BOSTON, Mass. – Jared Arnett, executive director of Shaping Our Appalachian Region, Inc. (SOAR), attended a Global Summit with more than 150 stakeholders from 30 countries working to create innovative entrepreneurship ecosystems at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on October 28-31.

Arnett is part of a team working on the MIT REAP (Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program) in Kentucky.  The state was one of nine international teams – and the first team from the United States ever selected – selected to participate in the two-year program.

“Being able to learn and collaborate with MIT and its partners is a wonderful opportunity,” said Arnett.  SOAR has worked with MIT on several different projects, including a successful hack-a-thon two years ago. “The best part about the relationship with MIT is that it is a mutually beneficial relationship.  While we are learning and absorbing the knowledge and innovation they offer, we also have the opportunity to showcase the innovative things happening across Appalachia Kentucky.”

Rusty Justice, co-owner of BitSource, also attended the session at MIT and is part of the REAP team in Kentucky.  Others on the team include: Luke Ramsay, economic development specialist with the University of Kentucky Center for Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky (CEDIK); Casey Barach, senior vice president of Tri-Ed;  Stacey Hughes, human resources manager for Logan Aluminum; Brian Mefford, executive director for the Office of Entrepreneurship at the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, John Rousch, president of Centre College; and Dr. Allison Davis, director of CEDIK at the University of Kentucky.

Learn more about the recent MIT REAP gathering HERE.