Pioneer Materials Innovation Cluster

Building the Future of Critical Materials Innovation

At Pioneer Materials Innovation Cluster (PMIC), we don’t just support businesses—we create them.

As a venture studio, we transform intellectual property into thriving companies, turning breakthrough innovations into economic engines.

Our work is critical because the materials that power modern life—rare earth elements, advanced materials, and critical minerals—are almost entirely supplied by foreign markets like China. The U.S. needs a homegrown supply chain, and Montana is poised to lead the way.

What We Do

From Idea to Industry-Ready Business

  • Launching & Scaling Startups

    We identify cutting-edge materials innovations and build companies around them.

  • Venture Investment

    Our venture studio partners with a locally-directed venture fund to provide capital for high-potential startups.

  • Collaboration & Industry Growth

    We work with entrepreneurs, investors, and stakeholders to turn Montana into a hub for critical materials innovation.

Did you know?

  • The materials that power modern life—EV batteries, semiconductors, defense systems—are almost entirely sourced from China.

  • The U.S. lacks a stable, domestic supply chain for these critical resources.

  • Montana has the potential to become a hub for U.S.-based mining, processing, and advanced material production.

Why It Matters

Revolutionizing the U.S. Critical Materials Supply Chain

We launch companies that:

  • Strengthen national security by securing a homegrown supply of critical materials.

  • Drive economic growth by creating new businesses, jobs, and industry partnerships.

  • Turn Montana into a leader in the materials innovation space.

Our Solution

Building businesses to address supply chain gaps

Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or industry leader, you have a role to play in shaping the future of materials innovation.

Looking to launch a business in the materials sector?

Want to invest in high-growth opportunities?

Curious about how we’re shaping the future of Montana’s economy?

Join us in accelerating the next generation of materials innovation.

Who We Are

A Venture Studio Focused on Innovation & Impact

PMIC serves as a funnel for intellectual property—we take cutting-edge research and translate it into real companies that can transform industries. Our partnerships with institutions like Montana Tech allow us to identify disruptive innovations and build businesses around them.

We are collaborative, candid, and committed to value creation—not just for individual startups, but for the broader economy in Montana and beyond.

LEARN MORE >

FAQs: Get to Know PMIC

We know you might have questions—here are a few we hear often:

  • A venture studio builds startups from the ground up. Instead of investing in existing businesses, we identify new opportunities, develop business models, and launch high-potential companies in the critical materials sector.

  • We partner with Montana universities and research institutions, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders who are passionate about driving innovation in critical minerals and materials.

    • Entrepreneurs: Have a business idea? We help bring it to life.

    • Investors: Looking for high-growth opportunities? We’re building the next big ventures.

    • Stakeholders: Want to support economic growth in Montana? Join our network.

Visit our full FAQ page for more details.

Join the Movement

Are You an Investor, Entrepreneur, or Industry Leader?

PMIC is actively seeking partners, investors, and innovators who are ready to be part of the future of critical materials.