The mission of the University of Texas-El Paso Materials Research and Technology Institute (MRTI) is to foster interdisciplinary research in materials science and engineering. MRTI also seeks to support and assist the Materials Science and Engineering (MAS&E) academic program and develop commercial opportunities and generate local businesses that provide jobs for UTEP graduates.

Below is a list of goals that have been set to achieve:

• Providing world research facilities and opportunities.
• Providing funding opportunities.
• Providing a stimulating interaction platform to vet creative ideas.
• Providing potential employment opportunities for research and business students.
• Providing national and international opportunities for presenting the work of students.
• Encouraging the development of intellectual property based on UTEP research.
• Developing "Start-Up" companies based on UTEP intellectual property.
• Assisting in developing "Start-Up" teams involving UTEP students, staff and faculty.
• Assisting in developing "Start-Up" funding.
• Developing supporting UTEP research contracts.

Accomplishing the stated mission requires creation of an appropriate environment for interdisciplinary research across the Colleges of Science, Engineering, and Business. MRTI will seek to provide this environment for researchers, students and staff. Additionally, achieving this mission requires building confidence in researchers, students and staff that their work is second to none in the world of materials science and engineering. MRTI has taken a step in this direction through a demonstrated ability to produce world-class fundamental and applied research producing exciting and potentially profitable intellectual property.