Kris Kimel is President and a founder of the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation, an independent non-profit company with an international reputation for designing and implementing innovative and broad-scale initiatives in science, technology, talent development, entrepreneurship and disruptive innovation. Kris holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Kentucky and while a student was a 1974 recipient of the University of Kentucky's Sullivan Medallion. He is also founder of the international IdeaFestival and was a leader behind the vision and successful implementation of Kentucky Space.