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Upgrade Your Operation, Unlock New Possibilities

KY-MEPs Catalyst Equipment Match is ready to help your business realize its ‘next level’ goals by offering up to a 50% reimbursement of your capital equipment / technology investment.

Secure Up To $200,000 to Fuel Your Growth!

Considering a project with a capital equipment / technology investment that could take your Kentucky manufacturing operation to the next level? NOW is the time to check out the KY-MEP Catalyst Equipment Match. By investing in cutting-edge technology you could improve production capacity, capability, speed and quality, optimize product mix / performance, enhance customer service / engagement, or increase competitive advantage. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your business.

Apply Now!

Sharpen Your Competitive Edge with Advanced Manufacturing Technologies:

Investing in new technologies like automation, robotics, and additive manufacturing can give your Kentucky manufacturing business a significant edge. The match supports a wide range of equipment, including:

  • Newer Manufacturing Technologies: CNC machines, robots, and industrial control systems (ICS)

  • Smart Manufacturing Technologies: Additive manufacturing (3D printing), collaborative robots (cobots), big data / analytics tools, machine learning / visioning and AI.

Inside Catalyst Equipment Match

Learn how Catalyst Equipment Match is making a difference. Watch our commercial for a quick overview, and dive deeper with insights from our press conference.

Are you ready to get started?

Submit your online application to be considered for the Catalyst Equipment Match.

Catalyst Equipment Match FAQ

  • To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

    • Experiencing growth over the past 12 months.

    • Have a Kentucky Secretary of State control ID number.

    • Have a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN).

    • Employ less than 500 people.

    • Plan to permanently install the equipment in a Kentucky facility.

    • Dedicate the equipment exclusively to this project.

  • The program is designed to match up to 50% of the equipment expense that will leverage technology to:

    • Improve production capacity, capability, speed, or quality.

    • Expand or optimize product mix or product performance.

    • Enhance customer service or engagement.

    • Enhance competitive advantage.

  • Applicants may receive up to 50% match on their equipment purchase, with a maximum of $200,000. The exact amount will depend on interest, availability, and various factors throughout the project evaluation process.

    • Applicants must directly incur the costs of the equipment.

    • Applicant must agree to provide measurable results to assess the project's success.

    • Applicant consents to sharing application and project information with KY-MEP, the University of Louisville, and the review committee.

    • Applicant agrees to participate in a case study, where results could be published, upon successful project completion.

    • Equipment match disbursement is contingent upon a contract with University of Louisville.

    • Match availability is limited. Projects will be evaluated monthly through April 2026 pending availability.

    • The project evaluation process from application to disbursement availability will likely take about 90 days.

    • Catalyst is for a single capital equipment purchase as a component of an improvement project.

    • Minimum Catalyst Equipment Match request is $10,000.

    • Capital equipment purchase must occur after July 1, 2024, the beginning of the Catalyst Equipment Match.

Have you already started your application? If you've completed the initial steps and want to continue your application, click here to access the application directly. This link will bypass the initial steps, allowing you to resume your application where you left off.