Vogt Awards
The Community Foundation of Louisville’s Vogt Invention & Innovation Awards offers entrepreneurs in the Louisville region a unique and exciting opportunity to take their startups to the next level. Each year, up to six early-stage businesses receive $25,000 in non-dilutive grant funding, participation in a 10-week startup accelerator program, coaching, mentorship from industry veterans, strategic introductions and recognition, all designed to boost their companies’ growth. Unlike other business accelerator programs, the Vogt Awards allows founders to retain full ownership of their startups.
2022 Vogt Awards applications are now closed
The 22nd Annual Vogt Invention and Invention & Innovation Awards applications are now closed. Selection of our 2022 Vogt Awards recipients will occur within the coming weeks. Applicants will receive emails on the status of their applications once the selection process is complete. For questions on the Vogt Invention and Innovation Awards, visit our Vogt Awards FAQ page.
Vogt Awards Accelerate Growth for Health Tech Startup
When Julia Regan decided to apply for the Vogt Invention and Innovation Awards, she and her co-founder, Brad Allen, were beginning to develop the business plan for RxLightning Inc., a startup that streamlines the enrollment process for all types of specialty medications, such as cancer drugs. A complex, manual process that used to take weeks is now automated, thanks to the company’s groundbreaking technology. Read how the Vogt Awards accelerated RxLightning to where they are today.
Meet the 2021 Vogt Awards Cohort
Pictured left to right: Brian Olivier, Tanner Wilcox, Ryan Harris, Kendall Weihe, Evan Knowles, Maya McClendon, Hishem Alsalman, Carlos Acevedo, and Amber Fields. Not pictured: Michael Brizendine | Photo credit: Creative Photography LLC
The Vogt Awards brings a strong history of diverse entrepreneurs and supports talented inventors and innovators who are developing big solutions to large-scale problems.
The recipients for the 21st annual Vogt Invention and Innovation Awards were selected chosen by a selection committee made up of leading entrepreneurs and investors in the startup community and past Vogt Award recipients.
Learn about the Vogt Awards Alumni.
The Tremendous Legacy behind the Vogt Awards
The Vogt Invention & Innovation Fund and Awards was established in 1999 through an endowment generously created by Henry V. Heuser Sr. This long-standing and prestigious program aims to strengthen Louisville’s economic health by supporting innovative startups and inspiring entrepreneurship.
It’s an incredible story of generosity supporting a long-term vision that benefits economic development in our community.
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