The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency established in 1950 and based in Alexandria, Virginia. It is dedicated to supporting research and education in science and engineering across a wide range of disciplines. The NSF provides significant non-dilutive funding, up to $1.5 million, to startups and small businesses through its America's Seed Fund initiative, which is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program mandated by Congress. With an operating budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF is committed to advancing fundamental research and education, thus fostering innovation and technological development in the United States.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) leads initiatives in food, agriculture, natural resources, and rural development. It aims to expand markets for agricultural products globally, foster alternative markets domestically, improve rural infrastructure, enhance food safety, promote nutrition education, and manage public lands collaboratively.

The U.S. Department of Energy is a government agency established in 1977, located in Washington, D.C. Its primary mission is to ensure the security and prosperity of the nation by tackling energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges. The Department focuses on promoting transformative scientific and technological solutions to address these issues, thereby supporting the country's energy needs and environmental sustainability.

Connetic Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Covington, Kentucky. Established in the mid-2010s, it provides capital and strategic support to early-stage startups, often partnering with other venture capital firms and angel syndicates for seed investments. The firm targets software, data, fintech, and consumer sectors across North America, including the United States and Canada.

Bluegrass Angels is an angel investment group based in Lexington, Kentucky, established in 2004. The company focuses on providing both capital and mentorship to startup companies in the region. It targets investments across various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, industrial chemicals, manufacturing, biotechnology, fintech, media, and information technology. By supporting emerging businesses, Bluegrass Angels aims to foster innovation and economic growth within Kentucky's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Access Ventures, established in 2013 and headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is a private operating foundation and impact investment firm. It works to foster systemic change in communities, aiming to create an inclusive and creative economy that benefits all people. The firm invests across various asset classes and sectors, supporting organizations of all sizes, from startups to enterprises, in the private, public, and social sectors. Its investment portfolio spans creative arts, innovative finance, strategic real estate, and technology for social good. Access Ventures also provides micro and secured loans, grants, equity, and debt to support its mission.

Chrysalis Ventures, established in 1993 and headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is a private equity firm that provides equity capital to early-stage and expansion-stage companies in the under-ventured Midwest and South regions. The firm primarily invests in healthcare services and technology, media and communications, and business services sectors. Chrysalis Ventures manages multiple funds, including Chrysalis Ventures I, II, and III, and is registered as an Investment Adviser.

Poplar Ventures is a Louisville, Kentucky-based venture capital firm and business advisor that invests in early- to growth-stage cloud-based software companies serving business customers across the United States and Middle America, offering strategic guidance to help them scale.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a leading biomedical research facility in the United States, operating under the Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1887 and based in Bethesda, Maryland, NIH is the primary agency responsible for biomedical and health-related research in the country. It comprises 27 separate institutes and centers, each focusing on different disciplines within biomedical science. NIH conducts its own scientific research through the Intramural Research Program and provides significant funding for research at external institutions via the Extramural Research Program. With a workforce that includes 1,200 principal investigators and over 4,000 postdoctoral fellows, NIH has been instrumental in major medical breakthroughs, such as the development of vaccines for hepatitis and human papillomavirus, as well as the discovery of treatments for various health conditions. As the world's largest source of medical research funding, NIH continues to advance scientific knowledge and contribute to public health improvements.

Paducah Area Community Reuse Organization provides Community Reuse in areas where nuclear energy installations are located.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is a government organisation that provides public transportation.

Humana is a leading U.S. health and wellness company focused on government-sponsored programs, health insurance, and related services. It serves individuals through private group plans and government programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE, and provides primary care, at-home services, and pharmacy benefit management. The company maintains a network of credentialed providers and facilities and emphasizes a consumer-focused approach centered on choice, engagement, and innovation. Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Humana pursues integrated care delivery and wellness initiatives across its diverse business lines.

Advantage Capital Partners is a United States–based venture capital firm established in 1992 that provides equity and debt investments to small and growth-stage companies, with a focus on underserved communities and state and local economic development. The firm targets sectors including information technology, manufacturing, business services, healthcare, life sciences, energy, agribusiness, and related industries, and also supports real estate development and affordable housing initiatives. It typically makes initial investments between 0.5 million and 10 million and can participate in larger rounds based on milestones; it often co-invests with other investors. Capital offerings include senior debt, mezzanine debt, subordinated loans, and government-guaranteed lending, with instruments such as preferred equity or convertible debt. Advantage Capital operates nationwide in the United States, maintaining offices in multiple cities and focusing on communities underserved by traditional risk capital to drive economic development and job growth.

