2026 Vogt Invention and Innovation Awards Application Open Through June 5

Posted May 7, 2026 under:

Applications for one of Kentucky’s longest-running early-stage accelerator programs opened Friday, May 8. The Community Foundation of Louisville’s Vogt Invention and Innovation Awards provides up to $25,000 in non-dilutive funding to up to six early-stage businesses developing their innovative products and ideas into viable and successful enterprises. Award recipients will take part in a 10-week accelerator program with coaching, connections, and resources. Additionally, recipients may qualify for a $25,000 investment from Keyhorse Capital, an initiative of Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation in partnership with the Kentucky Cabinet of Economic Development.   

“For 26 years, the Community Foundation of Louisville has honored the vision and legacy of Henry Heuser Sr. through the Vogt Invention and Innovation Awards, stewarding 114 award recipients to date,” said Ron Gallo, President and CEO, at the Community Foundation of Louisville. “We eagerly anticipate the 2026 cohort and the exciting new innovation they will bring.” 

The program is proud to have supported 114 companies with more than $4.3 million in grants in its 25-year history. Nearly 40% of funds have gone to support women or founders of color – highlighting that the Vogt Awards are a model for increasing access to capital and encouraging economic freedom. From obtaining financial loans, to connecting with angel investors, many of these early-stage businesses feel resources are out of reach. The Vogt Awards program offers them an opportunity to be seen and heard by those who can help move their businesses forward. Unlike other business accelerator programs, the Vogt Awards allows founders to retain full ownership of their businesses, should they wish.   

“The Vogt Awards represent a powerful opportunity for innovative, early-stage companies to take their ideas to the next level. Each year we are inspired by founders who are tackling big challenges and building scalable solutions with the potential for meaningful impact. As the application period opens, we encourage entrepreneurs with bold ideas and strong market potential to apply and take advantage of this unique opportunity to gain funding, visibility, and support to accelerate their growth,” said Grace Simrall, Vogt Invention and Innovation Awards Selection Committee Chair.   

Application Process  

Early-stage businesses have until Friday, June 5, to complete this year’s application. Eligibility requirements include:  

  • Must be a for-profit business 
  • Must have headquarters in the following counties:  
  • Indiana – Clark, Floyd, or Harrison counties  
  • Kentucky – Bullitt, Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby, or Spencer counties  
  • Must be registered and in good standing with either the Indiana or Kentucky Secretary of State, or be a Delaware C-corp.   
  • The business is using technology to develop a new product or service 
  • The business has conducted customer discovery to validate the market. 
  • The business is beyond the concept/idea stage and has an early prototype of the technology.  
  • The business is developing an innovative product/service.  
  • Receives no more than $250,000/year in customer revenue  
  • The business has a lifetime funding maximum of $1,000,000 as of application submittal (excludes founders’ personal investments)  
  • The business is independent, not a subsidiary of another business or corporate spinout.  

Preference will be given to businesses that are solving an identified need, have a large market, have a unique competitive advantage, and are developing a scalable business model.   

“The Vogt Awards accelerator is designed to give promising early-stage companies the tools, guidance, and capital they need to move faster and smarter. Companies selected for this year’s cohort will receive hands-on startup coaching, mentorship from experienced founders and industry leaders, and access to expert insights that help refine their strategy and execution. Just as important, the program provides structured accountability and milestone progression, along with non-dilutive capital and the option to pursue an equity investment to further accelerate growth. Our goal is to surround founders with the support and resources they need to turn strong ideas into scalable, high-impact businesses,” said Lisa Bajorinas, Vogt Awards Program Director.   

Pictured left to right: Past selection committee member and Vogt Award recipient Jack Manzella of Sofab Inks; Vogt Awards Demo Day at the Kentucky Derby Museum; Nongo founder Sada Wane at Vogt Awards Demo Day

Vogt Award recipients are announced in early August and begin the accelerator program in late August. The program culminates on Tuesday, November 17 with Vogt Awards Demo Day, where each business pitches their idea, product or service before area entrepreneurs, potential investors, and the Louisville startup community.   

The Community Foundation of Louisville will provide a virtual Vogt Awards Information Session hosted by Program Director Lisa Bajorinas and Program Officer Kevin Smith on Tuesday, May 19, at 12:30 p.m. This session will provide interested applicants with tips on writing an outstanding application and information about the program’s eligibility criteria. For information about the Vogt Awards, application criteria, virtual info session, and more, visit www.vogtawards.com.     

About the Vogt Invention and Innovation Awards  

The Community Foundation of Louisville’s Vogt Awards is one of the longest-standing business accelerators of its kind in the Kentuckiana region. Funded by the Vogt Invention & Innovation Fund at the Community Foundation of Louisville, the program is made possible by an endowment left by Henry Vogt Heuser, Sr. in 1999. The awards program is unique because it allows founders to retain full ownership of their business while leveraging funding and education, receiving mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, and obtaining access to an extensive network of support. The fund’s mission is to help entrepreneurs, inventors, and visionaries commercialize their ideas, products, and projects and develop them into viable and successful businesses. The Vogt Awards program supports economic growth, diversification, stability, and employment for the Greater Louisville region.