The Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship (VACE), in the Gatton College of Business and Economics, is excited to announce the Spring 2024 winning startups! Each winning team received prize money to move their ideas forward and help build further momentum into the next phase of their entrepreneurial journeys. Congratulations to all the founders that represent the University of Kentucky and surrounding counties across the state!
Spring 2024 – Monday Section Bootcamp 1.0 Winning Startups
Healthcare ProDiagnostics | $1,000 | University of Kentucky, College of Medicine | Lexington, KY
Hami Hemadi is a University of Kentucky postdoctoral scholar from the College of Medicine. His startup, Healthcare ProDiagnostics, is an at-home alcohol tolerance measurement kit to predict individuals' tolerance to alcohol. The kit offers a comprehensive solution for individuals seeking to understand their alcohol tolerance. Current kits fail to detect the full spectrum of genes and proteins associated with alcohol metabolism and tolerance. Our innovative approach not only covers the genetic aspects but also assesses the role of neuroadaptation and bacteria and provides a complete understanding of an individual's alcohol tolerance. In addition, competitors already on the market require sending samples to laboratories. Our user-friendly kit empowers individuals to gain insights into their alcohol tolerance within the comfort of their homes.
The mission of Healthcare ProDiagnostics is to help individuals manage their drinking habits within safer limits, recognizing that the safest option for everyone is not drinking. The goal is to mitigate the health impacts associated with excessive and chronic alcohol consumption, contributing to a significant reduction in its economic burden on healthcare systems and society as a whole. Together, our at-home alcohol tolerance kit is not just a product; it's a proactive step towards a healthier and more informed society.
Team Leader: Hami Hemati | hamed.hemati@uky.edu | LinkedIn
Team Member: Mohammad Dehghan Banadaki | mdehghan94@uky.edu | PhD, College of Engineering | LinkedIn
Hydrogen Biofuel | $1,000 | University of Kentucky, College of Engineering Alumni | Morehead, KY
Matthew Smith is a University of Kentucky alumni from the College of Engineering. His startup company, Hydrogen Biofuel, is based in Morehead, Kentucky. Hydrogen Biofuel seeks to use stillage waste from bourbon production to produce biohydrogen. Hydrogen is produced today mainly from fossil fuels and water using electricity. Biohydrogen can help in realizing the concept of waste to energy and can be considered renewable and cheap when its production is based on low-value and renewable resources.
Kentucky is home to 95% of the worldwide production of bourbon. One problem that distillers face is knowing what to do with the increased waste of the bourbon-making process, known as stillage. For every gallon of bourbon produced, there are 10 gallons of stillage. It adds up to billions of gallons of stillage every year. The solution that Hydrogen Biofuel will provide is to produce biohydrogen using stillage. Hydrogen, among all other renewable energy sources, is promising in terms of ease of operation, low cost, and energy production.
Team Leader: Matthew Smith | matthew.smith@hydrogenbiofuel.com | LinkedIn
Team Member: Jake Conrad | jake.conrad@uky.edu | Undergrad in Finance, Gatton College of Business | LinkedIn
Dr. 360 | $1,000 | University of Kentucky, College of Engineering | Lexington, KY
Muhammad Qasim holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Kentucky’s College of Engineering. His startup company, Dr. 360, is a cutting-edge virtual healthcare system that aims to completely transform the way that medical consultations are conducted in the US. Dr. 360 is intended to provide affordable, urgent, and on-demand virtual doctor consultations for minor to non-fatal urgencies, with the addition of mental health support, all without the limitations of traditional health insurance. Patients look for a doctor, doctor comes online with patients, listens to the issues and symptoms, and can prescribe some basic to specialized medicine available at drug stores. This eliminates the long wait for appointments to see a doctor and you can have access to a doctor in the hour of need.
Dr. 360 aims to offer a smooth experience to users in an attempt to simplify access to high-quality healthcare. It will enable individuals to connect and consult with experienced doctors at their convenience, need, and preference eliminating the need for time-consuming visits to urgent care or emergency rooms for minor to non-fatal health urgencies.