Stock Yards Bancorp, established in 1904 and based in Louisville, Kentucky, operates Stock Yards Bank & Trust, a commercial bank that has transitioned from serving the local livestock industry to becoming a nationally recognized financial institution. The bank provides a comprehensive range of services, including personal and business banking, wealth and investment management, financial planning, and treasury management. It also has a mortgage division that offers various financing options, such as VA and FHA loans, and supports low-income first-time homebuyers. Additionally, Stock Yards Bank offers private banking and brokerage services, catering to both residential mortgage purchases and refinancing in the secondary market. The bank emphasizes building strong relationships with its customers while maintaining high standards of service and financial performance.

Founded in 1875, Churchill Downs Incorporated is a leading gaming entertainment company headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. It owns and operates the iconic Churchill Downs Racetrack, home of the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, along with various racetracks, casinos, and online wagering platforms across the United States. The company also owns Big Fish Games, one of the world's largest casual games producers, and provides racing-related telecommunications services.

First Financial Bank has been dedicated to providing client service and success for over 150 years. Operating over 100 banking centers in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, the bank offers a combination of financial expertise and personalized community service to foster long-term relationships with their customers. This commitment to building trust and serving as a reliable partner distinguishes First Financial in the banking industry.

Landscape Workshop LLC is a full-service grounds management company based in Birmingham, Alabama, with branch locations across the Southeast, including Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida. Founded in 1984, the company specializes in providing comprehensive landscaping services for commercial properties, including landscape construction and installation, maintenance, design, and irrigation services. Its offerings also encompass seasonal color programs, weed and insect control, arbor care, snow and ice removal, as well as power sweeping and pressure washing. Landscape Workshop serves a diverse clientele, including healthcare facilities, educational institutions, municipalities, retail businesses, office parks, multifamily residences, and industrial clients. The company's focus is on helping clients maintain property value and attract new customers and tenants through expert outdoor management.

Weller Equity Partners, established in 2015 and headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is a private equity firm focusing on lower middle-market companies within the Mid-South region of the United States. The firm targets businesses in sectors such as manufacturing, business services, food and beverage, information technology, and healthcare, with talented management teams and substantial growth potential. Weller's primary objective is to address the capital and liquidity needs of smaller private companies by offering flexible funding structures and leveraging its private equity expertise to support their owners.

Founded in 1984, Papa John's is a global pizza delivery and carryout restaurant chain, operating predominantly through franchises. As of 2024, it has over 6,000 locations across nearly 50 countries. The company generates revenue from franchise royalties, sales at company-owned stores, and commissary supply chain.

Meritus Ventures is a venture capital firm based in London, Kentucky. It makes equity investments in expansion-stage private companies, with a focus on rural areas of central and southern Appalachia. The firm targets opportunities in information technology, industrials, and technology, media, and telecommunications sectors, and its activity spans across Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Appalachian counties in Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. It may provide operational support to portfolio companies.

The Southern Appalachian Fund is a $12.5 million venture capital firm based in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, with an additional office in London, Kentucky. It invests in early and expansion-stage companies operating in the interactive home entertainment, manufacturing, technology, and software sectors, with a focus on small businesses in southern Appalachia, particularly in Kentucky, Tennessee, and the Appalachian counties of Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. The fund typically invests between $200,000 and $600,000 in its portfolio companies, often leading investment syndicates or co-investing with other institutional investors and seasoned angel investors. It seeks to generate market-rate returns for its investors while promoting shared and sustainable business growth and wealth creation in its target region. The fund's mission is to provide not only equity capital but also operational assistance, active board participation, and mentoring to its portfolio companies.

Hudson Automotive Group is a family-owned and operated motor vehicle dealership company based in Madisonville, Kentucky. Established in 1955, it operates multiple locations across Kentucky, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee, including cities such as Cleveland, Kingsport, Morristown, Johnson City, Charleston, North Charleston, and Gastonia. The company specializes in the sale of new and used vehicles, including cars, SUVs, and trucks, and provides reliable auto services from various manufacturers. In addition to vehicle sales, Hudson Automotive offers auto loans and OEM parts, addressing a wide range of automotive needs for its customers. As a subsidiary of Watermark Auto Group, Hudson Automotive continues to uphold its commitment to customer service and quality.

