Launch Blue Announces Cohort for First Industry Transformation Accelerator in Collaboration with Valvoline Global Operations

Lexington, KY (April 10, 2025) — Launch Blue is pleased to announce its cohort of startups for its Spring 2025 Industry Transformation Accelerator in collaboration with Valvoline Global Operations and OneUK.

Four startups will participate in the program, which runs April 9 through May 23. Candidates were selected through a competitive application and interview process. The final selections for the cohort were determined by a selection committee appointed by the organizing partners.

“At Valvoline Global, we’re proud to support Launch Blue’s mission to empower early-stage innovators,” said George Zhang, Ph.D., Valvoline Global Vice President of Research and Development. “Programs like this help strengthen the broader technology ecosystem, and we’re excited to share our technical perspectives and real-world experience to help these founders shape and refine their ideas."

The startup companies selected to participate in the cohort are:

AutoMetrics
Founder Mike Mohseni
AutoMetrics’ X-Sigma platform monitors production quality indicators, instead of product defects, to help manufacturers proactively identify and address defect-prone variations in real-time.

H2OK Innovations
Founders Annie Lu and David Lu
H2OK Innovations has built an IoT platform with spectral sensors to optimize fluid systems in manufacturing.

HeXalayer
Founders Harut Vardanyan and Tereza Paronyan, Ph.D.
HeXalayer is an advanced material research and manufacturing startup, focused in scaling the production of its patent-pending graphene material.

Samiteon AI
Founder Sundeep “Sunny” Dronawat, Ph.D.
Samiteon AI leverages advanced AI technologies to deliver real-time fluid and system optimization solutions.

“We’re excited to work with this talented group of startups,” said Erin Shea, Launch Blue Senior Program Manager. “This cohort will be a great opportunity for these startup founders to directly engage with Launch Blue’s corporate collaborators. We can’t wait to see what comes out of the seven weeks.”

Through the virtual seven-week program, the startups will develop strategies for pilot projects, dilutive and nondilutive funding and technology adoption—culminating in a pitch to Launch Blue’s corporate innovation network. The program will also feature a number of guest speakers, including experienced startup founders and various innovation leaders from Valvoline Global.

In addition to Valvoline Global and OneUK, Launch Blue partners with UK Innovate’s Innovation Connect and Invest Blue to put on its Industry Transformation Accelerator.

Learn more about the program at LaunchBlue.org/industry-transformation-track.

About Launch Blue
Launch Blue nurtures promising startup founders and university innovators through intensive accelerator and incubator programs. These programs support entrepreneurs, innovators and emerging investors with hands-on training to create and sustain successful businesses and technologies that solve real-world problems in Kentucky and beyond.

Launch Blue is dedicated to growing the innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem of Kentucky. Operating from the University of Kentucky, Launch Blue partners with stakeholders across the Commonwealth and beyond to nurture an environment that allows emerging technologies and social solutions to reach their full potential impact, serving UK’s land-grant mission to uplift Kentucky’s innovation economy. As a national startup accelerator, Launch Blue connects the Kentucky ecosystem with national talent, resources and capital. Learn more: LaunchBlue.org

About UK Innovate

UK Innovate at the University of Kentucky drives economic, societal and entrepreneurial growth from research discoveries. Through technology commercialization, health care innovations, corporate partnerships, social innovation and economic development, UK Innovate helps researchers and employees across UK Research and UK HealthCare accelerate their ideas into use. By connecting talent, research, corporate partners and community resources, UK Innovate works to move ideas into the world faster, where they can make the greatest societal and economic impact possible. Learn more: www.research.uky.edu/ukinnovate.

About Valvoline Global

THE ORIGINAL. Inventing the Way Forward.

Valvoline™ Global Operations is a worldwide leader in automotive and industrial solutions, creating future-ready products and best-in-class services for partners around the globe. Established in 1866, we introduced the world's first branded motor oil, claiming our position as The Original Motor Oil.

As The Original, we've been innovating to solve problems for over 150 years. With sales in more than 140 countries and territories, our solutions are available for every engine and drivetrain, including high-mileage and heavy-duty vehicles, offered at more than 80,000 locations. And we're committed to powering the future of mobility for vehicles with electric, hybrid and internal combustion powertrains – today and as we move forward. We are now a part of Aramco, one of the world's largest integrated energy and chemicals companies. Our strategic partnership creates a powerful combination to drive unparalleled product innovation and sustainable business solutions.

To learn more visit www.valvolineglobal.com.