University of Louisville awarded $12 million to enhance biomedical entrepreneurship program

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The University of Louisville was awarded $12 million to advance a biomedical hub for entrepreneurs.

According to a news release Tuesday, the new hub is focused on accelerating real-world impact of biomedical innovations through education, mentorship and financial support for aspiring entrepreneurs. Backed by a four-year grant from the National Institutes of Health, the Mid-South Research Evaluation and Commercialization Hub spans four states.

"UofL is a top-tier, Carnegie Research-1 university, and we are proud of our strong track record as a driver of health innovation and entrepreneurship," Kevin Gardner, executive vice president for research and innovation, said in a news release Tuesday. "We are excited to expand that work with the Mid-South Hub, joining our partner institutions to accelerate technologies and companies that can save and improve lives, creating opportunity here and throughout our region."

The program provides entrepreneurial training for innovators. UofL launched Kentucky's first REACH program in 2015.