Carriage Services, Inc. is a provider of death care services and merchandise in the United States, operating through two main segments: funeral home operations and cemetery operations. The funeral home operations offer a range of services, including burial, cremation, and consultation, as well as the sale of caskets and urns, and access to facilities for visitation and transportation. The cemetery operations provide various interment options, including mausoleum crypts, burial gravesites, and burial vaults. The company serves clients both at-need, during times of death, and preneed, allowing individuals to plan for their funeral and cemetery needs in advance. Carriage Services has expanded its footprint through acquisitions, enhancing its service offerings across multiple states. The majority of its revenue is generated from the funeral home operations segment.

PPL is a major U.S. utility holding company that owns and operates regulated utilities across Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Rhode Island. It consistently delivers reliable energy services to its customers while maintaining a strong commitment to employee growth and community support.

POSDATA Group, Inc. is a premium North American solutions provider for payments, data collection, and related technologies. Established in 1973 and headquartered in Gig Harbor, Washington, the company specializes in building strong relationships with OEM vendors, channel partners, and end-user clients through integrity, expertise, and service excellence. With a distribution center in Louisville, Kentucky, and sales offices across the country, POSDATA's seasoned professionals leverage deep domain expertise to deliver customized solutions that meet unique commercial requirements and drive tangible business outcomes. Privately held, POSDATA focuses on delivering high-quality solutions tailored to the specific needs of its clients in the payments and data collection industries.

PayScale, Inc. is a leading provider of cloud-based compensation software designed to assist organizations in making informed pay decisions. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, with additional offices in Louisville, Denver, and Cary, the company offers a range of services, including Insight Expert, which streamlines salary benchmarking and pay adjustment processes. PayScale utilizes big data and advanced algorithms to deliver comprehensive compensation management solutions for various industries, such as healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services. Its platform supports over 8,000 customers, including small businesses and Fortune 500 firms, by providing crucial insights that enable fair compensation practices. Additionally, PayScale offers professional services to evaluate and optimize compensation structures, ensuring organizations can effectively communicate and manage employee compensation.

Donan is a family-owned engineering firm established in 1947 in Madisonville, Kentucky, by John Donan Sr., a Civil and Mining Professional Engineer. The company specializes in forensic investigation services, offering expertise in forensic engineering, fire investigation, component testing, and HVAC forensics. Donan aims to provide clients with clear insights into the underlying causes of property loss, delivering peer-reviewed reports that serve as actionable intelligence for addressing complex questions regarding property and its contents. With a commitment to unbiased expertise, Donan has built a strong reputation over the decades as a reliable source for thorough and professional investigations.

Epic Insurance Solutions Agency, headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, operates as an insurance agency offering a comprehensive suite of coverage options for both individuals and businesses. Their product range includes personal lines such as homeowners, auto, life, and umbrella insurance, along with specialized policies for items like jewelry or RVs. For business clients, they provide professional solutions including property, liability, workers' compensation, cyber-liability, bonds, crime insurance, and directors & officers coverage. Additionally, Epic offers employee benefits and HR consulting services to assist businesses in managing their workforce's needs.

AppHarvest, Inc. is a food production company based in Lexington, Kentucky, established in 2017. It focuses on building and operating controlled-environment greenhouse farms that utilize advanced technology to grow non-GMO, chemical-free vegetables. By combining traditional agricultural practices with modern innovations, AppHarvest aims to create a sustainable and climate-resilient food system. The company's greenhouses are designed to optimize water usage, distributing more while significantly reducing overall consumption. Through its efforts, AppHarvest seeks to address the challenges of food production in a changing climate, contributing to a more sustainable agricultural landscape.

WellCare Health Plans, Inc. is a managed care organization that specializes in government-sponsored health services, primarily focusing on Medicaid and Medicare programs. The company operates through three main segments: Medicaid Health Plans, Medicare Health Plans, and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs). Its Medicaid segment serves various beneficiaries, including those eligible for temporary assistance and individuals with disabilities, while the Medicare segment offers comprehensive benefits to seniors and certain disabled individuals through both traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. WellCare also provides national prescription drug coverage under its PDPs. The organization is committed to addressing community health needs and partners with local entities to tackle issues such as food insecurity and poverty. Founded in 1985 and headquartered in Tampa, Florida, WellCare has a significant presence in states like Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, New York, and Illinois, and as of its latest reports, serves approximately 5.5 million members nationwide. WellCare became a subsidiary of Centene Corporation in January 2020.

