UKPitch | University of Kentucky Research

UKPitch is an OTC-sponsored commercialization support program for UK researchers who want to "pitch" their research, technology, intellectual property, or a startup company in a competition or at a conference demo day or similar event. The goal is to provide an opportunity to present an idea, technology or startup company in an environment that promotes the spirit of commercialization or entrepreneurship.

UK employees should review the Conflict Guidance for UK Employee Entrepreneurs (pdf, 9pgs).

Who Can Participate?

UKPitch is targeted toward UK faculty, researchers, staff, students, and clinicians, who apply to and meet the program requirements.

Requirements

Submit a completed UKPitch application to the contact below
Submit, or have submitted, an invention disclosure to the OTC that is related to the subject of the presentation, for which rights are not released back to the inventor
The conference or event must foster an environment that promotes the spirit of commercialization or entrepreneurship
Allow an opportunity for the OTC to review and provide consultation related to the prospective “pitch”, including presentation style and materials/slides.

Program

For qualified applicants, subject to the availability of funds, the OTC will provide support for some of the registration and/or travel-related costs of attending the conference or pitch competition. The OTC will work with program participants to hone their pitch and choose the appropriate format and venue for it.

What are the Program Benefits and Expected Outcomes?

Learn to effectively communicate complex scientific ideas to business people and the public.
A great opportunity to pitch an idea to a panel of judges for a chance to win recognition, a monetary award, grant funding, etc.
An opportunity to get the attention of an investor by introducing them to your research, technology, product, or company.
Receive real feedback from entrepreneurs and experienced judges.
An opportunity to build valuable connections with like-minded entrepreneurial peers.

How to Apply

UKPitch Application

Complete and submit the electronic form.

A description of the application questions can be found below to assist you in what information will be needed to complete the application.

UKPitch Application Instructions

Questions and Descriptions

Question 1: List all UK Researchers who will participate in this program.
Provide Full Name, Position, Department(s), Center(s), University Address, Telephone Number, and University Email for all UK researchers who will be participating.

Question 2: Briefly describe your interest or purpose for applying.
Provide a brief description of why you are interested in applying to this program. (Maximum length: 500 characters)

Question 3: How much funding are you requesting?
Provide the total dollar amount of funding up to $1,000 you are requesting.
Funding can be used for travel (hotel, transportation, per diem meals) and conference registration.

Question 4: What are your expected outcomes from participation in UKPitch?
Explain what you expect to gain from pitching at this event/conference/competition (i.e. exposure for your technology, connections with industry)

Question 5: Provide details about the conference/event where you would like to pitch.
Include information on what the conference/event is about, where it is being held, and dates. You can also attach a PDF of the conference/event information.

Question 6: Have you already formed a company around the invention that you are pitching?
If yes, please include your company name.

Question 7: Is this application related to a prior invention reported to UK OTC?
If yes, please provide the title and invention report number.

If no, please complete an Invention Report Form.

Question 8: What is the technology development status of this invention?
Options: (Choose one)

Discovery (basic principles observed and reported)
Proof of Concept (e.g. animal testing, code writing and/or patents filed)
Evaluation (e.g. human testing or alpha prototype)
Advanced Evaluation (e.g. beta prototype or working prototype in situ)
I don't know

Question 9: What is the primary market application?
Describe how this technology would be used in the marketplace.

Question 10: Why should industry be interested in this invention?
Describe why someone in the industry would want to license your technology or acquire your company in order to solve a problem that currently exists in the marketplace.
(Maximum length: 1,000 characters)

Question 11: List any vetted programs/awards for which this invention has been acknowledged.

Question 12: Do you have SBIR/STTR awards?
If yes, please provide the following information for each one.

Type of Award (SBIR or STTR)
Phase of Award (I or II)
Amount of Award
Agency
Date

Question 13: Do you have any non-SBIR/STTR government contracts/awards or private funding?
If yes, please provide the following information for each one.

Type of Contract/Award/Private Funding
Amount
Agency
Date