Lexington, KY (March 26, 2025) – The University of Kentucky's Gatton College of Business hosted the PNC Innovation Summit, organized in partnership with the Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship. The event on March 26th proved to be a resounding success, fostering connections, sparking innovative ideas, and highlighting the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem thriving in the Bluegrass region.
The Summit brought together a diverse group of attendees, including seasoned business leaders, aspiring entrepreneurs, university faculty and students, and representatives from the venture capital and investment community in Kentucky. The Summit explored the art of startup funding, raising capital at various stages, and getting involved in a culture of entrepreneurship to grow business within communities.
“The Summit highlighted the strength and growth of the regional entrepreneurial community. Thank you to PNC for its support of summit and providing a platform for Gatton to promote issues important to startups.” - Warren Nash, Director Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship, Gatton College of Business and Economics
The day's agenda was filled with insightful panel discussions from the following speakers:
- John Reinhart, Panel Moderator | CEO, Founder, Board Member, Investor and Advisor for National Institute on Aging, specializing in Age Tech and Digital Health
- Shane Hadden, Deputy Chair of Students, Senior Lecturer, Gatton College of Business and Economics
- Jon Chait, Lecturer, Gatton College of Business and Economics
- Destin George Bell, CEO, Card.io, Winner of ABC’s Shark Tank
- Silas Deane, Former VP, Tyler Technologies
- Pang Hartman, VP, Frogdice
Panelists shared their expertise and experiences, offering valuable perspectives on “The Art of Starup Fundraising” and the impact of team building to sustainable business practices and the evolving landscape of raising capital.
These discussions provided attendees with actionable takeaways and encouraged students to think critically about the challenges and opportunities ahead.
PNC Bank, a key partner in the event, demonstrated its commitment to fostering innovation and supporting economic growth within the communities it serves.
The success of the PNC Innovation Summit at the Gatton College of Business underscores the growing importance of collaboration between academia, industry, and the financial sector in driving innovation and economic development. The event not only provided valuable knowledge and networking opportunities but also served as a powerful reminder of the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives within Lexington and the University of Kentucky.
The Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship and PNC Bank are already looking ahead to future collaborations, promising continued support for the burgeoning innovation ecosystem in the region.