United Structural Systems is a provider of foundation repair services for residential and commercial properties, primarily serving Middle Tennessee, Southern Kentucky, and Northern Alabama. The company specializes in a variety of services that include basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation, concrete leveling, sinkhole repair, and brick repair. By addressing diverse construction needs, United Structural Systems aims to deliver effective solutions to its customers, ensuring the integrity and safety of their properties.

Old National Bank, founded in 1834 and headquartered in Evansville, Indiana, is the largest financial services holding company in the state and ranks among the top 100 banking institutions in the United States. The bank is committed to community banking and focuses on establishing long-term relationships with clients in its primary markets, which include Indiana, Kentucky, Southern Illinois, and Southwestern Michigan. Old National Bank offers a comprehensive range of financial services, including commercial and retail banking, trust and brokerage services, correspondent banking, and insurance. Its product offerings encompass checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, loans, debit and credit cards, and various management services. Additionally, the bank provides treasury management, merchant services, and wealth management solutions, catering to the diverse financial needs of its clients.

Founded in 2021, eGateway Capital is a Kentucky-based venture capital firm that invests primarily in technology companies operating within the e-commerce sector.

Charah Solutions, Inc., established in 1987 and headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, specializes in providing critical environmental and maintenance services to the U.S. power generation industry. The company operates in two segments: Environmental Solutions and Maintenance and Technical Services. The Environmental Solutions segment offers remediation and compliance services, including landfill development and management, ash pond management, and recycling of coal-fired power generation waste byproducts like bottom ash, fly ash, and gypsum. The Maintenance and Technical Services segment provides fossil services such as coal ash management, silo management, and staffing solutions for both coal-fired and nuclear power generation facilities. Charah Solutions has operations at over 50 power generation sites across the country, handling or beneficiating more than 15 million tons of ash annually, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of power plants while minimizing environmental impact.

21c Museum Hotels operates a chain of boutique hotels that double as contemporary art museums, primarily located in Louisville, Kentucky. Each property offers guests a blend of cultural experience and comfortable lodging, featuring free parking, seminar rooms, and complimentary Wi‑Fi. The company focuses on providing a unique, art‑centric hospitality experience.

Plastic Industries is a manufacturer of blow-molded, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles, catering to various sectors including dairy, water, food, industrial, nutraceutical, automotive, healthcare, specialty chemicals, and personal care. Established in 1999 and headquartered in Nashua, New Hampshire, the company produces a diverse array of containers in both large and small formats, including gallon, half-gallon, quart, and single-serve sizes. It also offers custom-design services tailored to meet specific client needs. Plastic Industries operates six manufacturing facilities across the United States, located in Poland Spring, Maine; Reading, Pennsylvania; Newark, Delaware; Hebron, Kentucky; Fresno, California; and Corona, California.

Established in 2019 with headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky, The 6ixth Event is a venture capital firm focusing on investments in decentralized technology and fintech sectors.

Gray Solutions is a family-owned company based in Lexington, Kentucky, that specializes in design-build services, including engineering, architecture, and construction. Established in 1960, the company serves both domestic and international clients, leveraging its extensive expertise to deliver comprehensive solutions. Gray Solutions focuses on optimizing market dynamics, improving automation, and enhancing productivity and uptime for its customers. With additional offices across the United States, Canada, and Japan, Gray Solutions is committed to providing innovative and effective services tailored to meet the diverse needs of its clientele.

Founded in 2018, MiddleGround Capital is a private equity firm headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky. It specializes in investing in lower middle market B2B companies across North America and Europe, focusing on industrial, manufacturing, and specialty distribution sectors.

Ziyen Energy is a technology-driven energy company incorporated in Wyoming in 2016. Initially established as a software provider, the company focuses on delivering information related to the oil, gas, power, and energy sectors. Ziyen Energy specializes in business information and contracts by developing advanced procurement and supply chain software, which offers clients insights into industry-specific government and private contracts. This enables clients to maximize oil extraction from existing fields through enhanced recovery techniques and to establish new wells utilizing innovative technology. Additionally, Ziyen Energy holds interests in oil assets located in Texas and the Illinois Basin, which encompasses Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky.

