11 Teams Complete Launch Blue’s I-Corps Pilot
June 6, 2023
Launch Blue is pleased to announce that 11 teams completed the pilot of its new regional I-Corps program. These 11 teams represented a variety of industries and were led by a mix of university researchers and Kentucky-based innovators.
The U.S. National Science Foundation’s Innovation Corps (I-Corps™) program is an immersive, entrepreneurial training program that facilitates the transformation of invention to impact. The University of Kentucky is a partner in the new Mid-South Innovation Corps Hub. I-Corps Hubs provide experiential entrepreneurial training to academic researchers across all fields of science and engineering. Launch Blue’s regional I-Corps Program coincides with UAccel Quick Start, which offers professional development and an experiential learning opportunity to innovators interested in learning the best commercialization path for their technology. In order to be eligible for Launch Blue’s regional I-Corps program, participants first had to graduate from UAccel Quick Start.
The pilot cohort of the Launch Blue UAccel Quick Start Program and I-Corps Program took place over a six-week period beginning the week of April 10 and ending with final presentations and graduation on May 26.
Launch Blue will offer a six-week UAccel Quick Start and I-Corps program this summer from July 10 to August 18 and a 12-week program this fall from September 4 through December 1. Applications are currently open for the summer program through June 23 and can be found on LaunchBlue.org/icorps. Applications will open in July for the fall program.
Graduates of Launch Blue’s I-Corps Pilot Cohort are:
Sujit Sinha, PhD candidate, College of Engineering, University of Kentucky
DART is data-driven, adaptive, and real-time precision metrology.
Bakhyt Alipova, PhD, Professor, College of Engineering, University of Kentucky
An electronic technology for engineers to provide a better way to build underground structures and observe the movements of the earth's crust. It is also useful in the construction of underground structures, gas and oil storage facilities, subways, mines, etc.
Scott Stuckey, PhD, CEO
Chris Lipscomb, COO
Fair Chance Works assists with soft-skills development, interview preparation, and other value-added programming specifically for jobseekers in recovery. The goal is to develop a platform technology that encompasses the various needs of all those that play a role in fair chance hiring.
Ginger Watkins, Founder
ORB Technologies’ Biomie is a plant-based, insulating block that is structurally durable, carbon-storing, and non-toxic from cradle to grave. It enables professional and nonprofessional builders to achieve a superior thermal envelope with hand-liftable components, a quick dry-in process, and a predictable cost and schedule.
Fanny Chapelin, PhD, Assistant Professor, Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Kentucky
Aman Khurana, MD, Assistant Professor of Radiology and Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Kentucky
Roberto Gedaly, MD, Chief of Transplantation Surgery, UK Health Care
Francesc Marti, PhD, Faculty, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky
A novel way to tag and follow t-cells therapeutically transferred into patients.
Jennifer Castle, MD, Resident, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky
Brittany Levy, MD, Resident, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky
An automated emergency tourniquet, which provides feedback to the user regarding adequacy of tourniquet application. It provides step by step instruction to the user on how to apply the tourniquet for lifesaving care.
Daniel Boamah, PhD, Assistant Professor, Social Work, Western Kentucky University
Kimberly Green, Ed.D, Department Chair, Communication Sciences & Disorders, Western Kentucky University
A virtual reality training environment platform for child welfare practitioners and other professionals to increase their awareness of implicit biases.
Jaleesa Wells, PhD, Assistant Professor, College of Fine Arts, University of Kentucky
Claystiche™ is a recycled plastic polymer modeling compound for polymer clay artists.
Melanie Dicks, Pharm.D, Clinical Associate Professor, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky
Sylvia Ofei, MD, Medical Director Pediatrics Specialty Clinic & Medical Director of Patient Experience, Kentucky Children’s Hospital
Cow’s milk protein allergy is the most common food intolerance in babies with symptoms including rashes, digestive, and respiratory problems. LacBar is a noninvasive home testing kit to detect the presence of cow’s milk protein in breast milk to help breastfeeding moms determine if they have successfully eliminated dairy from their diet.
Nicholas Caporusso, PhD, Associate Professor, Computer Science, Northern Kentucky University
Gabe Sanders, PhD, Professor, Exercise Science, Northern Kentucky University
A software-based eye tracking solution that uses machine learning algorithms to predict concussions.
Michaela Keener, PhD candidate, Equestrian Athlete Initiative Research Administrative Coordinator, UK Sports Medicine Research Institute
The Graham provides a quick field concussion test that is occupation-specific for equestrians and removes the subjectivity on if an individual is ready to return to ride. The test offers insight to bodily functions often impaired by concussion, such as reaction time, stability, and cognitive function.