Build a Smarter Startup with AI, One Sprint at a Time
The AI for Startups Sprint Series helps entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs in Eastern Kentucky explore how artificial intelligence can make their business journey faster, smarter, and more creative.
Whether you’re validating an idea, growing a business, or simply curious about how AI fits into your workflow, this 4-session series is designed to meet you where you are and help you move forward in your business with confidence.
At a Glance: AI for Startups Sprint Series
The AI for Startups Sprint Series isn’t about learning how to code or mastering a single AI tool. Instead, it’s about practicing hands-on ways AI can support the real work of building a business, from operations and marketing to product development and pitching.
Each session focuses on practical use cases founders can apply immediately, no matter their industry or stage.
- Session 1: AI and Operations
- Speaker: Dr. Karen Coburn
- Location: Virtual
- Date: Feb. 11
- Time: 12 – 1 p.m. ET
- Session 2: Marketing and Social Media with AI
- Speaker: Candice Champlin
- Location: In-person at the University of Pikeville’s Coleman College of Business
- Date: Feb. 25
- Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET
- Schedule:
- 11:30 a.m. Networking and appetizers sponsored by Aramark
- 12 -1 p.m. Session
- This event is hosted in partnership with the University of Pikeville
- Session 3: Storytelling and Pitch Prep with AI
- Speaker: Rick West
- Location: In-person at the University of Pikeville’s Coleman College of Business
- Date: March 11
- Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET
- Schedule:
- 11:30 a.m. Networking and appetizers sponsored by Aramark
- 12 -1 p.m. Session
- This event is hosted in partnership with the University of Pikeville
- Session 4: Prototyping and Product Design with AI
- Speaker: Justin Hall
- Location: Virtual
- Date: March 25
- Time: 12-1 p.m. ET
Your Sprint Outcomes
More than tools or templates, this series is about building the mindset and muscle memory to use AI thoughtfully as part of your entrepreneurial process.
By the end of the AI for Startups Sprint Series, participants will:
- Validate an idea using structured prompts and feedback loops
- Improve customer discovery and messaging
- Build a simple prototype or workflow concept
- Strengthen their storytelling and pitch delivery
- Gain confidence using AI as a practical startup tool
Meet the SOAR Innovation Team
SOAR Innovation supports founders and entrepreneurs across Eastern Kentucky by providing access to education, resources, and networks that help ideas grow into sustainable businesses. Our team of experts will ensure the AI for Startups Sprint Series is action-oriented and practical, emphasizes experimentation over perfection, and encourages peer learning and knowledge sharing.