Holley Performance Products, Inc. is a manufacturer and seller of high-performance automotive aftermarket products based in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Founded in 1903 and previously known as The Holley Carburetor Company, the company specializes in a wide range of products designed to enhance vehicle performance for street, off-road, and competitive applications. Its offerings include carburetors, fuel injection systems, superchargers, exhaust products, and various components such as fuel pumps, ignition products, and drivetrains. Holley also provides accessories for motorcycles, as well as apparel and collectibles related to automotive culture. The company operates multiple well-known brands, including Holley, MSD, and Flowmaster. Holley Performance Products sells its extensive product line primarily through online channels and has a notable market presence in the United States and Italy.

RZN8 Capital is an early-stage investment firm based in Louisville, Kentucky, established in 2019. The firm focuses on investing in mobile-based consumer technologies, aiming to support innovative companies in this sector. Through its investments, RZN8 Capital seeks to foster the growth of emerging technologies that enhance consumer experiences and engagement.

Brinker International, Inc. operates casual dining restaurants, primarily under the brands Chili's Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy. Chili's is known for its bar and grill offerings, featuring a menu that includes signature items such as slow-smoked baby back ribs, craft burgers, fajitas, and tableside guacamole. Maggiano's specializes in Italian cuisine, offering a diverse menu that includes appetizers, chicken, seafood, veal, prime steaks, and desserts. As of June 2013, Brinker International's system included 1,591 restaurants across 50 states and Washington, D.C., as well as locations in various countries including Bahrain, Brazil, Canada, and Mexico. The company generates the majority of its revenue from the Chili's segment, reflecting its strong presence in the casual dining market.

Yum! Brands is a multinational operator and franchisor of quick-service restaurants owning and licensing a portfolio of brands that includes KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and Habit Burger & Grill. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, the company traces its origins to 1997 and evolved from Tricon Global Restaurants before adopting its current name. Its business model centers on franchised locations and royalty income generated from a global network of restaurants spanning dozens of countries. In 2024, the group reported systemwide sales of about $65 billion and operates thousands of units worldwide, with the majority operated by franchisees rather than company stores. The company emphasizes growth opportunities for its employees and maintains a broad international footprint across regions and markets.

Spectrum is a cable telecommunications company that provides a diverse array of home entertainment and information services. Its offerings include video on-demand, digital video recording, high-speed internet access, and various communication tools, as well as home automation and monitoring services. In addition to residential services, Spectrum also caters to business clients with data and network services, video programming, and music services. Established in 1989 and headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, Spectrum operates in multiple regions, including New York State, the Carolinas, Ohio, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Southern California, and Texas. The company has grown to serve approximately 15 million customers.

Lemniscap is a venture capital firm founded in 2017 and based in George Town, Cayman Islands. It focuses on investments in the blockchain and cryptocurrency sectors, including emerging cryptoassets and blockchain technology companies.

NiSource Inc. is a prominent energy holding company based in Merrillville, Indiana, primarily engaged in the regulated natural gas and electric utility sectors. The company operates through two key segments: Gas Distribution Operations and Electric Operations. It serves approximately 3.5 million natural gas customers and around 476,000 electricity customers across seven states, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Kentucky, Maryland, and Massachusetts. NiSource provides natural gas service and transportation for residential, commercial, and industrial clients, alongside generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity. The company owns a diverse generation portfolio, which includes coal-fired power plants, combined cycle gas turbines, gas-fired generating units, and hydroelectric facilities, totaling over 3,000 megawatts of capacity. With a commitment to enhancing energy infrastructure, NiSource invests approximately $1.4 billion annually to ensure reliable service for its customers. Founded in 1847 and originally known as NIPSCO Industries, Inc., NiSource has been dedicated to safe and dependable energy delivery for over a century.

Kentucky Association of Health Plans is the trade association for Kentucky's health insurance industry.

Founded in 1885, Taft is a prominent legal firm with over 400 attorneys across offices in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton (Ohio), Chicago, Indianapolis, Covington (Kentucky), and Phoenix (Arizona). They offer comprehensive legal services across various industries and practice areas, committed to delivering innovative solutions tailored to clients' goals.

Tencarva Machinery is a prominent distributor of process equipment and services, catering to industrial and municipal clients across the Southeast United States since 1978. The company specializes in providing a wide range of pumping systems, fluid handling systems, air handling equipment, and liquid process equipment tailored for various industries, including chemical, citrus, paper, textile, and power. In addition to its diverse product offerings, Tencarva also operates repair centers and field service teams capable of servicing most types of rotating process equipment. This comprehensive approach ensures that clients receive reliable and cost-effective solutions that meet their specific application needs.