Launch Tennessee / Launch Blue — UAccel is not a traditional venture capital fund or cash-for-equity accelerator; it’s a commercialization and entrepreneurship training program offered by Launch Blue, a startup support organization affiliated with the University of Kentucky and Kentucky Commercialization Ventures focused on advancing technology innovation toward market readiness.

Pre-Seed / Early Commercialization Support: UAccel is designed for innovators, researchers, and teams primarily from academic institutions (e.g., University of Kentucky and partner universities) who are exploring commercialization of technologies — including preparing for NSF SBIR/I-Corps paths, startup formation, licensing, or independent launch.

• Equity Taken: UAccel does not provide direct investment or take equity. It is a training and market validation program rather than a venture fund, and participants do not receive a standardized cash check or surrender equity to the program organizers as part of participation.
• Because UAccel is fundamentally an entrepreneurial education/commercialization cohort (an I-Corps style program), its goal is to help you position your technology for future investment (such as SBIR grants, outside seed rounds, or licensing deals) — not to invest Launch Blue capital directly. 

Equity Structure: There is no equity stake or fixed percentage taken by Launch Blue or the UAccel program itself in companies that complete the program.

Submission Method: Innovators apply via the Launch Blue UAccel application when calls open (often seasonally for Summer/Fall/Spring cohorts).
Selection Process: Competitive application and interview, especially for UAccel QuickStart + I-Corps cohorts that combine training with market validation exercises. 

Sector Focus: Broad university-based research innovations that have commercial potential (e.g., biotech, advanced materials, IT, healthcare tech).
Geography: Participants typically must be affiliated with the University of Kentucky or partner institutions; academics from other institutions can participate if coordinated through their tech transfer office.
Stage: Pre-venture, early-idea, or technology commercialization phase — often before formal seed funding.
Team: Often includes a technical lead and entrepreneurial lead (e.g., faculty + student) committed to commercialization.

• Screening & Acceptance: Applicants are reviewed for potential to validate and commercialize their technology.
• Cohort Participation: Teams engage in structured training, weekly/bi-weekly cohort meetings, one-on-one coaching, and customer discovery exercises.
• Commercial Outcomes: UAccel helps teams advance toward commercialization milestones, such as preparing for SBIR/NSF I-Corps proposals, understanding market fit, and shaping startup launch strategy. 

Structured Training: Customer discovery, market validation, and lean commercialization frameworks.
 Mentorship: Coaching and feedback from experienced Launch Blue instructors.
 SBIR/I-Corps Positioning: Strong preparation for federal grant proposals and deeper commercialization pathways.
Connections: Exposure to innovation ecosystem partners, potentially including investor networks separate from UAccel.