Vogt Awards
The Community Foundation of Louisville’s Vogt Invention & Innovation Awards is celebrating its 26th year. Since 1999, the Vogt Awards has offered entrepreneurs in the Louisville region a unique and exciting opportunity to take their businesses 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, strategic introductions, and recognition, all designed to boost the growth of their business. Unlike other business accelerator programs, the Vogt Awards allows founders to retain full ownership of their businesses.
2026 Vogt Awards Cohort
These six early-stage industry disruptors will receive $25,000 in non-dilutive grant funding and participate in a 10-week accelerator program where they will receive coaching, mentorship, strategic introductions, and other valuable resources to grow their new businesses. They may also qualify for $25,000 in additional capital from Keyhorse Capital.
Learn more about our Vogt Award recipients.
Vogt Awards Demo Day
The Community Foundation of Louisville’s legendary Vogt Invention and Innovation Awards presents this year’s Vogt Awards Demo Day on Thursday, November 17, at the Kentucky Derby Museum. During this free event, six dynamic founders will take center stage to showcase their big ideas and innovative solutions in business operations software, AI, healthcare, finance, consumer wellness, and construction technology. They’ll share how their pioneering companies are impacting the local, regional, and national business community.
Registration is required as space is limited. Register today.
2026 Vogt Awards Selection Committee
This year’s six early-stage businesses were chosen by a selection committee made up of leading entrepreneurs, investors, and service providers in the startup and business communities, and past Vogt Award recipients. This innovative, passionate group of trailblazers are experts in their fields and have firsthand experience in what it takes to build a company from the ground up. The committee was led by Grace Simrall, Senior Director of Market Development at Lumos Fiber.
The competition was tough this year, and narrowing the field to six businesses was an enormous challenge. We want to thank each committee member for their leadership, guidance, and thoughtful consideration throughout the selection process.
Learn more about this year's selection committee.
Photography by Abdul Sharif Photography
The Tremendous Legacy behind the Vogt Awards
The Vogt Invention & Innovation Fund and Awards is celebrating its 26th year. 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 businesses 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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