Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for (audience)? Why should they care (benefit)? What do I want them to do (call-to-action)?

INNOVATION INSIDER

September 2025

Create a great offer by adding words like "free," "personalized," "complimentary," or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take action, so consider inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"

UK, LIFESCIKY PARTNER TO ADVANCE KENTUCKY'S

LIFE SCIENCES INNOVATION

The University of Kentucky, through UK Innovate, has a new partnership with LifeSciKY, a nonprofit life sciences incubator, to accelerate innovation, research translation, startup growth and bioeconomy ecosystem development across Kentucky.



LifeSciKY focuses on connecting innovations with critical resources — from affordable lab space and state-of-the-art equipment to collaborative partnerships and networking opportunities. The goal is to help accelerate science, entrepreneurism, education and economic development to empower innovators with the critical resources and connections they need to bring their work to life. Importantly, LifeSciKY aims to support Northern Kentucky and the Greater Cincinnati region to become an engine for company and talent recruitment and job creation helping to drive the Kentucky life sciences ecosystem.

BUILD INNOVATION SKILLS:

EARN A MICRO-CERTIFICATION IN INNOVATION, COMMERCIALZIATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Launch Blue, a founding focus area of UK Innovate’s TRUST Hub, announced that the Innovation Training Micro-Certification is now available to all undergraduates, graduate students and postdocs seeking a high-level foundation in innovation, commercialization and entrepreneurship.

Launch Blue supports students, faculty, staff and startup founders through unique training programs, which combine learning with hands-on experience. These programs support entrepreneurs and innovators with training to create and sustain successful businesses and technologies that solve real-world problems in Kentucky and beyond.

RAPID RESPONSE GRANTS SUPPORT

COMMUNITY-FOCUSED PROJECTS

The Sustainable Futures Design Lab, part of UK Innovate’s TRUST Hub, awarded Rapid Response grants to four projects. Each project received $13,500.

The Sustainable Futures Design Lab was founded by Rebekah Radtke, an associate professor in the School of Interiors, and Jeff Fugate, an associate professor of extension in the School of Architecture, both in the University of Kentucky College of Design. The lab now operates in partnership with TRUST Hub.



The Sustainable Futures Design Lab is a collective of UK researchers dedicated to socially responsible, critically engaged design that drives meaningful impact in Kentucky and beyond.

PARTNERSHIPS FOR INNOVATION:

COMMUNITY-DRIVEN SYSTEMS FOR IMPACT

TUESDAY, OCT. 14, 2025

12-1 P.M. EDT

Zoom

Join a global panel of leaders as they explore how community-based systems dynamics can drive innovation and meaningful change. This interactive webinar will share practical strategies for outreach, engagement and partnership between academia and community organizations. Participants will gain a clear framework for community-engaged translational research, discover tools to strengthen collaborations within their own organizations and learn how effective infrastructure can support partnerships that deliver real-world impact. 

Panelists:

• Pallavi Gupta, Co-Founder, Saath Partners 
• Susan Mide, Vice President, Community Engagement, University of the Fraser Valley 
• Dr. Judith Terstriep, Head of Research Development, Westphalian University Gelsenkirchen, Institute for Work and Technology 
• Dr. Stuart Wilkinson, CEO, Knowledge Exchange UK 
• Dr. Serenity Wright, Senior Executive Director for Innovation, Community Health and Societal Impact, UK Innovate 

LICENSES AND OPTIONS

AUGUST 2025

Case Western Reserve University

Innovators: Todd Burus, Pamela Hull, Lee Park

Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services

Innovators: Kristine Damron, Jennifer Knight, Timothy Mullet, Christine Studts, Jamie Studts, Allyson Yates

Nationwide Children's Hospital (d/b/a The Abigail Wexner Research Institute)

Innovators: Todd Burus, Pamela Hull, Lee ParkI

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY FOR UK HEALTHCARE INNOVATORS!

NIH Research Evaluation and Commercialization Hub (REACH)

Faculty, staff, trainees, and students are encouraged to apply for Mid-South REACH Product Development Grants!

Cycle 4 Pre-application submissions due Oct. 24 at 5 p.m. CT

The Mid-South REACH (Research Evaluation and Commercialization Hub) program is funded by the NIH. The goal of this grant program is to accelerate the real-world impact of biomedical and health related innovations through education, mentorship, and financial support.

Funding amount: $41,750 for 6 months, renewable up to 4x.

Contact Feni Kadakia, NIH Mid-South REACH Program Manager at feni.kadakia@uky.edu or midsouthreach@uky.edu with questions or for more information.

2025 Midea America Small Appliances Innovation Competition

Midea American Research Center has announced the 2025 Midea America Small Appliances Innovation Competition! We’re looking for your groundbreaking ideas in the small appliances market, focusing on innovation, emerging technologies, connectivity, and energy efficiency. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to showcase your creativity and ingenuity.* 

Competition Prizes: 

• Qualifier Round: 8 Finalists will each receive $250 and will proceed to the Final Round! 
• Final Round: 
• 1st Place - $3,000 
• 2nd Place - $2,000 
• 3rd Place - $1,000 

Submission Deadline: Dec. 1, 2025 

For more details and official rules, please refer to the attached flyer or the competition website linked above. We can’t wait to see your innovative ideas! 

*NO PURCH. NEC. SKILL CONTEST. Open to US res. enrolled at Univ. of KY; 18+. Limit: 1 entry/person. See flyer or website, above, for add’l info. and Official Rules. 

R&D PARTNERSHIPS

SEARCH TECHNOLOGIES

UK INNOVATE

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