Team Leader: Muhammad Qasim | mqa226@uky.edu | LinkedIn
Team Member: Ethan Jackson | epja223@uky.edu | Double Major, Gatton College of Business & Economics, College of Communication and Information | LinkedIn
Chasing Invasives Clothing | $1,000 | Kentucky Entrepreneur | Lexington, KY
Brendan Beshock is a Lexington, Kentucky community entrepreneur and founder of Chasing Invasives Clothing. His startup is dedicated to revolutionizing the fashion industry by creating sustainable clothing from invasive plant species, beginning with the processing of raw Kentucky kudzu into quality, breathable, natural garments. Rooted in a desire to foster positive change for both the nearby environment and economy, Chasing Invasives aims to address the issues caused by non-native plant species spreading in Kentucky. Many of these species often directly pose a significant risk to native plant life, wildlife diversity, and nearby farms due to their rapid growth. However, since no capital is needed to grow raw kudzu, and the state and federal government spends millions annually on the removal of invasive species, Chasing Invasives plans to identify key partnerships with organizations to source kudzu and other non-native plant life needed for the clothing production process. Beyond profitability, the company will seek to generate a net positive impact by championing conservation, supporting environmentalism, and boosting the local textile industry.
Recognizing the need for expertise in textile creation, Chasing Invasives Clothing intends to forge partnerships with local clothing experts. Exploring collaborations with potential allies, like the UK Hazel True Haunsz Endowed Fiber Studio, would underscore a strategic approach in gaining essential knowledge. After focusing on kudzu, this startup company envisions expanding its offerings to utilize other invasive species, solidifying its commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation within the fashion industry, while positively impacting both Kentucky's environment and economy.
Team Leader: Brendan Beshock | brendanbeshock@gmail.com | LinkedIn
Aquadose | $1,000 | Kentucky Entrepreneur | Lexington, KY
Justin Wilkins is the visionary founder of Aquadose. Since establishing the company in 2023, Justin has been the driving force behind the strategic planning, business development, and overall management, fueled by his passion to offer aesthetically pleasing options for those exploring alternative wellness therapies. Born from a personal chill, Aquadose isn’t just crafting cold immersion units, we’re sculpting sanctuaries for well-being. Hand-forged by skilled artisans and with the option of adding local art, each unit reflects your unique spirit. Dive deeper with precise temperature control, ergonomic design, and even motivational audio. We’re spreading the ripple effect of wellness through partnerships, making the chill accessible to all.
Team Leader: Justin Wilkins | theplungelex@gmail.com | LinkedIn | Company Website
State Street Ice | $500, Director’s Awardee | University of Kentucky, College of Engineering | Lexington, KY
Wyatt Hench is a University of Kentucky undergraduate in the College of Engineering. His startup, State Street Ice, is a snow cone business that was started from infancy using the money from the PNC Wildcat Pitch Competition. State Street Ice will serve snow cones at university events including the Interfraternity Counsel Recruitment events, Sorority gatherings, Ronald McDonald of the Bluegrass charity events, Philanthropy events, and George Rodger Clark high schools to educate students about basic business principles. In the future, the company wishes to expand and franchise the snow cone carts out to high schools throughout the nation with a curriculum to educate the future of our country about entrepreneurship and use State Street Ice as a vessel to do so.
Team Leader: Wyatt Hench | wwhe223@uky.edu | LinkedIn
Spring 2024 – Thursday Section Bootcamp 2.0 Winning Startups
Complet3D | $2,000, 1st Place | Kentucky Entrepreneur | Lexington, KY
In the realm of creativity, we stand as the enabler of dreams realized. Our holistic approach to 3D printing – encompassing leasing, sales, maintenance, service, and education – propels us beyond the conventional boundaries of a startup. Through workshops, training sessions, and online resources, Complet3D empowers creators with the insights and expertise needed to unlock the full potential of 3D printing.
Current contracts include the University of Kentucky Neurosurgery team, in which services are being utilized to develop 3D printing to produce pre-surgery models. These pre-surgery models provide added value to surgeons to better understand patient care and needs prior to surgery. This results in higher quality outcomes for the patient and the operating team.
