The Manufacturing Innovation and Development Initiative (MIND) in Aviation was established in February 1998.

MIND was created to address the research and development needs of the aviation and non-aviation industries in manufacturing technologies and processes. This cooperative Industry/University partnership allows industry members to partner with university research faculty in developing technologies that they cannot fund or develop as individual companies.

The research draws upon faculty and student expertise, is industry-driven and is conducted in an academic research environment to foster true creativity. Existing structures within NIAR and links with the aviation industry provide for smooth and speedy progression through all technology development phases, from basic and applied research through development and commercialization.

Current industry partners are Boeing, Cessna and Raytheon Aircraft.