Innovation Campus News 5-29-2024

 

OPEN HOUSE & ROUND TABLE

WITH UNIQAT & FORERUNNER

Join us for Uniqat's Open House and an insightful discussion were Andrew and Booba with Forunner, Ada Oliver with Oliver Creative and Kenna Carman with Uniqat Brands will explore vital links between branding, storytelling, and strategy, offering invaluable insights unique approaches. Prepare to leave the round table with a fresh perspective and renewed energy to elevate your business to new heights. RSVP HERE


THIS THURSDAY, MAY 30

Uniqat Furniture - WKU Innovation Campus


Round Table 2 pm - 3:30 pm

Uniqat Open House 2 pm - 7 pm


Come take advantage of:

  • Round table talk with Industry experts
  • Uniqat's Showroom Exclusive items and sales.
  • Participate in our giveaways and raffle for a luxurious armchair.
  • Enjoy the delicious finger foods.
 

INNOVATION CAMPUS MEMBER DIRECTORY

Are you curious about the diverse array of businesses, companies, and WKU Labs at the WKU Innovation Campus? Your search ends here! Many have inquired about a comprehensive directory of all the members within this innovative community. We have worked with each of you to create a detailed list including websites, email addresses, and contact information for your convenience. The Member Directory is located on our website under partnerships, or you can CLICK HERE to explore the directory. Should you not find your name or if any updates are needed, feel free to reach out to us via email. We will update this directory as new members come on board.

 

MEMBER OF THE MONTH CORNER

KY Brand Builders

By - Holly Elmore and Cheryl Gilstrap.


You may have seen him on WBKO television as Chief Meteorologist. You may have heard his voice as a weathercaster on WGGC radio—but do you really know him? Kentucky Brand Builders had the opportunity to dig a little deeper when interviewing our Innovation Campus Member of the Month, Mr. Shane Holinde. Shane is a Kentucky native raised on a tobacco farm in Henderson, KY where at the tender age of 5, he witnessed a severe storm that would give rise to a lifetime fascination with the weather. His career has been dedicated to his passion for Meteorology and the way weather affects our way of life. 

 

In fact, his new position as KY Mesonet Outreach Manager, aka “Weather Ambassador” allows him to dive deeper into the many facets of weather and the consequences each element has on our everyday lives. The Mesonet system’s mission is to help our state to be more weather-ready by measuring weather conditions over time to determine climate patterns, and during this time of arbitrary weather, it is vital to the safety of Kentuckians to keep them prepared for sudden inclement weather. Moreover, the National Weather Service, emergency management response teams, the KY Transportation Cabinet, and the Kentucky farming community rely on Mesonet data as an essential tool for accomplishing their key goals. Continue reading HERE.


Thanks to everyone who joined us for Donuts with Shane.

 

BUCKMAN AWARD SPRING 2024

Congratulations to Kahlil Garmon (’21), who earned the Spring 2024 Buckman Prize for young entrepreneurs from the WKU Innovation Campus!


A graduate of the Gordon Ford College of Business at Western Kentucky University, Garmon is the founder of MoneyBot, an AI-powered financial literacy app.


The Buckman Prize, funded by Western Kentucky University Professor Emeritus and serial entrepreneur William Buckman, provides support to young entrepreneurs as they set up their business.



Garmon is also the co-lead of this weekend’s Imagine_BGKY Hackathon alongside Fall 2023 Buckman Prize recipient Nessa Unseld.

 

REVERSE RECYCLING

Embrace the latest innovation in sustainability at the Innovation Campus - the Reverse Recycling Vending Machine! This cutting-edge technology allows you to easily recycle plastic bottles and drink cans right here in our Collaborative SmartSpace breakroom. Take a moment to explore this eco-friendly solution and make a positive impact on the environment. Your small actions today can lead to a greener tomorrow for all of us.


In the future we will be offering up some prizes and games to participate in to win awards. Stay tuned. For more information CLICK HERE.

