GAME CHANGE NAMED NSF REGIONAL INNOVATION ENGINES SEMIFINALIST | | |
The University of Kentucky-led GAME Change initiative has been named a semifinalist in the highly competitive NSF Regional Innovation Engines program. Out of more than 400 concept proposals submitted nationwide, 71 proposals were invited to submit full proposals and now we are among the 29 semifinalists selected by the National Science Foundation (NSF).
This recognition is a powerful endorsement of the vision, energy and collaboration driving GAME Change forward. What began with the Type-1 Development Award has evolved into a bold initiative with the potential to transform Kentucky, Tennessee and beyond.
As GAME Change continues to gain momentum, registration is now open for Summit #5. This full-day event brings together GAME Change leadership, national experts and regional partners for strategy, insight and networking. Attendees will also get an exclusive preview of the first Technology and Talent Scale Center site.
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UK INNOVATE RELEASES 2021–2024
ANNUAL REPORT
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The UK Innovate 2021–2024 Annual Report is now available, showcasing four years of transformational growth and impact across innovation, entrepreneurship and commercialization at the University of Kentucky.
Launched in 2021, UK Innovate expanded its services to now support commercialization, social innovation, corporate partnerships and innovation training. Highlights from the report include the development of GAME Change, a $1 million NSF Engines award; more than 600 patent applications filed; 22 new startups formed; and the launch of strategic programs such as Innovation Connect, Launch Blue and the Estate Whiskey Alliance.
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SHAPING THE FUTURE OF
HEALTH CARE INNOVATION AT UK
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Last fall, UK Innovate and UK HealthCare announced a new partnership to expand innovation across Kentucky’s health system. Now, with a growing portfolio of programs and partnerships, Health Care Innovation is taking shape. Key initiatives include Community Health Innovation, the Health Care Innovation Challenge, Intellectual Property Strategy, R&D Partnerships, Technology Development and UAccel: Health Care.
Learn more about the vision and how you can get involved.
| | CONGRATULATIONS TO LAUNCH BLUE'S SUMMER UACCEL COHORT GRADUATES | | |
Join us in celebrating the Summer 2025 graduates of Launch Blue’s UAccel and UAccel: Health Care programs.
UAccel offers hands-on training for innovators in higher education, helping them identify the best commercialization paths for their ideas. The healthcare track provides a specialized curriculum, expert coaching and tailored mentoring for healthcare-focused technologies. Participants explore next steps such as SBIR grant applications, startup formation or licensing opportunities.
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NEW STAFF MEMBER:
BETH FOMBY
Beth Fomby joins UK Innovate as the community health innovation manager for TRUST Hub, where she leads projects and partnerships that address health-related community challenges and help advance community-driven solutions. She brings experience in public health and outreach, most recently serving as manager of health promotion outreach at Anthem Kentucky Medicaid. Beth is passionate about using innovation to create lasting, positive change in communities.
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NEW STAFF MEMBER:
HALEY EBERLY MCDONALD
Haley Eberly McDonald joins UK Innovate as the director of product management, where she leads product strategy for Health Care Innovation. She also leads product initiatives at Experity OnePacs and runs her own consulting firm, bringing a dynamic, cross-sector perspective to the role. Haley has deep experience in launching and scaling healthcare technologies across startups, corporations and venture studios.
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NEW STAFF MEMBER:
GRETCHEN SHOOT
Gretchen Shoot joins UK Innovate as the administrative assistant for R&D Partnerships. She brings over 20 years of administrative experience supporting faculty and executives at institutions including Transylvania University, Alltech and The Lexington Theatre Company. Gretchen also has a background in theater and is the creator of an internationally followed blog and podcast.
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STEPS MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Are you a creative thinker with strong writing and graphic design skills and a passion for innovation? UK Innovate is hiring a STEPS Marketing and Communications Manager to support our growing innovation ecosystem. In this role, you’ll lead strategic messaging and brand development, manage digital and social media, coordinate events, design marketing materials and support communications across all areas of UK Innovate.
Deadline to Apply: 08/04/2025
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Tuesday, September 23, 2025
4 to 6 p.m. ET
Ballroom 212A, Gatton Student Center
This annual event recognizes the accomplishments of UK innovators, milestone patents, National Academy of Inventors Fellows and others contributing to the university's research enterprise. The program will include remarks from university leaders, opportunities to network with members of the innovation community and light refreshments.
Celebrate bold ideas. Connect with changemakers. Be part of the celebration.
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FY 2025
(THROUGH 06/30/2025)
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LICENSES/OPTIONS EXECUTED
JUNE 2025
Enepret, Inc.
Joseph Chappell, Timothy P. Devarenne, Scott Kinison, Thomas D. Niehaus, Shigeru Okada, David S. Watt, Shuiqin Wu, Xun Zhuang
Ohio State University
Jennifer Hunter
University of Missouri
Todd Burus, Pamela Hull, Lee Park
VerraGlo, LLC
William Boatright
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ANGEL INVESTING WITH
INVEST BLUE
Join Invest Blue on July 21 at 6 p.m. ET for Angel 101: From 0 to Unicorn – Lessons from a Self-Taught Super Angel. This webinar features Jed Ng, founder of AngelSchool.vc, who has helped train more than 300 angels across 40+ countries and invested in two unicorns.
Learn how to identify promising startups, begin your journey as an angel investor, and hear practical lessons from Jed’s global experience—no finance background required.
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