The team of creatives

• MII has brought together a community of materials innovators that will drive the environmental impact of what we make, use, and wear for generations. I met some of the most consequential people for expanding my company through MII, including an international retailer that is releasing my vegetable cashmere in stores across the world. And that this MII community is led by some of the most forward-thinking and proactive women in the industry is purely inspiring.  David Lee, KD New York
• The value of MII’s role as a relationship facilitator in the next-gen materials industry cannot be overstated. The MII team played a vital role in getting us in touch with the right investors, which ultimately led to the close of our first pre-seed funding round…This fueled us with the resources and momentum needed to create sustainable plant-based fur. We simply could not have crossed this milestone without them. —Martin Stübler, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, BioFluff 
• Soarce had early conversations with MII when we were still developing our scientific strategy and applications for our seaweed-based textile technology. [MII] helped inspire us to consider next-gen wool and leather, and we are now actively pursuing these targets. We are excited to work more closely with MII, and so happy that a non-profit like MII exists to support us along our development journey. - Mason Mincey, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Soarce

‍

• MII played a huge part in facilitating our partnership with the next-gen material company Natural Fiber Welding. MII understands the essential role manufacturers like Veshin Factory play in expediting a shift into next-gen materials and helps manifest collaborations amongst material innovators, brands, and manufacturers. – Joey Pringle, Founder & Co-Owner at Veshin Factory

‍

• Modern Meadow is immensely grateful to the Material Innovation Initiative for their unwavering efforts to foster a sustainable future. They have provided invaluable opportunities for innovators and brands like us to engage in meaningful conversations about the adoption of new sustainable technologies. Together, we are showing the world that high quality, sustainable, next-gen bio-materials driving a positive impact are possible. – David Williamson, President & COO, Modern Meadow
• The transformation of orange peel and algae into fabric and grape residue into plant-based leather are just a few of the great ideas that have been realized. I’m convinced that technical innovations will be the solution to many of the environmental challenges the textile industry is facing and will contribute to more sustainable consumption. – Karl-Johan Persson, H&M Group

• The GlassWall Syndicate is a large group of venture capitalists, investors, and others who are committed to improving the welfare of people, animals, and the planet. As the co-founders and leaders of GlassWall’s Next-Gen Materials Committee, MII has provided invaluable resources and sci-tech guidance to investors in our network and inspired them to invest in the next-gen materials industry. MII offers our members a win-win opportunity to profit from investing in a unique and underserved market and advance our shared commitment to using investments for social good. - Macy Marriott, Director, GlassWall Syndicate
• MII has been a fantastic resource for information in the alternative materials market. They are well connected to new companies in the space, know the brands, and understand the market. As an investor, MII’s resources such as white papers, deal flow, and industry reports are a great catalyst for driving change in the industry.  -Corinna Chen, Partner, Material Impact

‍

• Material industries that are hurting our planet most have long benefited from the lack of sustainable alternatives being available. Material Innovation Initiative is filling that void, ensuring that next-gen materials that are better in quality and better for animals, people and the environment, reach consumer demand faster than we could ever imagine. - PJ Smith, The Humane Society - US

‍

• As an Operations Advisor and former Project Manager at MII, I've witnessed firsthand the organization's incredible impact on driving meaningful change and paving the way for a better tomorrow. Being part of MII's mission is more than just supporting innovation; it's about shaping a future where animal welfare, sustainability, and progress coexist harmoniously. - Camilla Souza, MII Advisor

• It seems like a very achievable activist goal to replace animal skin with next-gen materials. I'm so inspired by this goal. - Musician, activist, and MII supporter Moby

• MII “is trying to build alternatives to animal-based materials used for fashion, cars and home goods. There has been much less innovation and investment here than in alternative proteins, and that suggests enormous opportunities if an ecosystem of financing and information-sharing and start-ups can be built.” NYTimes Opinion columnist Ezra Klein recommended MII as a high impact giving opportunity.

‍

• I believe that consumers should have a choice when purchasing products that align with their personal values of ethics and sustainability. We can leverage cutting-edge technologies and concepts to make this happen. The team at MII is doing amazing work, and I’m proud to be involved with such a dedicated group. – Dr. Helen Zha, MII advisor, Chair of the Zha Biohybrid Materials Lab at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

‍

• The disregard for the interests of animals and the environment to achieve a design aesthetic is risky and shortsighted. To collaboratively create kinder alternatives for the fashion, automotive, and home goods industries, MII pursues a proven strategy familiar to Stray Dog. MII advances supply-side, technology-enabled breakthroughs that achieve sustainability, animal protection, and other objectives concurrently—and builds the ecosystem in which those innovations can thrive in the marketplace. – Tom Conger, Executive Director, Stray Dog Institute
• I’m proud to support MII’s unique mission and vision for a better world. There are many products that drive the destructive animal-based food/product industry. Non-food products such as leather, feathers, etc. are often neglected by change advocates, but they are an important part of the overall industry profits. This is why I have been an avid supporter of MII since its inception, both as a funder and an advisor. As a small organization with an ambitious mission, MII’s emphasis on partnering with collaborators across industries enables it to tackle global crises, including human rights abuses, biodiversity loss, factory farming, and climate change. -David Meyer, co-founder and CEO, Humane America Animal Foundation