KSTC’s Kentucky Commercialization Ventures to Launch Startup Internship Program

The Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation (KSTC) and Northern Kentucky University (NKU) are launching a new collaborative internship program offering hands-on learning in startups scaling emerging technologies. The program, NKU INVENT Start-up Internship Program and KCV INVENT Fellowship (INVENT), is led by KSTC’s Kentucky Commercialization Ventures (KCV) and received nearly $1 million in funding from the National Science Foundation. INVENT is designed to develop a skilled talent pool that enables high-growth, high-tech startups to thrive in Kentucky.

Participants will receive up to seven weeks of hands-on innovation and commercialization training before being matched with a paid internship at a partnering startup. NKU students can complete this training through the university’s entrepreneurship courses while students at other universities will be eligible after completing KCV’s existing Innovation Fellowship.

“Students are prepared for high-paying careers in emerging technology fields and partnering startups benefit from interns with commercialization skills. It’s a win-win for Kentucky.” Kayla Meisner, KCV Executive Director and INVENT Principal Investigator

“Kentucky startups are making incredible advancements in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and more. Through INVENT, students gain hands-on commercialization training and then apply it in real startups driving these breakthroughs,” said KCV Executive Director and INVENT Principal Investigator Kayla Meisner. “Students are prepared for high-paying careers in emerging technology fields and partnering startups benefit from interns with commercialization skills. It’s a win-win for Kentucky.”

NKU’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) has a strong track record of building programs that have earned international awards and recognition, while also developing successful startup internship initiatives in collaboration with community partners. Building on this success bridging academic learning with industry engagement through initiatives such as The INKUBATOR and the Covington Works Start-up Internship Programs, INVENT capitalizes on practical application to ensure career readiness in high-growth technology fields.

“For decades, the CIE has been about providing experiential learning opportunities for our students. The chance to work with some of the region’s most promising start-ups offers an unparalleled experience that prepares them for the future." Zac Strobl, NKU CIE Director

“For decades, the CIE has been about providing experiential learning opportunities for our students,” said CIE Director Zac Strobl. “The chance to work with some of the region’s most promising start-ups offers an unparalleled experience that prepares them for the future."

The INVENT programs offer stipends, flexible scheduling and structured learning opportunities so participants can fully engage in the real-world, hands-on training. Topics covered include entrepreneurship, technology transfer and business model development. Students will learn the ins and outs of working at a startup before they are placed, meaning they can put their skills to work quickly.

“Our company relies on a skilled, innovation-ready workforce in order to grow,” said Jeremiah Chapman, CEO of FreshFry, a food-tech company in Louisville, KY that extends fryer oil life with disposable filter pods and converts used oil into renewable fuel products. “By providing students with real-world exposure to startup operations, INVENT will prepare participants to join companies like ours that are actively shaping the future of manufacturing and technology.”

“INVENT is a unique way to develop a future-ready workforce that can turn research into real-world impact and strengthen innovation-driven economic development in the commonwealth." Terry Samuel, KSTC President

“INVENT is a unique way to develop a future-ready workforce that can turn research into real-world impact and strengthen innovation-driven economic development in the commonwealth,” added KSTC President Terry Samuel. “This experience ensures Kentucky’s early-stage companies have the talent and expertise they need to succeed.”

Interested students and companies can learn more at kycommercializationventures.com/invent.