Innovation Station Propels Kentucky Inventor's Breakthrough Product to Market

This year’s Innovation Station made a strong impact at the Kentucky State Fair, serving as a launchpad for local inventors and entrepreneurs to validate their products in a real-world marketplace. The initiative, introduced in 2023 by Inventors Network KY and the Kentucky Intellectual Property Alliance, was created to support early-stage inventors from across the commonwealth.

By connecting innovators directly with the public, the Innovation Station offers a unique opportunity to test product-market fit, conduct face-to-face customer discovery and make on-the-spot sales. This hands-on validation process not only delivers immediate feedback, but also generates revenue and insights that help inform future business decisions.

Among this year’s standout participants was inventor Bennett Gatto, who introduced a patent-pending innovation designed to help individuals improve balance and reduce back, hip and knee pain. Initially dubbed Balance Briefs, the product features specially designed men’s and women’s undergarments with padded inserts sewn into the inner thighs. These inserts act as cueing mechanisms, encouraging a wider, more stable gait and activating key muscle groups to reduce pain and help prevent falls.

Today, Kinevate has grown into a ten-person team covering strategy, marketing, finance, legal, operations and manufacturing — all based in Kentucky.

"The Innovation Station gave me real-world data and face-to-face feedback that helped me move from idea to company. It was more valuable than months of isolated development." Innovator Bennett Gatto

Organizers say stories like Gatto’s are becoming increasingly common, as many participants found that the concentrated exposure and direct feedback from fairgoers provided more meaningful customer insights than any previous efforts.

With momentum building and success stories multiplying, the Innovation Station aims to expand its reach — continuing to empower Kentucky's inventors and entrepreneurs to test, validate and grow their ideas into viable businesses.