  Compactifying M-theory on a manifold of $G_2$ holonomy gives a UV complete 4D
theory. It is supersymmetric, with soft supersymmetry breaking via gaugino
condensation that simultaneously stabilizes all moduli and generates a
hierarchy between the Planck and the Fermi scale. It generically has gauge
matter, chiral fermions, and several other important features of our world.
Here we show that the theory also contains a successful inflaton, which is a
linear combination of moduli closely aligned with the overall volume modulus of
the compactified $G_2$ manifold. The scheme does not rely on ad hoc
assumptions, but derives from an effective quantum theory of gravity. Inflation
arises near an inflection point in the potential which can be deformed into a
local minimum. This implies that a de Sitter vacuum can occur in the moduli
potential even without uplifting. Generically present charged hidden sector
matter generates a de Sitter vacuum as well.
