2023 West Kentucky Innovation Challenge

Ready to Rise to the Challenge?

Bringing a tech-enabled idea to life can be a daunting and expensive endeavor. Let us help you on that journey by giving you the tools and structure you need to successfully develop a scalable business idea.

Still interested in applying or learning more? Contact our Program Manager at hannah@sprocketpaducah.com

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The West Kentucky Innovation Challenge is an interactive online program supporting West Kentucky entrepreneurs wanting to create a new tech-enabled business or expand an existing business using technology. Participants must apply to access instructional videos and weekly live coaching sessions. Each session will allow participants to conceptually build out their idea/solutions using the LEAN startup methodology and other customer discovery techniques. Those who successfully complete the program will have an opportunity to pitch their idea/solution to a team of experts and win access to software engineers that will help build a prototype of the product. 

The West Kentucky Innovation Challenge is available to any resident in one of the Delta Region counties in West Kentucky. Participants may simply have an idea for an app or business solution or be an existing business that needs a new technology process or solution.

Recent winners

See what the Innovation Challenge did for these West Kentucky entrepreneurs. Meet Chris Hill from Graves County and Pat Ranval from Princeton.

 

Winners of our pitch competition

  • Get access to software engineering from a shared total of $100,000
  • Guidance with C-Level mentors

Attend or watch one or all of our introductory webinars.

Apply to the program. Once accepted, we will send you a Zoom meeting link and supporting material for building that big idea. Each week 6 consecutive weeks, participants tackle a business-building challenge and attend the Live Coaching Calls. Coaching calls allow us to answer any questions and help you with your current design process. These will also be recorded so you can view them after the meeting as well. We even offer 1:1 coaching along the way.

  • January 26
    Open Applications
  • February 13 & 15
    Webinar: The West KY Innovation Challenge Q&A Session
  • February 17
    Applications Close
  • February 21
    Live Coaching Call #1: Building your Road Map for capturing Customers
  • February 28
    Live Coaching Call #2: The Competition and Your Unique Value
  • March 7
    Live Coaching Call #3: Partnerships and Funding Models
  • March 14
    Live Coaching Call #4: Unfair Advantage & Creating Your Pitch
  • March 21
    Live Coaching Call #5: Q&A Customer Discovery and PitchPractice
  • March 28:
    Live Coaching Call #6: Pitch Your Idea
  • March 30:
    Winners Announced
  • April 5 :
    Begin working one on one with our team of expert engineers

Missed our kickoff meeting? You can watch it here!

Still have questions?

Reach out to Hannah@sprocketpaducah.com.

The West Kentucky Innovation Challenge is a regional competition that allows local innovators expert help in designing and developing a business idea. This opportunity is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture for all communities in the Delta Region in West Kentucky. Reach out to any of our Growest communities for more information.

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