Applications are now open for the Fall 2026 UAccel I-Corps program, a six-week experiential program that helps University of Kentucky researchers, innovators and early-stage startup founders explore the commercial potential of their ideas through customer discovery and evidence-based entrepreneurship.
Hosted by Launch Blue, UAccel equips participants with the tools to evaluate market opportunities, engage directly with potential customers and determine the most effective commercialization pathway for their innovations. Whether the goal is launching a startup, licensing a technology or strengthening future grant proposals, participants gain practical experience applying entrepreneurial methods to research-driven innovation.
"Our mission is to help innovators build solutions that matter," said Laura Russell-Halligan, executive director and lead instructor for Launch Blue. "When researchers combine scientific discovery with a deep understanding of real-world needs, they're better equipped to create innovations that improve lives, strengthen industries and drive economic growth. UAccel provides a structured environment where participants can challenge assumptions, learn directly from potential customers and stakeholders, and gain the confidence to move promising ideas toward meaningful impact."
The Fall 2026 cohort will once again feature a dedicated Healthcare track, providing specialized curriculum, mentors and guest speakers for innovators developing health care technologies and solutions. The tailored track gives participants access to commercialization expertise specific to the unique challenges and opportunities within the health care industry.
Through the six-week virtual program, participants will conduct customer discovery interviews, refine their value propositions and explore commercialization strategies with guidance from experienced instructors, entrepreneurs and industry mentors. The program is open to faculty, staff, students and community innovators from all disciplines, and no prior entrepreneurial experience is required.
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 into impact. The University of Kentucky is a member of the Mid-South I-Corps Hub and offers its regional I-Corps program through Launch Blue.
UAccel is organized in partnership with UK Innovate and Kentucky Commercialization Ventures.
Applications for the Fall 2026 UAccel + UAccel Healthcare I-Corps programs are available on the Launch Blue website.
- Applications open: July 31
- Applications close: Aug. 21
- Cohort: Sept. 11-Nov. 6
