News Summary
Two Bowling Green companies, BumptUp Labs Inc. and Caza Innovations LLC, have been awarded $750,000 in state matching grants aimed at enhancing Kentucky’s technology sector. Governor Andy Beshear announced the funding as part of a larger initiative to create high-paying job opportunities in the state. The grants will support early-stage tech companies and are expected to match $6.4 million in federal grants, emphasizing the importance of innovation and economic growth in Kentucky.
Bowling Green Companies Receive State Grants for Technological Growth
Bowling Green, KY – Two local companies, BumptUp Labs Inc. and Caza Innovations LLC, have been awarded a combined total of $750,000 in state matching grants as part of a wider initiative to enhance Kentucky’s technology sector. This announcement was made on Thursday by Governor Andy Beshear, who aims to further develop high-paying job opportunities throughout the state.
The state grants are part of the Kentucky Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) matching funds program designed to support early-stage tech companies. The $750,000 in grants will match around $6.4 million in federal grants that these businesses are set to receive collectively.
BumptUp Labs focuses on improving maternal and infant health through a digital platform that encourages evidence-based lifestyle changes. This company is also working on a clinical trial specifically for expecting mothers located in Bowling Green. Their goal is to provide safe, effective, inclusive, and evidence-based physical activity guidelines for pregnant and postpartum women.
On the other hand, Caza Innovations is engaged in developing a portable optical light source and power meter that can assess power in optical fibers across multiple wavelengths. This innovation aims to benefit both terrestrial and mobile optical communications.
In addition to BumptUp Labs and Caza Innovations, six other Kentucky companies receiving part of the funding include B.A. Maze, Inc., Creosalus Inc., HeXalayer LLC, Lagrange Scientific LLC, PGXL Technologies LLC, and Space Tango LLC.
The SBIR/STTR program, which is overseen by KY Innovation, has become a vital resource for early-stage technology companies in Kentucky. It provides non-dilutive capital, which means that funding is granted without the company having to give up equity. Since the program’s inception, companies awarded funding through this initiative have generated over $129.6 million in sales and licensing revenue while creating more than 773 higher-paying jobs, with 90% of those positions offering annual salaries exceeding $50,000.
Since its establishment, the SBIR/STTR program has awarded a significant total of $173.17 million in federal funding to Kentucky through 345 match awards. The governor highlighted the importance of fostering a business-friendly environment to establish Kentucky as a center for innovation and high-salary job creation.
The intention behind the funding also seeks to address advancements in various fields, including cancer therapy, postpartum recovery, and improvements in healthcare screening technologies. This strategic focus is part of a broader initiative to enhance the state’s economy and bolster the technology sector.
This investment not only promises to create more high-quality jobs but also aims to ensure that Kentucky remains competitive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. The grants represent a critical step towards nurturing the state’s developing tech ecosystem and aiding local startups in making significant advancements.
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Additional Resources
- WBKO: Bowling Green Companies Awarded Funding for Technology Development
- Wikipedia: Kentucky
- WNKY: Bowling Green Companies Receive Funding for Technological Developments
- Google Search: Kentucky technology development
- Lane Report: Kentucky Companies Awarded Nearly $750,000 for Technology Development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Technology
- Bowling Green Daily News: Locals Defend Funding for Schools
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
