The Cardiovascular Innovation Institute will further the reputation of Kentucky as a leader in the development, testing, improvement and clinical evaluation of bio-adaptive heart innovations.  As part of the CII, University of Louisville researchers will have the support and infrastructure needed to capture even more extramural funding from the federal government and industry.

The environment at the CII is supportive for new companies to do research and develop start-up biomedical facilities here. Additionally, the CII has access to venture capital funds as well as seed fund monies.

Louisville, Ky. provides an outstanding investment environment for health care and medical companies.  Much of the infrastructure for success is already in place including:

• An established health sector labor force of more than 72,000.
• A vibrant logistics and distribution industry through the air freight hub of United Parcel Service International that is on the leading edge of the emerging field of biologistics. 
• The Innovation and Commercialization Center – a new state-sponsored center in downtown Louisville, focusing on rapid commercialization of ideas with high-growth potential.
• Three business incubators/accelerators located near the CII, including MetaCyte Business Lab, University of Louisville’s Information Technology Resource Center and the privately-held bCatalyst.
• A track record of commercialization in life sciences including Aptamera, which was recently acquired by UK cancer specialist Antisoma, pharmacogenetics testing company PGx Labs and biosensor company Assenti.