2025 KENTUCKY INNOVATOR CHALLENGE TO FOCUS ON HEALTH CARE, ENGINEERING, AGRICULTURE 

UK Innovate is gearing up for the 2025 Kentucky Innovator Challenge (KIC), taking place on Tuesday, April 15, at the Gatton Student Center. This one-day summit brings together leaders from business, service organizations and higher education to tackle Kentucky’s most pressing challenges through research, innovation and economic development.

The event features three key tracks: Innovations in Healthcare for the Commonwealth, Engineering a Better Kentucky, and Agricultural Innovations for Kentucky. Attendees will hear from a distinguished lineup of keynote speakers, including President Eli Capilouto; Ilhem Messaoudi, Ph.D., acting vice president for research; Ian McClure, J.D., vice president for innovation, UK HealthCare, and associate vice president for research, innovation and economic impact, UK Research; and Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell. The summit will also feature industry experts, panel discussions, and networking opportunities to foster collaboration and real-world solutions.

THREE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY STARTUPS SELECTED FOR INAUGURAL SOUTHEAST VENTURE SHOWCASE 

UK Innovate is excited to announce that three University of Kentucky startups—Electramet, Lepidext and Parasight System—have been selected to present at the inaugural Southeast Venture Showcase, taking place April 21-23, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. This event highlights top technology ventures from research institutions across the Southeast, providing a platform for innovators to connect with leading investors and industry experts. UK startups achieved an impressive 60% acceptance rate, significantly exceeding the program’s 30% average.

We also want to recognize Phytogenesis and Avast Therapeutics, two nominated UK startups that, while not selected this year, demonstrated exceptional innovation and determination.

UK’S ESTATE WHISKEY ALLIANCE® LAUNCHES CERTIFICATION PROGRAM 

The University of Kentucky’s Estate Whiskey Alliance® (EWA) has introduced Estate Whiskey Certified™, a globally recognized certification mark for estate whiskeys. This program authenticates whiskeys produced entirely on a distillery estate using locally sourced grains, ensuring transparency, sustainability and a distinct flavor of place.

“The EWA and our members place utmost priority in authenticity and transparency into the entire farming and whiskey production process. This certification program aims to clearly label those Estate Whiskey Certified™ products to assure consumers of the exceptional craftsmanship and terroir behind every sip,” said Landon Borders, EWA director.

LAUNCH BLUE TO PARTICIPATE IN

ONE DAY FOR UK 2025 

On April 24, 2025, Launch Blue will take part in One Day for UK, the University of Kentucky’s annual fundraising event. Launch Blue is dedicated to growing Kentucky’s innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing hands-on training that empowers students, entrepreneurs, innovators and emerging investors.

Last year, Launch Blue raised more than $6,000 with the support of 60 donors. This year, the goal is to reach 100+ donors and $10,000 raised to continue supporting the next generation of innovators.



Launch Blue is building a team of Champions to help spread the word for One Day for UK! Supporters can share impactful stories via email and social media, connecting with potential donors to help reach the 100+ donor goal.

COMING SUMMER 2025:

UACCEL HEALTHCARE COHORT

UK Innovate and Launch Blue are introducing UAccel Healthcare, a new program designed to help healthcare innovators identify the best commercialization path for their technology. As part of the regional NSF I-Corps program, UAccel Healthcare will offer a tailored curriculum, expert coaches and dedicated mentors for those developing healthcare-related innovations.

The program is open to faculty, staff, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, physicians, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals looking to explore the real-world impact of their solutions. Applications open April 1.

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This month, UK Innovate team members attended the 2025 AUTM Annual Meeting in National Harbor, Maryland, joining global leaders in technology transfer and innovation. Furthermore, our team has been actively engaging with industry across the Bluegrass, attending conferences and events to foster meaningful discussions and build connections within the community.

SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK

The Growing Through Social Innovation webinar series sparked important discussions about the need for more resources and support within the social innovation community.

To help us better understand these needs, take a brief, five-minute survey. Your insights will inform future initiatives and contribute to advancing the field.

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