Scalability plans include implementing K-12 courses. Comple3D is already with the ACE (Architecture, Construction, Engineering) Mentor group at Lafayette High School, as well as the Engineering courses at Henry Clay. Additionally, we are members of the Grant County Career and Technology Center-Information Technology Advisory Committee. In addition, our services will grow to include the areas of Eastern Kentucky, which desperately need access to STEM programs and learning opportunities.
Team Leader: Eric Sparks | Eric@Complet3D.com | LinkedIn | Company Website
The Kruzer Leash | $1,500, 2nd Place | Kentucky Entrepreneur | Lexington, KY
Missy Ward is a Kentucky-based entrepreneur that invented a non-bending leash that prevents an animal from wrapping the leash around the walker to help prevent injuries. Over 46,000 people are injured each year by being tripped or pulled down by a pet, mostly dogs. The result of those falls can be as simple as bruises but can cause broken bones. In addition, many of the injuries are to senior citizens. After a serious fall, a senior may not want to have another pet- but be hesitant to get one. Thus, Missy was inspired to create a leash to solve these problems. Missy also works part-time at WUKY as a news anchor, a full time realtor, and is involved in community organizations.
Team Leader: Missy Ward | missyward@rhr.com | LinkedIn
Bourbon Shrooms | $800, 3rd Place | University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture | Lexington, KY
Research from the University of Kentucky Extension campus has shown that Kentucky consumers are increasingly interested in locally produced foods and Kentucky's strong cultural connection to the bourbon/distilling industry make a product branded in this way quite appealing to a growing consumer base.
Stillage is a mixture of grain and malt leftover after distillation processes to, for example, separate ethanol from fermented mash to produce spirits and is present in various forms around the world, especially those with large distillation operations of biological materials (e.g., Kentucky, Scotland, Ireland, Brazil, Japan, China). The most common method for handling stillage is to feed it to animals but expanding markets for distilled spirits alongside contracting markets for livestock creates other uses for this material to avoid environmental problems.
Bourbon Shrooms seeks to transform stillage into gourmet edible mushrooms. The initial target market is projected to include the direct sale of fresh "Bourbon Shroom" mushrooms to restaurants, farmers markets, coops and grocery stores, distillery gift shops, etc. Bluegrass chefs may also find interest in Bourbon Shrooms to celebrate Kentucky culture and pair with bourbon themes common in Kentucky restaurants and bars.
Bourbon Shrooms is led by members from The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture.
Team Leader: Tyler Barzee, College of Agriculture, UK Faculty | tjbarzee@uky.edu | LinkedIn
Team Member: Norbert Bokros, College of Agriculture, PhD Candidate | norbert.bokros@uky.edu | LinkedIn
Team Member: Zachary Byrd, College of Agriculture, UK Staff | zac.byrd@uky.edu | LinkedIn
Apollo Automations | $700, 4th Place | Kentucky Entrepreneurs | Lexington, KY
The smart home market is overcrowded with products that follow a one-size-fits-all approach. While these solutions can be effective, they don't always cater to the unique nuances and preferences of individual households. The larger players also struggle to iterate fast enough in the fast-paced tech world. Apollo Automation is a startup business dedicated to customizing home automation hardware and software through community–driven design.
The target market includes tech enthusiasts, modern homeowners, and professionals interested in optimizing their living spaces. By actively engaging with this audience through specialized forums and community management applications Apollo Automations can identify pain points, usability issues, and potential enhancements in real-time. This expedites the product development cycle, allowing us to test multiple product versions to arrive at the most efficient and user-friendly solution faster. This not only ensures a product that's in alignment with current trends and needs but also fosters a sense of collective ownership and trust within the user community.
Apollo Automation is led by Lexington, Kentucky-based entrepreneurs Trevor Schirmer and Julian Favetto.
Team Leader: Trevor Schirmer | trevor.schirmer@gmail.com | LinkedIn
Team Member: Julian Favetto | jfavetto@live.com | LinkedIn
Earthwise LLC | $500, Director’s Awardee | University of Kentucky, College of Engineering + College of Communication & Information | Lexington, KY
Earthwise LLC is a technology company that focuses on solving world problems mankind faces in the greenest way possible. Our products aim to help preserve the environment and save animals with sustainable products that include a reverse vending machine, barcode scanner, and compost machines.
