Kentucky's startup scene is supported by a focused group of accelerators and incubators. Programs like XLerateHealth have made around 80 investments, while UpTech Accelerator has funded over 70 companies.
These programs help founders in areas from healthcare to data-driven technology. Each offers different resources and funding opportunities for early-stage companies.
Below is our list of the best 6 accelerators and incubators in Kentucky.
Failory's Top 6 Picks
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2,189 Accelerators & Incubators
Information about the industries, countries, and cities they generally invest in.
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1,600+ Unicorns
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250 BioTech & Health Investors
List of startup investors in the BioTech, Health, and Medicine industries, along with their Twitter, LinkedIn, and email addresses.
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250 AI Investors
List of 250 startup investors in the AI and Machine Learning industries, along with their Twitter, LinkedIn, and email addresses.
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250 Fintech Investors
List of 250 startup investors in the FinTech and Finance industries, along with their Twitter, LinkedIn, and email addresses.
Get the Sheet for $50The Vogt Awards provides early-growth stage entrepreneurs with grant funding, mentorship, and valuable resources through its competitive ten-week accelerator program. As an initiative of the Community Foundation of Louisville, it aims to accelerate product development and recognize the region's most promising new businesses.
| Year Founded | 2000 |
| Founders | Henry Heuser |
| Nº of Investments | 62 |
| Nº of Exits | 5 |
| Program Type | On-Site |
| Duration (Weeks) | 10 |
With an enterprise focus, XLerateHealth helps early-stage healthcare companies navigate the path to commercialization. The accelerator offers a framework for bringing innovations to market for companies in medical devices, diagnostics, drug development, and other healthcare services.
| Year Founded | 2011 |
| Founders | Bobby Ferreri, Bob Saunders, Ted Smith |
| Nº of Investments | 80 |
| Nº of Exits | 4 |
| Program Type | On-Site |
| Duration (Weeks) | 12 |
UpTech Accelerator supports data-driven startups that are developing tech-enabled solutions across B2B, EdTech, and Martech. Their nationally ranked program guides these companies toward securing the equity funding needed to scale.
| Year Founded | 2012 |
| Founders | — |
| Nº of Investments | 71 |
| Nº of Exits | 3 |
Aviatra Accelerators empowers female entrepreneurs with the resources and education needed to build and sustain profitable businesses. They provide mentorship and hands-on assistance, helping women-led startups navigate the challenges of launching and scaling their companies.
| Year Founded | 2010 |
| Founders | Candace Klein |
| Nº of Investments | 9 |
| Nº of Exits | — |
Dedicated to advancing Kentucky's economy, the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation fosters innovation and entrepreneurship as a private nonprofit. They support the state's researchers and tech-focused startups with critical resources and seed-stage funding through their investment arm, Keyhorse Capital.
| Year Founded | 1987 |
| Founders | Kris W. Kimel, Lee Todd |
| Nº of Investments | 1 |
| Nº of Exits | — |
| Program Type | Online |
Dedicated to fostering a vibrant tech scene, Awesome Inc cultivates high-tech startups in fields like software, IT, and healthcare. They equip early-stage founders with essential mentorship and resources through on-site programs designed to help them launch and grow.
| Year Founded | 2009 |
| Founders | Brian Raney, Nathan Fort, Nick Such, Luke Murray |
| Nº of Investments | 6 |
| Nº of Exits | — |
| Program Type | On-Site |