LEXINGTON, KY - The University of Kentucky's Gatton College of Business and Economics is preparing to host a new cohort of innovative startups for the Fall 2025 Entrepreneurs Bootcamp 1.0. This online business accelerator, run by the Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship (VACE), aims to help aspiring Kentucky-based entrepreneurs turn their ideas into viable businesses. The program offers weekly training, networking opportunities, and a hands-on approach to launching new ventures. This year, VACE is pleased to have a pipeline of new startups from the 2025 Governor's School for Entrepreneurs Summer Startup program.
These startups represent a new wave of innovation coming out of Kentucky, leveraging technology to address pressing societal needs. The Entrepreneurs Bootcamp 1.0 provides a vital platform for these ventures to grow and make a lasting impact. Four budding high school startups will be working on their ideas this fall and are featured below.
Li-ON: A Smarter Solution for Battery Waste
Charlie Ma's Li-ON startup addresses the environmental and safety risks of improperly discarded lithium-ion batteries. Millions of these batteries are thrown away each year, ending up in landfills where they can leak toxic chemicals and cause dangerous fires. Li-ON's system, designed to be installed over a conveyor belt, uses hyperspectral optical imaging to scan materials with hundreds of light wavelengths. This technology can identify and sort lithium-ion batteries far more effectively than the human eye, offering a safer, smarter solution for disposal and recycling.
KneeSense: Proactive Care for Arthritis
Akhila Nalladimma's KneeSense is a smart arthritis knee support that provides immediate, actionable feedback to both patients and doctors. The support uses nonintrusive, lightweight sensors to continuously monitor key health parameters, including inflammation, joint stability, and movement patterns. This data is transmitted to a smartphone app, creating a closed-loop system for enhanced monitoring and earlier intervention, which can reduce the need for frequent clinic visits.
LithLab: Safe and Simple Battery Disposal
Prit Patel's LithLab focuses on a growing but often overlooked problem: the safe disposal of lithium-ion batteries for small and mid-sized businesses. These batteries, common in everything from consumer electronics to power tools, pose significant risks when not handled properly. LithLab's solution provides fireproof, chemically resistant packaging and proper labeling for safe storage. The company then handles the pickup, sorting, and delivery of the batteries to certified recycling or disposal centers, simplifying a complex process for businesses.
SensoSock: Preventing Diabetic Amputations
Saanvi Arora's SensoSock aims to tackle the high rate of preventable amputations caused by diabetes in the United States. In Kentucky alone, nearly 500,000 adults live with diabetes. SensoSock is a wearable health-tech solution with integrated sensors that continuously monitor foot health. The sock is equipped with pressure sensors to detect potential ulcer hotspots, heat sensors to catch early signs of infection, and pulse sensors to monitor circulation. The sock also provides compression to improve blood flow and is made from durable, cut-resistant materials. The data is transmitted to a companion app, allowing users, caregivers, and healthcare providers to monitor foot health remotely and intervene early.