Meet Kentucky's Newest microAward Recipients

The Kentucky Science and Engineering Foundation (KSEF), an initiative of the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation (KSTC), is proud to announce the winners of its newly reformatted microAwards Pitch Competition. Congratulations to Arenex, ChronoCulture, Clareo Biosciences and Vital Voyage.

Recently redesigned as a live pitch competition, innovators from each company presented their ideas to a panel of judges, showcasing novel technologies and outlining how microAward funding will help strengthen their concepts for future federal SBIR/STTR (Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer) funding. Each recipient selected will receive up to $5,000 in microAward funding to refine their ideas and advance their readiness for federal funding opportunities.

Recognizing the Innovators

From biotechnology to organ transplant logistics, these companies highlight Kentucky’s growing strength in research-driven innovation and entrepreneurship.

Arenex 

A research team from the University of Kentucky, Arenex is developing artificially engineered exosomes (AREs), a technology designed to lower costs and enable broader use of therapeutic gene editing for inherited genetic diseases such as sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

ChronoCulture 

Focused on developing novel cell culture technology that mimics the temperature cycling found in human circadian rhythms, ChronoCulture's technology would enable more physiologically relevant conditions for pharmaceutical testing and research.

Clareo Biosciences 

This biotechnology company is advancing precision immunogenetics to improve human health. Clareo Biosciences leverages immune profiling data to better understand disease pathology, improve diagnostics and support the development of more effective treatments and vaccines.

Vital Voyage 

Dedicated to improving organ donation planning and transplant success rates, Vital Voyage is developing a predictive logistics algorithm to optimize the long-distance transport of donated organs using national carrier networks.

Why the microAwards Matter

The microAwards program plays a critical role in supporting early-stage innovators as they move from concept development to competitive federal grant readiness. By providing targeted funding, KSEF helps small businesses validate ideas, strengthen technical foundations and build momentum toward successful SBIR/STTR proposals. This support equips entrepreneurs with the tools, experience and confidence needed to transform promising ideas into impactful technologies and thriving businesses.

Congratulations again to Arenex, ChronoCulture, Clareo Biosciences and Vital Voyage on their success in the microAwards Pitch Competition. KSEF looks forward to following their continued progress and future successes.

Learn more about the microAwards Pitch Competition.