UK Innovate at the University of Kentucky

This Thanksgiving, we’re grateful for our innovators and collaborators who drive impactful solutions on campus, in Kentucky and beyond. Wishing everyone a safe and warm holiday!

It’s Social Innovation Wednesday! Dr. Jaleesa Renee Wells, Assistant Professor in the University of Kentucky College of Fine Arts and Founder of BossiRainbow? LLC, joined Dr. Almesha L. Campbell to share how she’s advancing innovation and entrepreneurship. Watch the full interview below.

The Invest Blue National Launch Event was an incredible success! Thank you to everyone who joined us in Austin for an unforgettable night of celebration, innovation, and collaboration with fellow entrepreneurs, investors, and supporters of Kentucky-affiliated startups. The evening marked the beginning of building a stronger, brighter future together! Launch Blue, UK Innovate at the University of Kentucky, KY Innovation, Kentucky Science & Engineering Foundation, Eric Hartman, Raechele Smalls, Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, Kentucky Small Business Development Center, Kentucky Commercialization Ventures, Keyhorse Capital, Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation (KSTC)

Join us for session four of Coffee Science Unfiltered: A UK Educational Series at the University of Kentucky on Friday, December 13, 2024, from 8:00 to 9:00 AM. Brandon Bir, Director of Sustainability at Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea, will explore sustainability within the coffee industry, covering the supply chain, regenerative agriculture and how to sell sustainability as a cost-saving strategy for producers, exporters and roasters. Learn more and register: conta.cc/3WT5MWI

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