Applications are now open for the Summer 2026 UAccel: AgTech I-Corps program, a collaboration between Launch Blue and Bluegrass AgTech Development Corp (BADC).
Launch Blue is a University of Kentucky-based innovation and entrepreneurship initiative, with a mission to support promising technology startup founders and university innovators in Kentucky beyond.
BADC was launched in 2022 as a partnership of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government; Kentucky Department of Agriculture; University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment; and Alltech. It hosts an annual Challenge Grant Program where BADC awards funding to support transformative agricultural startups helping reshape the future of food, farming and sustainability in Kentucky.
As an organization working to cultivate the innovation ecosystem for entrepreneurs in agriculture, BADC brings industry expertise to Launch Blue's regional I-Corps program to provide a unique experience for innovators.
"Building strategic partnerships is vital to cultivating a truly innovative AgTech ecosystem in Kentucky. I am excited to see the University of Kentucky and Launch Blue supporting entrepreneurs through this collaboration with BADC," said Jacob Ball, executive director of Bluegrass AgTech Development Corp. "Providing resources to researchers and founders is critical to growing AgTech solutions into impactful businesses. As an alumnus of the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, it is rewarding to help provide this unique experience for the next generation of innovators."
The UAccel: AgTech program includes tailored curriculum, guest speakers and mentors for individuals with agriculture-related solutions. Through the six-week virtual program, participants will explore the best commercialization pathway for their technologies by engaging in the customer discovery process. The program is ideal for early-stage startup founders and academic researchers.
"Kentucky is home to extraordinary agricultural innovation, and programs like UAccel: AgTech are designed to help innovators take those ideas one step closer to real-world impact," said Laura Halligan, executive director and lead instructor at Launch Blue. "We're excited to work alongside incredible partners like Bluegrass AgTech Development Corp to connect founders and researchers with the tools, mentorship and customer discovery process they need to better understand the path from innovation to application."
UAccel is a regional Innovation Corps (I-Corps) Program. The National Science Foundation's I-Corps program is an immersive, entrepreneurial training program that facilitates the transformation of invention to impact. UK is a member of the Mid-South I-Corps Hub and offers a regional I-Corps program through Launch Blue.
UAccel is organized in partnership with UK Innovate and Kentucky Commercialization Ventures.
Applications for UAccel: AgTech are available on Launch Blue's website. Participants will be selected by a committee appointed by the organizing partners.
- Applications open: March 30-April 30
- Applications notified: May 4
- Cohort: May 15-June 26
