PIKEVILLE, Ky. — A $4.4 million competitive grant has been awarded to the University of Pikeville by the U.S. Economic Development Administration to build a new AgTech Innovation Center of Excellence.
In partnership with the City of Pikeville, UPIKE will lease nearly 14 acres of land at the Kentucky Enterprise Industrial Park at Marion Branch in Pikeville for the construction of the AgTech research and education center.
“Like our partners in the city and in industry, we are committed to the ongoing economic
development of the region,” UPike President Dr. Burton Webb said. “High-tech agriculture and indoor growing are industries that are exploding throughout the region. The UPIKE AgTech Innovation Center of Excellence puts Pikeville on the high-tech agriculture map and will enable us to grow with this innovative
industry.”
The facility will include a greenhouse, classroom space, laboratory and offices to lead high-tech agriculture research efforts that aid the industry’s continued development and long-term viability while supporting increasing worldwide demand for food production.
The grant will be matched with $5.75 million in local funds.
