Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced on July 10 that the state is awarding a total of $750,000 to eight Kentucky-based tech companies as part of the state’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) matching funds program.
The SBIR/STTR matching grants are designed to complement $6.4 million in Federal government awards to the eight companies.
By pairing state and Federal resources, the state aims to stimulate tech-driven economic growth and position itself as a hub for innovative startups tackling critical challenges across a range of industries, the governor’s office said.
“These companies are tackling today’s problems with tomorrow’s solutions, helping to make our New Kentucky Home – and the world – a better place,” Gov. Beshear said.
“Creating a business-friendly environment that allows for startup technology companies to thrive is a key step in making Kentucky a hub for innovation and high-wage job opportunities,” he said.
The eight grant recipients are pursuing projects in fields including healthcare, advanced manufacturing, battery technology, cancer diagnostics, and space research. The grant funding recipients are:
B.A. Maze Inc. of Louisville, which is developing an at-home health monitoring platform tailored for individuals with cognitive impairments and Alzheimer’s disease.
BumptUp Labs Inc. of Bowling Green, which is focusing on maternal and infant health through a digital platform promoting safe physical activity for pregnant and postpartum women.
Caza Innovations LLC, of Bowling Green, which is developing a portable optical test instrument to support the growth of terrestrial and mobile optical communication systems.
Louisville-based Creosalus Inc. which is working on a new method for delivering cancer therapies to glioblastoma patients using a specialized catheter.
HeXalayer LLC of Jeffersontown, which is advancing graphene manufacturing for ultralight lithium-ion batteries for the Department of Defense and other critical applications.
Lagrange Scientific LLC of Pewee Valley, which is developing a predictive test for metastasis risk in kidney cancer patients.
PGXL Technologies LLC of Louisville, which is creating a non-invasive urine test for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea in children.
Space Tango LLC of Lexington, which is expanding its space manufacturing platform, TangoBox, to boost research and production capabilities aboard the International Space Station and future commercial low-earth orbit destinations.
Since its inception, Kentucky’s SBIR/STTR program has awarded 345 matching grants to 157 companies, helping leverage $173.17 million in Federal funding, the governor’s office said.
