubishi Power, Marathon Petroleum & MPLX, Shell, Southwestern Energy, U. S. Steel, and Williams. Additional companies are in the process of joining.
Appalachian Energy Future
The AIM Higher Consortium is a wide-ranging program funded by the Department of Defense with the goal of strengthening the defense supply chain in the Greater Pittsburgh region of Southwest Pennsylvania and West Virginia. AIM Higher is led by Catalyst Connection with over 30 academic, economic development, technology institute, and manufacturing partners from around the region. IN-2-Market is proud to be a partner company in AIM Higher, with a focus on bringing industry players to the network and the planning/development for a future ‘defense capital network’ in the region.
AIM Higher Consortium
POTENTIAL FUTURE PROGRAMS
Following are examples of industrial innovation need-themes that have surfaced as potential high-interest opportunities for I2M’s collaborative innovation programs. Theme selection for programs is made with support of leadership-level corporate partners.
Strategic Manufacturing Reshoring
Our region has a unique opportunity to play an important role in manufacturing reshoring of key industrial, technological and defense related manufacturing, supported by our unique regional capabilities and geographic advantages.
Energy Efficiency and Storage
From novel new materials for battery systems to exploring hydrogen cells, enabling technologies can accelerate energy efficiency and storage and their adoption for the benefit of our member companies.
Additive Manufacturing (AM)
Applying AM for production parts presents big benefits but also key challenges. Applying less-exotic steels for metal-powder printing and new business models for shared infrastructure are examples of potential joint initiatives.
Manufacturing Supply Chain Modernization
Small/medium suppliers struggle to modernize; large firms need a healthy ecosystem of suppliers. Explore technologies, funding and business models to modernize OEM supply chains.
Enabling the Future of Work
Future of Work initiatives can address technology-based and socially-enabled solutions for training and up-skilling; potential joint research and pilots could include remote work, the freelance economy, and more.