Additional grant opportunities are being provided to spur on growth in the central Kentucky agriculture-technology field. The effort involves many entities.
Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton said Wednesday’s event amounted to “going live” with the challenge grant program. The mayor said the behind-the-scenes work over the past five years included focus groups and putting funding in place. But Gorton remained confident the bluegrass can be the place for ag-tech start-ups.
“Oh well, we’re dreaming big. We believe we have the potential to be the ag-tech capital of the United States. We’ve got all the pieces and parts right here,” said Gorton.
The mayor said those include UK with ag, food, and environment-focused grads, All-Tech with a food supplement emphasis, and the City.
Lexington and the state each contributed $1 million to support this program. Each applicant may apply for up to $100,000 of funding the first year. Applicants must be able to provide a 100% match.
It’s open to registered, for-profit businesses currently located in or willing to establish a presence in Lexington or Kentucky with an emphasis on startups and early-stage businesses.
Bluegrass Ag Tech Development Corporation Director Bob Helton said the aim is to see more startups come to the area.
“It’s kind of a crossroads. We want to put together that epicenter or that hub, if you will. Maybe we don’t know everything there is to know, but we know the people who do know it and connect these folks up with different resources as well,” said Helton.
In addition to prior million-dollar contributions from the City and State, Helton says additional funding partners will be sought in both government and private sectors. Projects proposed for funding must address at least one of five focus areas. Those include Solutions for Mid-Size Farming, Sustainable Food Systems, addressing health needs through affordable and accessible nutrition.
The other two areas are Future-Proof Animal Protein, which is focused on building a protein-secure future for the world’s growing population and Kentucky Traditions-leveraging the state’s equine, food, and beverage expertise.
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