PUDDLE HOPS: A big win for Kentucky | Casino tech | Indiana’s Innovation Mile

Big win in Kentucky

KENTUCKY—The Bluegrass State has landed the single largest economic development project in its history, a $5.8 billion investment by Ford Motor Corp. and South Korea-based SK Innovation to build two battery manufacturing plants in Glendale in Hardin County. The plants are expected to employ 5,000 people. The project will not only put Kentucky at the forefront of automotive industry innovation but will also transform the state’s economy, says Gov. Andy Beshear.

Soil health and carbon smart farming

MANHATTAN, KS—Valent BioSciences and Kansas State University announced a formal long-term agreement to advance critical research in the areas of soil health and carbon smart farming. Kansas State University Distinguished Professor of Soil Microbiology, Dr. Charles W. Rice, a researcher in carbon cycling and climate change, will oversee the initiative.

STL Startup Week

ST. LOUIS, MO—STL Startup Week returns with workshops and special events to provide area startups with information and resources to start or grow their businesses. The event is scheduled for the week of November 8-12. For further information, go to STL Startup Week.

Casino tech

TULSA, OK—Casino Cash Trac provides a platform for some of the largest casinos in the country. The platform includes transactional reporting and analytical tools designed to streamline cage operations, revenue audit processes and operations analysis.

Indiana’s Innovation Mile

NOBLESVILLE, IN—City of Noblesville officials are working to establish a master-planned innovation district spanning more than 280 acres on the city’s southeast side. Called Innovation Mile, the proposed district is seeking high-tech companies focused on the med-tech, scientific world that are innovative, creative and looking for a collaborative space.