By Lindsay Travis
University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky has teamed up with LifeSciKY, a nonprofit focused on life sciences, to boost innovation and support startups across Kentucky. This partnership aims to connect researchers with essential resources like affordable lab space and advanced equipment.
LifeSciKY is dedicated to transforming Northern Kentucky and the Greater Cincinnati area into a hub for talent and job creation. By linking education, science, and business, they hope to foster a thriving ecosystem that empowers innovators to turn ideas into reality.
“This partnership marks an important step in creating a connected innovation corridor in Kentucky,” says Ian McClure, UK’s VP for innovation. He emphasizes that combining UK’s research strengths with LifeSciKY’s infrastructure will help local discoveries develop into businesses, jobs, and real-world solutions.
This collaborative effort has several key goals:
- Broaden access to life science labs and innovation facilities throughout the state.
- Identify and address gaps in Kentucky’s life sciences sector.
- Engage regional stakeholders to attract talent and investment.
- Support training opportunities in the life sciences for emerging talent.
Dr. Christin Godale, LifeSciKY’s executive director, is optimistic about this partnership. “We share a vision to expand the life science ecosystem in Kentucky,” she explains. The synergy between industry and academia can lead to significant advancements in research and business growth.
This initiative also aligns with UK’s broader goals, particularly the Advancing Kentucky Together Network. This network aims to tackle health, education, and workforce challenges throughout the Commonwealth. UK already collaborates with St. Elizabeth Healthcare and Northern Kentucky University to prepare future physicians.
As part of this collaboration, a new 15,000-square-foot wet lab incubator is set to open soon at the OneNKY Center in Covington. This facility will serve as a gathering place for biosciences entrepreneurship and innovation. The grand opening is scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, September 12, and everyone is welcome to learn more about the incubator’s role in the community.
In recent years, there’s been a noticeable shift toward fostering local economies, especially in industries like life sciences. According to a report, jobs in the life sciences sector have been growing at an annual rate of 8%, showing the potential for robust development in this area. As Ian McClure puts it, “This is an investment in Kentucky’s future.” With innovative partnerships and valued resources, the state aims to emerge as a leader in life sciences.
For more about the event details, you can visit nkyport.org.
Source link
bioeconomy ecosystem development,innovation,LifeSciKY,Lindsay Travis,research translation,startup growth,university of kentucky
