entrepreneurship and innovation track

About this track

This track is designed to ignite fresh ideas and drive entrepreneurial growth throughout Eastern Kentucky. It delves into the dynamic ways educational institutions, cutting-edge technology, and the region’s growing startup ecosystem are coming together to foster innovation and create new opportunities. By highlighting the collaborative efforts of these key sectors, this track aims to inspire creativity and provide valuable insights into how Eastern Kentucky is evolving into a hub for forward-thinking entrepreneurship. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, an educator, or part of the local business community, this track offers a unique perspective on how innovation is being nurtured and supported in the region.

meet the speakers

Center on Rural Innovation

meet the speakers

Evan Knowles

Middle Tech

Logan Jones

Middle Tech

meet the speakers

Christine King

Idaho National Lab

Kacy Hicks

Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR)

meet the speakers

Kelby Price

Keyhorse Capital

meet the speakers

Elijah Jensen

Blackbox Energy Systems

Maria Labreveux

Kentucky Science & Engineering Foundation

Scott Stuckey

Fair Chance Works PBC

Sabrina McWhorter

Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR)

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