Intro
UK Innovate at the University of Kentucky drives economic, societal and entrepreneurial growth from research discoveries. Through technology commercialization, health care innovations, corporate partnerships, social innovation and economic development, UK Innovate helps researchers and entrepreneurs across UK Research and UK HealthCare accelerate their ideas into use. By connecting talent, research, corporate partners and community resources, UK Innovate works to move ideas into the world faster, where they can make the greatest societal and economic impact possible.
IN THE NEWS UK INNOVATE'S "PATENT PALOOZA!" CELEBRATES A YEAR OF INNOVATION, IMPACT
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 30, 2024) — UK Innovate, the innovation, entrepreneurship and economic enterprise for University of Kentucky Research, recognized and celebrated UK innovators at its Patent Palooza! event Oct. 15. The in-person event brought around 100 attendees to honor innovation and impact throughout the university.
The event spotlighted key achievements from fiscal year 2024 and recognized more than 120 UK innovators who were issued 43 patents, had 66 licenses and options executed for their innovations, received two SBIR/STTR (Small Business Innovation Research-Small Business Technology Transfer) awards and 29 teams completed Launch Blue’s UAccel program.
Ian McClure, UK associate vice president for research, innovation and economic impact and the vice president for innovation at UK HealthCare, kicked off the celebration with welcoming remarks. During his remarks he unveiled a new “I Am A UK Innovator” video compilation, which featured the groundbreaking work of UK innovators Samuel G. Awuah, Ph.D., from the College of Arts and Sciences, Michaela Keener, Ph.D., from the College of Health Sciences, and John Lyons, Ph.D., from the College of Public Health.
“We love celebrating our innovators. FY 2024 was another amazing year, and the awardees demonstrated the vast amount of innovation and commercialization happening across the UK Research ecosystem,” said McClure. “Congratulations to all our UK innovators and we look forward to seeing everyone again next year for an even bigger celebration.”