Funding Opportunities

Our funds invest in early-stage technology companies located in Kentucky. The state-sponsored funds stimulate private investment in Kentucky companies and spur local economic growth.

We’re looking for:

    • Companies who are developing a technology, product, or service that fit into one of our five focus areas: Agriculture and Bioscience, Human Health and Personalized Medicine, Materials Science and Advanced Manufacturing, Information Technology and New Media, and Environmental and Energy Technologies.
    • Small (150 employees or less) early-stage technology companies located in Kentucky.
    • Companies who are dedicated to developing their technology and building their company.


Kentucky Enterprise Fund – This fund provides capital to early-stage technology companies in Kentucky. Companies may apply for a $30,000 grant, an initial investment of up to $250,000, or Follow-On funding up to $750,000.

Rural Innovation Fund – This fund provides capital to early-stage technology companies located in rural areas of Kentucky. Companies may apply for a $30,000 grant or an investment up to $100,000.

Kentucky New Energy Ventures –This fund provides capital for companies exploring alternative and renewable energy technologies. Companies may apply for a $30,000 grant, an initial investment up to $250,000, or Follow-On funding up to $750,000.

KEF Investment Applicants -  The Kentucky Enterprise Fund will now be accepting investment applicants year-round. Applicants will be able to apply to KEF anytime during the year and do not need to wait for an application round to open. The review and diligence process and application requirements will remain as they are. 

Kentucky FoundersLab - The Kentucky FoundersLab provides seed funding to innovation-driven start-ups founded by Kentucky-based students.

Fund Timeline:  Recent KEF awards can be found here. 

All applications will now be accepted year-round. To apply at any time, please see the 'How to Apply for Funding' steps listed on this page. 

Please email Sean O' Leary ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or Meagan Hennig ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) if you have any questions. 

 

For more detail on the funds, please see the fund guidelines listed on this page.

Funding is provided by the Office of Commercialization and Innovation and the Council on Postsecondary Education.