Launch Blue and Valvoline Global collaborate on Spring 2025 Industry Transformation Accelerator
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 19, 2025) — Launch Blue is pleased to announce its collaboration with OneUK and Valvoline Global for the Spring 2025 Industry Transformation Accelerator. As a worldwide leader in automotive and industrial solutions, Valvoline Global brings technical expertise and industry knowledge to Launch Blue’s nationally recognized accelerator program to provide startup founders with the tools to make an impact in real-world applications.
“At Valvoline Global, innovation is at the core of everything we do,” said Valvoline Global Chief Technical Officer Roger England, Ph.D. “For nearly 160 years, we have led the industry in developing advanced solutions that drive performance and efficiency. Engaging with early-stage startups through the Industry Transformation Accelerator allows us to share our expertise while supporting the next wave of industry changemakers. We are excited to collaborate with founders who are tackling real-world challenges and shaping the future of mobility and industrial solutions.”
“Valvoline Global’s dedication to solving global issues through innovation makes them an invaluable contributor for the Industry Transformation Accelerator,” said Launch Blue Executive Director Laura Halligan. “Having seasoned corporate innovation leaders willing to be hands-on with founders through our program gives startups a competitive edge to make real change.”
The theme of the Spring 2025 Cohort is circular economy, materials and sustainability. Through the virtual seven-week program, startup founders will develop strategies for pilot projects, dilutive and nondilutive funding and technology adoption — culminating in a pitch to Launch Blue’s corporate innovation network.
In addition to Valvoline Global and OneUK, Launch Blue partners with UK Innovate’s Innovation Connect and Invest Blue to put on its Industry Transformation Accelerator.
“Collaborating with Valvoline Global through the Launch Blue Industry Transformation Accelerator exemplifies the type of translational innovation opportunities we aspire to develop with and for our OneUK partners,” said Landon Borders, executive director of Innovation Connect and OneUK core team member.
Applications for the Spring 2025 Cohort opened Feb. 3. Startups interested in applying can learn more on Launch Blue’s website at LaunchBlue.org/industry-transformation-track.
About Launch Blue
Launch Blue nurtures promising startup founders and university innovators through intensive accelerator and incubator programs. These programs support entrepreneurs, innovators and emerging investors with hands-on training to create and sustain successful businesses and technologies that solve real-world problems in Kentucky and beyond.
Launch Blue is dedicated to growing the innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem of Kentucky. Operating from the University of Kentucky, Launch Blue partners with stakeholders across the Commonwealth and beyond to nurture an environment that allows emerging technologies and social solutions to reach their full potential impact, serving UK’s land-grant mission to uplift Kentucky’s innovation economy. As a national startup accelerator, Launch Blue connects the Kentucky ecosystem with national talent, resources and capital.
About UK Innovate
UK Innovate at the University of Kentucky drives economic, societal and entrepreneurial growth from research discoveries. Through technology commercialization, health care innovations, corporate partnerships, social innovation and economic development, UK Innovate helps researchers and employees across UK Research and UK HealthCare accelerate their ideas into use. By connecting talent, research, corporate partners and community resources, UK Innovate works to move ideas into the world faster, where they can make the greatest societal and economic impact possible. Learn more: www.research.uky.edu/ukinnovate.
About Valvoline Global
Valvoline Global is a worldwide leader in automotive and industrial solutions, creating future-ready products and best-in-class services for partners around the globe. Established in 1866, the company introduced the world’s first branded motor oil and has built strong brand recognition with high customer satisfaction ratings across multiple product channels.
With sales in more than 140 countries and territories, Valvoline Global’s solutions support every engine and drivetrain, including high-mileage, heavy-duty, electric, hybrid, and internal combustion vehicles, offered at more than 80,000 locations. The company is powering the future of mobility through innovative solutions for evolving transportation needs and remains committed to solving global automotive and industrial challenges. To learn more, visit ValvolineGlobal.com.
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 health care. 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 $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.