Expanding Innovation Across Kentucky Campuses Through the Third Annual KCV Roadshow
- Kentucky Commercialization Ventures
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Kentucky Commercialization Ventures (KCV) recently completed its third annual Roadshow, visiting partner institutions across the commonwealth to connect innovators with the tools and resources needed to bring their ideas to market.
This year’s Roadshow included stops at Eastern Kentucky University, Western Kentucky University, Kentucky State University, Northern Kentucky University, Morehead State University and Murray State University.
At each campus, the KCV team met with faculty, staff and students to highlight commercialization programs and funding opportunities designed to move research and ideas beyond the classroom and into practical application. Programs featured during the Roadshow included the Innovation Fellowship program, the INVENT internship, the IMPACT Competition and updates on the National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded KCV EDGE initiative.
Connecting Innovators to Opportunity
The purpose of the KCV Roadshow is to meet innovators where they are and provide clear pathways to commercialization.
Many people have great ideas but aren’t sure how to turn them into something marketable. That’s where we come in, helping them take that next step. - Christy Stanley, Grants Coordinator at KCV
Through services such as intellectual property protection, market research, startup formation, guidance and licensing support, KCV works alongside faculty and students to help them navigate the commercialization process. For institutions that may not have dedicated technology transfer offices, KCV provides those services directly.
Faculty might not always have time to explore commercialization. We can be their hands and feet, guiding them through the process, teaching them about intellectual property and market opportunities and empowering them to move forward with their ideas. Each case is unique, and we provide support that fits the needs of each innovator. - Tucker Jewell, Licensing and New Ventures Manager at KCV
The Evolution of the Roadshow
The Roadshow launched in 2022 with the goal of increasing visibility and strengthening campus connections.
Before the Roadshow began, KCV primarily worked through a single champion at each partner university. Those connections were valuable, but KCV wanted to reach more people across campuses who could benefit from its services.
We wanted to create opportunities to meet more faculty, staff and students and share our message directly. The Roadshow allows KCV to deepen those connections and engage campus communities as a unified team. - Kayla Meisner, Executive Director of KCV
Originally structured as leadership-focused conversations, the Roadshow has evolved to include broader campus engagement. Today’s format includes program updates, open house sessions and opportunities for faculty, administrators and students alike to learn how KCV programs align with their research and ideas.
Rather than simply introducing services, the KCV team works to connect participants with tangible next steps in the commercialization process.
“Thanks to KCV INVENT and the KCV Fellowship, we are growing innovation and entrepreneurial talent across Kentucky,” said Meisner. “Students and faculty now have greater access to education, training and pathways to potential career opportunities.”
Strengthening Kentucky's Innovation Ecosystem
By engaging partner campuses across Kentucky in person, KCV reinforces its commitment to accessibility and long-term collaboration.
“In-person engagement brings a different kind of value. We are here to support people and show faculty, staff and students the opportunities available to them now and in the future.” - Christy Stanley, Grants Coordinator at KCV
As the Roadshow continues to evolve, its purpose remains consistent: build relationships, strengthen institutional partnerships and help move promising ideas from research environments toward meaningful use in the marketplace.
Learn more at kycommercializationventures.com.