KCV’s Innovation Celebration Shines Spotlight on Visionary Leaders and Five Years of Progress

On June 25, 2025, the Kentucky Commercialization Ventures (KCV) community gathered at the historic Berry Hill Mansion in Frankfort for the inaugural Innovation Celebration. The evening served as both a celebration of KCV’s five-year journey and a recognition of two outstanding individuals whose contributions exemplify innovation, leadership and impact.

Launched in 2020 as an initiative of the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation (KSTC), KCV was created with foundational support from the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, the University of Louisville, the University of Kentucky and the Kentucky Council of Postsecondary Education.

Recognizing Excellence in Innovation

At the heart of the celebration was the presentation of KCV’s first-ever signature awards.

For his instrumental role in shaping the vision that led to KCV’s founding, Dr. Tom Martin received the Thomas M. Martin Visionary Award. As a senior fellow at the Kentucky Council of Postsecondary Education and later as Dean of Eastern Kentucky University’s College of Business, Dr. Martin championed a collaborative collaboration model designed to elevate Kentucky’s innovation ecosystem.

“Faculty are entrepreneurs of ideas — creating and applying original discovery, developing the building blocks for tomorrow’s innovators. KSTC and our university leadership have been critical to scaling KCV, providing Kayla and her team with the tools to translate those discoveries into products, services, opportunities, jobs and broader societal impact.” - Dr. Tom Martin, Thomas M. Martin Visionary Award Winner

The Innovator of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Rachel Tinius of Western Kentucky University, a researcher and entrepreneur whose work in maternal health and fitness has drawn national attention. As a 2025 IMPACT Competition winner, Dr. Tinius exemplifies how research supported by commercialization can improve lives.

Although she could not attend in person, Dr. Serenity Wright accepted the award on her behalf.

“Research is only the first step. What makes it meaningful is when it reaches the people who need it. This award reflects what’s possible when innovation is nurtured with intention.” - Dr. Rachel Tinius, Innovator of the Year Award Winner

“This event is a celebration of vision, persistence and progress,” added Kayla Meisner, KCV executive director. “We’re not just honoring people — we’re building momentum for what comes next.”

Celebrating Five Years of Statewide Impact

The evening also marked a broader milestone: KCV’s five-year anniversary. Since its launch in 2020, KCV has worked to provide post-secondary institutions in Kentucky with the support and tools to translate research into impact.

Several recent accomplishments were recognized, including the $8 million KCV EDGE grant, the doubling of staff and an expanding network of institutional partners.

“What started as a bold idea has become a statewide model for inclusive innovation,” said Terry Samuel, president of KSTC. “KCV is proving that groundbreaking ideas can come from anywhere, and with the right support, they can go everywhere.”

Fireside Reflections: A National View on Tech Transfer

The evening also featured a powerful Fireside Chat with Derrick Brent, former deputy under secretary of commerce for intellectual property and deputy director of the United States Patent & Trademark Office, who reflected on the national importance of tech transfer and the Bayh-Dole Act — landmark legislation that empowered universities to own and license federally funded inventions.

“I remain inspired by the fact that we are working to make tomorrow better than today. Our innovation system cannot grow unless we invest in and open doors for smaller, emerging institutions like those KCV supports.” - Derrick Brent, former Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Deputy Director of the United States Patent & Trademark Office

His remarks highlighted the national relevance of KCV’s model and its potential to inspire innovation equity nationwide.

KCV Looks Forward to the Next Five Years

As KCV enters its next chapter, the organization remains focused on empowering innovators across Kentucky. With new resources, growing partnerships and a strong foundation, the future of inclusive innovation in Kentucky is just beginning.

Learn more at kycommercializationventures.com .