 

INAUGURAL 'HACKATHON' INVITES TECHIES FOR DEVELOPMENT MARATHON

From the BG Daily News

By - Michael Collins - Reporter


Despite its name, last weekend's "Hackathon" contestants weren't finding ways to break into your email.

The inaugural event from Imagine_BGKY at Western Kentucky University's Innovation Campus invited tech wizzes from across the region for an all-day marathon of development aimed at harnessing Bowling Green's full potential. 

Over the course of 12 hours, six teams worked to craft deliverable projects from scratch using coding and design skills. CONTINUE READING HERE.

 

A LOOK BACK FROM THE LAST FEW MONTHS AT THE INNOVATION CAMPUS

The WKU Innovation Campus is hub for passion and creativity where people, ideas, and talent are connected to the business resources needed to support the region’s growing business ecosystem. The WKU Innovation Campus is more than a facility, it is the heartbeat providing life to research, emerging technology, economic development, cultural development and storytelling.

Our goal is to create an environment where university students, staff and faculty can connect with entrepreneurs, industry leaders and business resources to create jobs and foster economic development. A special shout out to everyone who has joined us for various events over the last few months.


If you have an idea or something you would like to see us offer let us know. CLICK HERE.

 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS - UPCOMING EVENTS

Civic Imagination - Living Lab


An open creative thinking workshop to those who want to co-create, co-design, learn from others, tell stories (write, draw, story-board, and play), in order to continue the work accomplished in previous sessions. We aim at co-designing a transmedia campaign for BG2050 using design thinking, communication strategy, narrative design, and leadership, with facilitation by experts. It involves an international community of dreamers and doers. The event is organized by Karine Halpern, who–inspired by the work happening in Bowling Green, including BG2050–has received funding from the Region of Paris in France to travel here to organize this Civic Imagination Living Lab on the vision for BG2050, through her work with the DICEN Research Lab (Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers, Paris, France).


FRIDAY & SATURDAY, JUNE 14-15

9:00 am - 7:00 pm

Innovation Campus


To continue reading and for more information CLICK HERE.

This event is designed to bring together local businesses in Bowling Green, fostering a strong and supportive community. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and build valuable relationships.


You'll have the chance to meet fellow business owners, share success stories, and learn from others' experiences. The relaxed and informal atmosphere will encourage open conversations and collaboration.


So, mark your calendars and get ready for a morning of inspiration, motivation, and of course, plenty of strong coffee! We can't wait to see you there! Presented by SBDC Kentucky, Women's Business Center of KY, Community Ventures, CREATE and WKU Innovation Campus. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.


THURSDAY, JUNE 13

9 am - 10:30 am

Innovation Campus 129

June Member of the Month Lunch and Learn


Join us for Lunch and Learn with B. Stephens HR and learn to elevate Your Business with Strategic HR Insights.


Whether you're a small business owner, entrepreneur, or manager, this event is tailored to help you make informed decisions about integrating HR into your business strategy. This luncheon is designed to provide you with actionable insights and strategies that can transform your approach to HR, ultimately helping your business thrive. A light lunch will be provided.


What You'll Learn:

  • Streamline and Outsource HR Tasks: Implement tools and techniques to make your HR processes more efficient and cost-effective.
  •  Reduce Workplace Risk: Understand how proactive HR management can mitigate legal and operational risks.
  •  Assess Your HR Needs: Determine if and when it's the right time to introduce HR functions into your business.
  •  Enhance Team Efficiency: Gain practical tips for improving both individual and team performance.

Who Should Attend:

  • Entrepreneurs launching new ventures
  • Established business owners looking to refine their HR strategies 
  • Managers aiming to optimize team productivity
  • HR Personnel who may need an extra set of hands 


TUESDAY, JUNE 25

12-1

Innovation Campus 129


Presented by Breanna Stephens, HR Director with B. Stephens HR Consulting. RSVP HERE.

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