Advancing the next-gen materials revolution by connecting science and big ideas.

We are a think tank focused on research, knowledge-sharing, and fostering connections to fast-track the development of environmentally preferable and animal-free materials. We cultivate a global market for next-gen materials across the fashion, automotive, and home goods industries.

    Our three core programs are Science & Technology, Innovation, and Brand Partnerships.

    Who We Work With

    We are creating a collaborative ecosystem for the development of next-gen materials that are high-performance, animal-free, more sustainable, and that are considered true replacements for some of the most damaging materials on the market.

    For Scientists:

    Our experts produce assessments on notable next-gen materials and technologies. Using these findings, we connect with scientists and academics to drive critical research on the most promising innovations.

    For innovators:

    We analyze the state of the next-gen materials industry, map white spaces for new companies to form, connect promising innovators to these opportunities, and share their fundraising information with investors.

    For investors:

    We provide investors with the latest and most accurate information about the next-gen materials market, critical insights into technologies, and a pipeline of investment opportunities.

    For brands and retailers:

    We partner with brands and retailers to help them meet their sustainability goals. We share industry and technology overviews, conduct consumer research, and help them integrate next-gen materials into their supply chains.

    For suppliers:

    We provide suppliers with scientific and technological guidance, ensure that their materials meet the needs of brands and retail companies, include a list of them on our website, and connect them to next-gen innovators.

    Mii - Silk Weaving
    Piñatex Metallic Wrinkled Silver - Credit - Ananas Anam

    Credit – Ananas Anam

    Get in Contact with MII

    Think you fit in our ecosystem? MII would love to partner with you! Learn more about us or get in touch today.

    Is your company working in the next-gen materials space? Would you like to be featured in our Innovators Database or the Disruptive Textile Technology List? Please let us know about your company!

    Drying fibres - Credit - Ananas Anam

    Credit – Ananas Anam

    InnovatorS Database

    Our innovators database lists material companies creating next-gen materials that are animal-free and more sustainable alternatives to leather, silk, wool, down, fur, or exotic skins.

    Disruptive Textile Technology List

    Next-gen innovators also need access to sustainable manufacturing and recovery solutions, to accelerate commercialization and improve the full life cycle of next-gen materials. Our disruptive technology list showcases companies that are developing disruptive textile innovation resources including polymers, resins, fibers, additives, dyes, colorants, and finishing agents.

    Copia de 2 - Credit - Polybion

    Credit – Polybion

    Support

    We are creating a collaborative ecosystem for the development of next-gen materials that are high-performance, animal-free, more sustainable, and that are considered true replacements for some of the most damaging materials on the market. If you would like to support us, you can do so in the donation link below.

    Bego5 - Credit - Bego x Piñatex

    Credit – Bego x Piñatex

    AS FEATURED IN:

    Next Gen Animal Fur - Material Innovation

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    Our Insights

    The Material Innovation Initiative conducts world-class research that spurs investments and partnerships and helps scale next-gen material innovations. Our reports, publications, factsheets, and databases analyze the state of the next-gen materials industry, map white space opportunities, advise entrepreneurs and next-gen material companies, and connect investors to exceptional investment opportunities. See below for a small selection of our latest reports or find the full list here. 

    Hero Photo for Brand Engagement with Next-Gen Materials 2023 Report.
    What Makes Silk, Silk 2023 Report Hero Photo
    2023 U.S. Consumer Research Report Hero Photo