February 19, 2025 - Northern Kentucky University’s INKUBATOR accelerator program has been recognized by the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE) with the National Model University Accelerator/Incubator Program Award.
NKU’s INKUBATOR is part of the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE) and supports student and alumni entrepreneurs, providing them with the education, mentorship and resources to turn their business ideas into reality. The program aims to increase the competitive advantage of start-ups and, since its foundation in 2012, has resulted in the launch of 43 businesses. This national recognition from USASBE solidifies INKUBATOR as one of the top university accelerators in the country.
“Winning the USASBE Model Accelerator Award is a testament to the outstanding work of our faculty, mentors, students and community members in driving innovation and entrepreneurship,” says Dr. Hassan HassabElnaby, Dean of the Haile College of Business. “For years, INKUBATOR has been preparing the next generation of entrepreneurs, and this award affirms our commitment to fostering a world-class program right here in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region.”
NKU’s INKUBATOR has been a finalist for the USASBE award each year since its inception in 2022. Selection criteria for the award include program impact, student and faculty engagement, community involvement, sustainability and overall effectiveness.
“This recognition highlights our program’s unique cross-disciplinary approach and efficiency,” says Zac Strobl, Director of NKU’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. “We have built a program that serves first-time founders, and they have achieved amazing things. It’s an honor to see our hard work recognized on a national stage.”
In addition to the recognition from USABSE, INKUBATOR is ranked one of the top 5 University Business Accelerators by UBI Global and received the Exceptional Activities Across Disciplines award from the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers in 2015.
For more information on INKUBATOR and to get involved, visit the CIE website.
About Northern Kentucky University: NKU is an entrepreneurial state university of more than 15,000 students on a thriving suburban campus nestled between Highland Heights, Kentucky and bustling downtown Cincinnati. Ranked in the top 30 out of 500 universities nationwide by The Wall Street Journal for exceptional value, we are a regionally engaged university committed to delivering an innovative, student-centered education. We empower our graduates to have fulfilling careers and meaningful lives, while contributing to the economic, civic and social vitality of the region. For more information, visit nku.edu.
###NKU###
