Community Innovation Partnership

Apply here 2023-25 Partnership Report

The Cornerstone building serves as the gateway to an emerging innovation district that will further connect the university with the city of Lexington. It is designed to foster a wide range of idea-sharing, event-hosting and programmatic opportunities around the concepts of innovation, creativity, technology, entrepreneurship and economic development.

As a way to elevate the role of community partners and nonprofits in this innovation ecosystem, The Cornerstone seeks to establish a formal partnership with a different community organization for each academic year.

Applications are now open for the 2025-2026 academic year. Apply here.

Partnership Reports

CivicLex

CivicLex was the Community Innovation Partner from 2023-2025. The partnership focused on transforming the Cornerstone space into a community civic hub.

FoodChain

FoodChain was the Community Innovation Partner from 2022-2023. Through the partnership, FoodChain put a vertical aquaponics system in the Cornerstone building as a way to educate viewers on food systems.

IN THE NEWS —

University of Kentucky's Community Innovation Partner, CivicLex, hosts Pumpkins, Policy, and Paint Brushes workshop

Oct 17, 2023

The University of Kentucky Community Innovation Partner (CIP), CivicLex hosted a Pumpkins, Policy, and Paint Brushes Workshop, on Wednesday, October 11th, at the Cornerstone. The event brought together students, faculty, community members and local leaders with the aim of fostering civic engagement and strengthening ties between the local community and its leaders.

Community Innovation Partner CivicLex hosts park workshop

Sep 15, 2023

CivicLex, the University of Kentucky Community Innovation Partner (CIP), recently organized a workshop focused on the significance of parks and green spaces in urban development. The event provided attendees with a comprehensive understanding of Lexington’s historical context, present-day tools for change, and avenues for increased resident involvement in park planning. The workshop covered several key topics, including the importance of parks and green spaces, park accessibility and availability, zoning regulations, and green space equity.

UK announces CivicLex as 2023-24 Cornerstone Community Innovation Partner

Ashley Castorena

Aug 18, 2023

The University of Kentucky is thrilled to unveil its selected Cornerstone Community Innovation Partner (CIP) for the upcoming 2023-24 academic year. This year’s partner is CivicLex, who will have an ongoing presence at The Cornerstone to increase community engagement with students, staff and faculty. This 12-month long partnership is intended to help foster The Cornerstone’s vision of innovation and entrepreneurship through building connection between the community and the university.