Life Sciences Kentucky collaboration with University of Kentucky to boost life sciences innovation within Kentucky state

The University of Kentucky (UK) has formed a new partnership with LifeSciKY, a nonprofit life sciences incubator, to support the growth of the life sciences sector in Northern Kentucky and the Greater Cincinnati region. This collaboration aims to make the region a hub for biosciences entrepreneurship and discovery.

LifeSciKY focuses on connecting innovations with critical resources such as affordable lab space, state-of-the-art equipment, collaborative partnerships, and networking opportunities. The partnership will enhance statewide access to life science labs and innovation spaces, accelerating science, entrepreneurship, education, and economic development in Kentucky.

The grand opening of LifeSciKY's flagship 15,000-square-foot wet lab incubator at the OneNKY Center in Covington is scheduled for 10 a.m.-noon on Thursday, Sept. 12. The public is invited to attend this event to learn more about the facility and its role in the life sciences ecosystem.

Key speakers at the grand opening include Christine Russell (NKY Port Authority), Senator Chris McDaniel, Kris Knochelmann (Kenton County Judge/Executive), and Christin Godale (LifeSciKY executive director).

Ian McClure, UK HealthCare vice president for innovation and UK Innovate executive director, stated that this partnership will help ensure discoveries made in Kentucky can grow into companies, jobs, and real-world impact.

UK and LifeSciKY will work together to identify gaps in Kentucky's life sciences ecosystem and map life science innovation and bioeconomy resources across the state. The partnership will also convene other collaborators and lead the development of a Kentucky bio alliance, connecting industry and innovation resources across the life sciences landscape statewide.

In addition to the new incubator, the partnership will offer opportunities for trainees in the life sciences innovation process and support UK's Advancing Kentucky Together Network, aiming to expand the university's efforts in addressing health, education, and workforce needs across the Commonwealth.

The UK College of Medicine-Northern Kentucky Campus already has existing health-focused partnerships in the region, working with St. Elizabeth Healthcare and Northern Kentucky University to train the next generation of physicians.

More information about the event can be found at nkyport.org. Christin Godale, Ph.D., executive director of LifeSciKY, expressed excitement about the possibilities this collaboration holds.

This partnership will also expand UK's innovation footprint in the region by adding new lab space, startup support, and innovation programming. The partnership aims to attract talent and generate engagement and investments by creating a density of connected resources.

LifeSciKY will soon open its flagship incubator, marking a significant step forward in the development of Kentucky's life sciences sector.

Life Sciences Kentucky collaboration with University of Kentucky to boost life sciences innovation within Kentucky state