The Center for Innovative Materials in Emerging Applications (CIMEA or The Center) ultimately aims to consolidate MMSU's research thrusts in the following fields: (1) emerging materials and their applications in nanotechnology, agriculture, climate and environment, (2) alternative and sustainable energy, and (3) naturally-existing materials development. The Center focuses on promoting science and technology to aid countryside development - potentially through reverse migration of highly-motivated scientists and engineers to regional SUCs and RDIs. They will stimulate competitiveness and innovative thinking for the Center to become a role model for other regions to emulate in their respective locations.

The Center is presently housed on the first two floors in northern section of the Continuing Education and Training Center (CETC) building. It was formerly an under-utilized area of the CETC building until it was renovated through the efforts of Engr. Samuel S. Franco. The occupancy of the northern section was approved by MMSU Pres. Miriam E. Pascua after the Regional NSTW celebrations in July 2012. The Center was launched only three months later in October 25, 2012 and was marked by the 1st MOVE Symposium held in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

Although fire gutted the southern section of the building in April 2013, the northern section was miraculously unscathed. Three weeks later, the analytical instruments arrived and were installed. At present, the installation, set-up and testing of the analytical facility is on-going.

At present, three (3) Department of Science and Technology - Grants-in-Aid (DOST-GIA) through the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) has been received for implementation under the Mariano Marcos State University. These research projects enabled the acquisition of various analytical instruments for materials synthesis and characterization, in-house fabrication of specific experimental set-ups and sample preparation needs. These projects form the current core facility of the CIMEA.