UK Innovate at the University of Kentucky

Congratulations to our Fall 2024 UAccel Quick Start + I-Corps Cohort Customer Discovery Award winner, Douglas Long from the University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences! Customer Discovery is a methodology. It is more than "just conversations." It is a proven semi formal structure to collect qualitative data to make informed business decisions. In order to do this successfully, you must put aside all assumptions, all previously known information, and listen and learn without preconceived notions. Documentation of the interviews must also be done methodically to allow for appropriate coding of information. The intent is to document as much information as possible and then apply an evaluative lens to code the information. This is a different mindset than documenting what has already been determined as relevant and important information. Doug has demonstrated an in-depth understanding of the customer discovery process as a methodology. His approach, documentation, and data analysis is to be applauded. Congratulations! UK Innovate at the University of Kentucky

Missed session two of our Growing Through Social Innovation webinar? Catch up on the full webinar, now available on our YouTube channel. In this session, we explored funding sources and solutions for social innovation, with insights from global leaders on different funding and sustainability models aimed at advancing and enhancing social innovation. Watch it here: https://lnkd.in/eYWz9_7c

On National Entrepreneur Day, we’re celebrating the innovative minds driving Kentucky forward. At UK Innovate, we're proud to work with entrepreneurs who are turning bold ideas into impactful businesses.

Are you passionate about marketing and eager to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic, innovative environment? We're looking for a University of Kentucky undergraduate student to join our team part-time as a Student Marketing Associate. In this role, you'll work with the Marketing & Communications Manager to create content for various platforms, conduct market research and assist with event planning. Learn more and apply by December 13: https://lnkd.in/e-mkyquD

Renee Gallagher, M.Ed., a social innovator and Administrative Operations Coordinator at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, developed "Sway2Go" to make social dance accessible in any setting—no instructors or studios required. She’s currently working with UK Innovate's Social Innovation to refine the "Sway2Go" curriculum, with plans to launch a “train-the-trainer” model soon. Read more about Renee's journey in UKNow: https://bit.ly/48L7oaD

TOMORROW! Don’t miss this chance to learn about social innovation funding solutions from global leaders. Register now to join us: https://bit.ly/3YGTRNU

Thank you to Dr. Tonya Kuhl for leading a captivating session on Friday as part of our Coffee Science Unfiltered series! It was fascinating to learn more about the science behind coffee and the innovative work happening at the UC Davis Coffee Center. Don’t miss the final session of the series on Friday, December 13! Learn more and register here: conta.cc/3WT5MWI

Applications are open for our Spring 2025 UAccel + I-Corps program! Join us this spring for an immersive program to help get your solution out in the world. No previous entrepreneurial experience required. Spring program runs Feb. 14 through April 25, 2025 Apply now: launchblue.org/apply

If you're applying to SBIR or other grants to fund your innovative solution, UAccel + I-Corps is for you! Participation in UAccel + I-Corps helps innovators identify their solution's value proposition and better understand the market they plan to enter. Armed with this information, innovators can develop strong commercialization plans for grant proposals. No prior experience with entrepreneurship required. Spring 2025 applications open Nov. 11. Learn more @ LaunchBlue.org/uaccel

There are many reasons to join UAccel Quick Start + I-Corps in the Spring! UAccel Quick Start offers professional development and an experiential learning opportunity to innovators who are interested in learning the best commercialization path for their solutions. The goal of the program is to advance an innovation toward commercialization, including preparations for SBIR grants or National Innovation Corps applications, creation of a startup, or partnering with an established company to license the technology. The program is open to faculty, staff, graduate students, and postdocs from institutions of higher education AND startup founders in the community who are pursuing SBIR grants. 2025 dates are now online: https://loom.ly/aQoIop0 Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation (KSTC) Kentucky Commercialization Ventures UK Innovate at the University of Kentucky University of Kentucky College of Medicine University of Kentucky College of Engineering University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy University of Kentucky College of Social Work