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IMPACT REPORT
JULY 1, 2024 - JUNE 30, 2025
CHAMPIONS FOR INNOVATION IN KNOWLEDGE, TALENT AND INVESTMENT
At KSTC, we’re building a high-performing statewide innovation ecosystem that supports learners, entrepreneurs and employers at every stage. Our work expands research capacity, prepares a future-ready workforce and accelerates the growth of scalable companies. Together, these efforts position Kentucky to compete nationally in innovation-driven economic development.
In the past year, we:
Secured $8M in research funding and assisted others in securing $16.4M
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to accelerate innovation and commercialization in Kentucky.
Facilitated over $3.8B in federal, state and local contracts
for Kentucky businesses, strengthening local economies.
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Engaged more than 1K students and 500 teachers at more than 40 schools
in STEM education and training, ensuring the next generation is equipped for high-tech careers.
Supported more than 5.9K entrepreneurs and business owners
with more than 4K direct coaching sessions and talent recruitment, helping them launch and scale businesses with access to capital, talent and resources.
Invested $24.1M in Kentucky startups and entrepreneurs and assisted in securing $208M more in funding,
fueling job creation and technological advancements.
BUILDING A CONNECTED CLIMATE RESILIENCE STRATEGY FOR KENTUCKY
In 2024–25, Kentucky reached a rare and significant milestone in federally supported research with the activation of three strategically aligned National Science Foundation EPSCoR awards — positioning the commonwealth as a national leader in coordinated, place-based innovation.
Through the Kentucky Science & Engineering Foundation team, KSTC secured an $8 million NSF award for CAPTIVATE KY, a project designed to build a statewide climate data repository that improves access to environmental information and accelerates solutions to natural disaster risks.
CAPTIVATE KY is intentionally connected to two other active NSF EPSCoR awards in Kentucky: a Track 1 research award led by the Kentucky NSF EPSCoR team and an E-RISE workforce and infrastructure award led by Kentucky State University. Kentucky is the only state in the nation with all three awards active simultaneously, and it is uncommon for states to align projects around a shared strategic vision.
$8M awarded from the NSF to build a statewide climate data repository
Strategically connected to Kentucky NSF EPSCoR CLIMBS and Kentucky State University’s DARE-KY projects
Stengthens Kentucky’s resilience in the face of natural disasters
CAPTIVATE KY HIGHLIGHTS
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Boosting Kentucky's Capacity for R&D
> Learn how our KSEF team is helping Kentucky innovators develop their ideas with R&D funding.
Celebrating Statewide Innovation
> Learn how KCV is celebrating innovators across the commonwealth by equipping them with the tools needed to grow our innovation ecosystem.
Recognizing the Importance of Intellectual Property in Kentucky
> Read about the community advancing Intellectual Property awareness in Kentucky.
Preparing Kentucky's STEM Scholars
> Read about AdvanceKentucky's high-impact K-12 STEM education intiatives.
Expanding Business Opportunities for Kentucky Entrepreneurs
> Learn how Kentucky APEX Accelerator is supporting Kentucky's entrepreneurs competing for local, state and federal government contracts.
Building a Unique Talent Pipeline in Kentucky
> Hear how Kentucky VALOR is building a pipeline of highly skilled, ready-to-work veterans looking for a civilian career in the commonwealth.
Strategic Investment in Early-Stage Startups
> Learn how Keyhorse Capital is helping founders build and scale their innovative startups in Kentucky.
Guidance and Resources to Support Fast-Growing Startups
> Read about Kentucky’s six regional Innovation Hubs and their comprehensive suite of resources, capital and talent to help founders turn their ideas into scalable businesses.
LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW KSTC IS CULTIVATING KNOWLEDGE, TALENT & INVESTMENT IN KENTUCKY
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
FUNDERS & DONORS
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Code.org
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Computer Science Teachers Association
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Council for Innovation Promotion
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Expanding Computer Education Pathways Alliance
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Fayette County Public Schools
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Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development
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Kentucky Department of Education
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Kentucky Department of Education: CS/IT Academy
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Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs
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Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government
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Lighthouse Beacon Foundation
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National Science Foundation
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U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration
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U.S. Department of Defense Office of Small Business Programs
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U.S. Department of the Treasury
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U.S. Small Business Administration
WITH SUPPORT FROM
Amplify Startups · Awesome Inc · Blue North · Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce · BRINK · Central Region Ecosystem for Arts, Technology, and Entrepreneurship · City of Radcliff · Commonwealth Seed Capital · Community Foundation of Louisville Vogt Awards · Eastern Kentucky University · Educators’ Professional Implementation Center · Invest Blue · ITEEA Engineering by Design · Kentucky Center for Mathematics · Kentucky Community and Technical College System · Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education · Kentucky General Assembly · Kentucky Highlands Innovation Center · Kentucky State University · Knox Regional Development Alliance · Launch Blue · Market Fit Lab · Mid-South REACH · Morehead State University · Murray State University · National Math and Science Initiative · NCWIT · Northern Kentucky University · Partnership Institute for Math and Science Education Reform · Shaping Our Appalachian Region · Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation · Sprocket Innovation · United States Patent & Trademark Office · University of Kentucky · University of Louisville · Western Kentucky University
GET INVOLVED
Contact us to learn more about KSTC and how you can help build an innovation-driven economy for Kentucky.