The first product in the Earthwise line will consist of a reverse vending machine that will sort cans, glass, and plastic bottles, making the recycling process faster, thus contributing to a cleaner environment. A rewards program will also be developed to encourage participation.
The second product is the Earthwise barcode scanner. In conjunction with the reverse vending machine, the barcode reader will help sort and specify various waste products.
Lastly, the Earthwise compost machine will be developed to convert waste into manure. This manure will be produced in a faster and in a more convenient way that can be used by local restaurants, hotels, or homeowners.
Earthwise LLC is led by members from the University of Kentucky Colleges of Engineering and Communication & Information.
Team Leader: Isfandiyar Eminli, College of Engineering | isfandiyar.eminli@gmail.com | LinkedIn
Team Member: William Wiskoski, College of Communication & Information | wkwi223@uky.edu | LinkedIn
R.A.M. Medical Device Co. | $500, Director’s Awardee | University of Kentucky, College of Engineering | Lexington, KY
Patients who have suffered from a stroke or spinal cord injury often have impaired function in the upper limbs. This impaired motor function in the hands can severely hinder the patient’s ability to participate in activities of daily living. Current clinical functional tests (e.g., Fugl-Meyer Assessment) usually provide coarse composite scores based on several activities; moreover, they are time-consuming and require clinical experience to administer. To provide a more reliable solution, there is a need for convenient devices to provide a comprehensive assessment of these impaired hands.
R.A.M. Medical Device Co. seeks to develop a series of these medical devices under its umbrella. The first product being a sensor glove to track hand movement and applied pressure accurately and objectively for functional assessment in stroke patients. Currently, two prototypes have been produced and a third version of the glove is in development. Further validation studies with neuro-typical human participants are underway.
R.A.M. Medical Device Co. is led by Madison Bates and is a University of Kentucky PhD Candidate in the Biomedical Engineering Department within the College of Engineering.
Team Leader: Madison Bates, College of Engineering | mlba283@uky.edu | LinkedIn
Team Member: Makenna Pelfrey, College of Engineering | makenna.pelfrey@uky.edu | LinkedIn
Co-Founder / Principle Investigator (PI): Sridhar Sunderam, PhD, Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Biomedical Engineering, Department within the College of Engineering
NanoMed Adaptive Technologies | $500, Director’s Awardee | University of Kentucky, College of Engineering | Lexington, KY
NanoMed Adaptive Technologies is developing a skin patch that will deliver drugs in a more efficient way using a novel design that will assist patients suffering with inflammation. This tunable system would have the potential of delivering FDA approved drugs to the compromised sites topically and transdermally. The advantageous characteristics and selective interactions of this patch will facilitate controlled drug release into deeper cutaneous regions without entering dense vasculature. Additionally, the post-treatment effects of the drug will still be evident for a couple of days without requiring continuous application, which will reduce the potential for skin reactions.
The market size of transdermal patches, in terms of revenue, is estimated to be $8.24 billion in 2022, with a projected CAGR of 4% from 2023 to 2028. Transdermal patches offer an efficient means of drug delivery through the skin to specific areas of interest. Their advantages include improved therapeutic bioavailability, reduced invasiveness, and lower systemic toxicity. However, there are currently limitations associated with these patches, primarily centered around their limited clinical translation, as most patches remain in the preclinical stages.
Looking ahead, NanoMed Adaptive Technologies seeks to pioneer the intersection of nanotechnology and medicine. The dream is to have a startup company that is dedicated to the promise of offering one platform that can be adaptive enough to deliver various drugs based on the disease mechanism.
NanoMed Adaptive Technologies is led by Maame Abena O. Afrifa, a University of Kentucky PhD Candidate in the Biomedical Engineering Department, College of Engineering.
Co-Founder / Team Leader: Maame Abena Oforiwaa Afrifa | maame.afrifa@uky.edu | LinkedIn
Co-Founder / Principle Investigator (PI): Samuel Awuah, Ph.D., Associate Professor in Chemistry and Adjunct in Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Markey Cancer Center