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INNOVATION INSIDER
May 2026
| | Applications Open for SFDL Rapid Response Research Pilot Grant | | |
The Sustainable Futures Design Lab (SFDL) has launched its Rapid Response Research Pilot Grant program to support innovative, community-engaged projects addressing urgent environmental and resilience challenges across Kentucky.
The initiative helps accelerate transdisciplinary collaboration and applied research focused on creating meaningful, real-world impact for communities throughout the Commonwealth.
Applications Due: June 1, 2026
| | Forbes Features Estate Whiskey Certified Product – Star Hill Farm Whisky | | |
Star Hill Farm Whisky, an Estate Whiskey Certified product from Maker’s Mark, was recently featured by Forbes, highlighting growing national attention around estate whiskey and land-driven spirits.
The recognition reflects increasing momentum behind the Estate Whiskey Alliance’s mission to advance transparency, provenance and authenticity within the whiskey industry.
| | Rapid Plug-and-Play PCR on a Chip | Developed at the University of Kentucky, researchers have created this rapid, low-cost “PCR-on-a-chip” technology, which is designed to make molecular testing faster, more portable and more accessible. Using a microfluidic polymer-based device powered by battery or low DC power, the innovation allows PCR testing to move beyond traditional laboratory settings into field, point-of-care and resource-limited environments. By miniaturizing the PCR process onto a compact chip platform, the technology has the potential to reduce testing time, lower operational costs and support faster diagnostics and real-time decision-making across healthcare, environmental monitoring, food safety and biodefense applications. The scalable, plug-and-play design also creates new opportunities for commercialization and industry collaboration around next-generation diagnostic solutions. | CATS AI Research Challenge Now Open | |
The CATS AI Research Challenge is now accepting applications to support innovative, AI-driven research projects across the University of Kentucky.
This pilot funding opportunity aims to strengthen transdisciplinary collaboration and expand institutional capacity in artificial intelligence by supporting faculty exploring impactful applications of AI in research, education and real-world problem solving.
Proposals Due: September 11, 2026
| Now Hiring: Associate Director, Commercialization | |
UK Innovate is seeking an Associate Director, Commercialization to help advance University of Kentucky innovations toward real-world impact through licensing, startup formation and industry partnerships.
This leadership role will support commercialization strategy, business development and industry engagement across biomedical and life science technologies while working closely with researchers, startups and external partners.
Deadline to Apply: June 11, 2026
| Serenity Wright Receives Research Staff Excellence Award for Collaboration | |
Serenity Wright, Ed.D., senior executive director for innovation, community health and societal impact at UK Innovate, has received the 2026 OVPR Research Staff Excellence Award for Collaboration.
The award recognizes individuals who foster partnership, strengthen relationships and help build a culture of shared success across the University of Kentucky research community.
Through her leadership of TRUST Hub initiatives, Dr. Wright continues to advance community-centered innovation and meaningful collaboration across the Commonwealth.
| Economic Development Across Kentucky: Regional Perspectives from the Field | |
Date: May 28, 2026
Time: 1-2:30 p.m. ET
Location: Cornerstone Theater
401 S. Limestone Street, Lexington KY
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Join the EDC for its May Convening, Economic Development Across Kentucky: Regional Perspectives from the Field. This session will explore regional economic development efforts across the Commonwealth, highlighting the priorities, strategies and partnerships shaping Kentucky’s economic future.
Attendees are also invited to stay for networking and refreshments following the program.
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Date: June 16, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET
Location: The Lightwell, Covington KY
Join GAME Change and its partners at Summit #6. This one-day event brings together leaders from industry, academia and the public sector to advance real-world circular economy solutions. Focused on circular supply chains, resilient infrastructure and scalable manufacturing, the Summit offers a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate and turn innovative ideas into action.
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U.S. PATENTS ISSUED
April 2026
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12,595,502 Method and system for selectively harvesting products from plant cells in culture
Innovator: Luke Bradley, Babara Knutson, Jasmina Kurepa, John Littleton, Stephen Rankin, Jan Smalle
12,595,576 Electrochemical reactor system and method
Innovators: James Landon, Kunlei Liu, Daniel Moreno, Ayokunle Omosebi, Jesse Thompson, Leland Widger
12,599,597 Substituted N-benzhydrylacetamide inhibitors of jumanji domain histone demethylases for the treatment of cancer
Innovators: Chunming Liu, Vitaliy Sviripa, David Watt, Wen Zhang
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LICENSES AND OPTIONS
April 2026
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Equine Diagnostics Solutions, LLC
Innovators: Emma Adam, David Horohov, Theodore Kalbfleisch, James MacLeod, Bruno Carvalho Menarim, Allen Edward Page, Anna Rauber-Ramos, John Craig Stewart
Kentucky Distillers’ Association, Kentucky Coalition for Responsible Alcohol & Substance Misuse Education
Innovator: Julie Cerel
Quercis Pharma AG
Innovator: Sylvie Garneau-Tsodikova, Daniel Kennedy
University of Nevada, Reno
Innovator: Jennifer Hunter
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