Explore the Innovation Track at the 2025 SOAR Summit

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Innovation isn’t just for big cities or billion-dollar startups — it’s thriving in the heart of Appalachia. The Innovation Track showcased how Kentucky’s founders, ecosystem builders, and investors were turning bold ideas into scalable solutions. Whether you were launching a company, building a brand, or funding the future, this track connected you to the people and platforms transforming vision into reality.

Tuesday, August 26

KY Innovation Update: Meet Kentucky’s Regional Innovation Hubs

10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. | Corbin Center

Across Kentucky, six regional hubs are fueling the state’s innovation economy — one founder, one pitch, one breakthrough at a time. This session introduced the KY Innovation Hub Network and explored how each hub was building local capacity while collaborating statewide. Attendees learned what was available to entrepreneurs — from capital to mentorship — and how this network is making innovation more inclusive, especially in rural communities.

Meet the Speakers

From the Mountains to the Masses: Building Bold Brands in Eastern Kentucky

11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. | Corbin Center

Eastern Kentucky is home to powerful stories — and powerful brands. In this high-energy session, attendees met some of the region’s most creative minds in marketing, brand strategy, and content creation. From viral weather forecasts to national lifestyle companies, these entrepreneurs shared practical insights on building a clear, compelling brand rooted in place. Attendees walked away with five takeaways they could put to work immediately — no matter their business or budget.

Meet the Speakers

Roots and Returns: Building Venture-Backable Companies in the Mountains

1:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Corbin Center

Venture capital has long overlooked places like Eastern Kentucky, but that narrative is changing. This session explored what makes a startup “venture-backable,” where capital was already flowing in the region, and how founders and funders could align for growth. Whether you were building your first pitch deck or managing a fund, this was your opportunity to see what was possible — and what was next — for scalable companies in Appalachia.

Meet the Speakers

2025 SOAR Summit Sponsors

Take a look at the 2025 SOAR Summit Schedule