The Gatton College of Business and Economics is pleased to announce its continued collaboration with PNC Bank to present the 2025 PNC Innovation Summit, “Funding Innovation – The Art of Startup Fundraising,” on March 26th and the PNC Wildcat Pitch Competition on April 26th.
Now in its fifth year, the PNC Innovation Summit provides UK students with insights into the startup arena and real-world challenges unique to early-stage organizations, while delivering opportunities for attendees to learn from and connect with distinguished business leaders and alumni.
“All of us at PNC recognize the crucial role innovative entrepreneurs fulfill in fueling Kentucky’s economic growth, creating local jobs, and developing novel solutions for companies and individuals,” said Kristen Byrd, PNC regional president for Kentucky. “We look forward to joining UK students for the fifth annual PNC Innovation Summit, a dedicated time to learn from entrepreneurship experts, and the PNC Wildcat Pitch Competition, a forum for encouraging rising entrepreneurs as they share their visions for new ventures.”
This year’s summit will focus on fundraising, one of the most important aspects of launching a successful startup. This free event will be held March 26 and is open to all members of the University of Kentucky and Lexington communities.
Conference speakers will include the following:
On April 26, select undergraduate and graduate students will participate in the full-day PNC Wildcat Pitch Competition, which is open to all UK students. Thanks to the support of PNC, students will compete for $20,000 in seed funding to be awarded for innovative business plans.
“PNC has been an amazing partner in funding the Summit and the Wildcat Pitch Competition. The impact of their support on the UK entrepreneurial ecosystem is immeasurable,” said Warren Nash, Director Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship, Gatton College of Business and Economics
For more information and to register for the PNC Innovation Summit, visit https://gatton.uky.edu/pnc-innovation-summit
To register your intent to compete in the PNC Wildcat Pitch Competition, visit this link: https://gatton.uky.edu/pnc-wildcat-pitch-competition and select “Intent to Compete Forms” on the right-hand side of the page.
PNC Bank
PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.
Gatton College of Business and Economics
Since 1925, the Gatton College of Business and Economics at the University of Kentucky has been fostering the next generation of business leaders. With a rich history and commitment to shaping the future of business education, Gatton prepares principled leaders for the global economy, produces impactful research, and elevates economic growth in Kentucky and beyond.
In 2022, U.S. News and World Report ranked Gatton College #41 among employers nationwide, with over 400 hiring employers. The college is ranked #25 for Best Part-Time MBA Programs/Public Institutions. It’s all made possible by our dedicated team of faculty and staff who make up Gatton’s five academic programs, seven research centers and a $63 million facility that stands ready to support the nearly 5,000 students each year who are eager to learn more, do more and be more.
