Economic Development Collaborative to host convening on university, industry AI partnerships
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 5, 2026) — The Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) at the University of Kentucky will host its August convening, “From Needs to Actions: Building AI Partnerships for Kentucky,” 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, at UK’s Esports Theater located in The Cornerstone.
The event will bring together UK artificial intelligence practitioners and industry partners to discuss the AI challenges and needs each is facing, with the goal of better understanding what AI partnerships can look like.
“This convening is about turning conversation into action. By bringing UK’s focus on building strategies to approach AI responsibly together with the needs of Kentucky industry, we can build partnerships that create real, lasting economic impact for the commonwealth,” said Heath Price, associate vice president for partnerships at UK and an EDC steering committee member.
The conversation will open with a presentation from Shirley Mitchell, director of CATS AI, who will share insights into the new CATS AI Alliance. A moderated panel discussion with UK AI leaders will follow, exploring the university’s current AI capabilities and research and offering attendees a comprehensive look at what UK is positioned to offer industry partners.
UK panelists include:
- Adam Recktenwald, chief technology innovation officer
- Katie Thompson, Ph.D., professor of statistics and director of the ALT Hub
- Tama Thé, M.D., pediatric emergency medicine physician
Attendees will then hear from a panel of corporate leaders representing Kentucky industry, moderated by Landon Borders, senior executive director of technology development, product management and R&D partnerships. Panelists will share their organizations’ AI needs, current applications and where they see opportunities for partnership with institutions like UK.
Industry panelists include:
- Paul Williams, Lockheed Martin
- Nick Dendinger, Bullard
The program will close with a facilitated networking reception featuring three structured table discussions. Attendees are invited to join a table to continue the conversation, connect with panelists and explore what AI partnerships could look like for their organization.
“Innovation happens when great research meets real-world need. This event gives us a chance to listen closely to industry, identify where UK’s research and talent can make a difference, and build the partnerships that will drive Kentucky’s economy and community forward." said Ian McClure, vice present for innovation, UK HealthCare, associate vice president for research, innovation and economic impact, executive director of UK Innovate, and an EDC steering committee member.
The Aug. 26 convening is free and open to the UK community and the broader public. Registration is encouraged and available online.
The EDC seeks to bring the university together by connecting people, sharing knowledge and leading efforts that advance economic impact in alignment with UK's Advancing Kentucky Together initiative and regional and state goals. The EDC is guided by a steering committee made up of leaders from across campus and led by a multidisciplinary support team that implements EDC programming and projects. Learn more about how the EDC works at edc.uky.edu/how-we-work.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and healthcare. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $1.02 billion research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.