On May 15, we gathered at Maiden Alley Cinema for something more than a pitch competition. This was a night to celebrate what’s possible when founders are equipped with the right tools, the right support, and a community that shows up.
Four startups—WholeNote, Santerre International, Weather Brother, and DataRovers—took the stage to share the real work they’ve been doing inside Market Fit Lab: talking to customers, validating their ideas, and pushing their business models toward traction.
The room was packed with 88 community members, and the energy was honest—supportive, hopeful, invested. WholeNote walked away with the top prize, and Santerre International won over the crowd for the People’s Choice. But every founder on stage had clearly done the work, and it showed.
Watch the Recap Video from the Pitch Competition
If you missed it—or want to relive it—here’s the official recap video:
▶️ Watch the West Kentucky Innovation Challenge recap
These are the moments that remind us why this work matters. Founders are building real solutions to real problems, right here in Western Kentucky.
Thank You to Our Sponsors of Local Innovation!
Deep thanks to our event sponsors, who made this night possible:
BHIK Investments
Because of you, we’re not just talking about building an entrepreneurial ecosystem—we’re doing it!
A Special Thanks to Our Emcees
Every great event needs great hosts—and we couldn’t have asked for better. Huge thanks to Terri Lundberg and Terry Bradley for serving as our emcees for the evening. Their presence brought warmth, professionalism, and just the right amount of fun to the stage.
From keeping the program flowing to encouraging each founder with heart and humor, they helped create an atmosphere that was both energizing and welcoming. Their support made a lasting impression, and we’re incredibly grateful they chose to be part of this night.
Why Local Pitch Competitions Matter in Western Kentucky
Innovation isn’t just something that happens in big cities or venture-backed labs. It happens here—when local founders identify real problems, test real solutions, and commit to building something that makes a difference.
What made this year’s pitch competition so special wasn’t just the quality of the ideas—it was the overwhelming community support behind them. With a record-breaking 88 people in attendance, the theater was filled with energy, encouragement, and belief in what’s possible for our region.
Entrepreneurship is hard work. It takes resilience, creativity, and a willingness to try (and fail) in public. That work gets a little easier—and a lot more meaningful—when the community shows up to cheer it on.
We’re deeply grateful to everyone who attended, supported, and continues to invest in West Kentucky’s entrepreneurial future. Together, we’re creating the kind of ecosystem where founders don’t just survive—they thrive.