Strengthening Louisville’s Economic Health
Established by Henry Vogt Heuser, Sr., the Vogt Invention and Innovation Fund and Awards were created to strengthen Louisville’s economic health by supporting innovative startups and inspiring entrepreneurship. This initiative plays a critical role in our community’s economic growth as a city that’s poised to be a break-out for startups: ensuring the support and success for new and future businesses.
Leaving a Legacy
Former president of the Henry Vogt Machine Co., Henry Heuser Sr., was a high-tech tinkerer, corporate leader and philanthropist. Before his passing in 1999, he established a $5 million endowed gift to the Community Foundation of Louisville to create and perpetually finance The Vogt Invention & Innovation Fund.
Tradition of Entrepreneurship
“If he (Henry Vogt Heuser Sr.) were with us today to see the the Vogt Invention and Innovation Awards' rich history, he would be ecstatic to see how many people the program has so positively affected, and that his dream is continuing in such a massive way.”
Henry Heuser Jr.
“He named the award for his grandfather, Henry Vogt, a German immigrant, a 26 year old guy with a technology bent and an interest in making things and making a successful business of them. And, those are the people who are working today to achieve the Vogt Awards."
Stephanie Smith, 2018-2021 Board Chair, Community Foundation of Louisville
Words Of Wisdom From Previous Winners & Mentors
2014 Vogt Award Winner
Jeremiah Chapman
CEO | FreshFry
2011 Vogt Award Winner
Galen Powers
CEO | AdaptivEndo
& Former Vogt Awards Selection Chair
Greg Langdon
Investor, Startup Advisor, and
Vogt Awards Workshop Instructor
2015 Vogt Award Winner
Maggie Galloway
Founder & CEO | InScope Medical
2017 Vogt Award Winner
Demetrius Gray
CEO | WeatherCheck
How to apply for the Vogt Awards
The Vogt Awards provide funding, resources, and recognition to entrepreneurs with products in the early growth stage. Vogt Award recipients are chosen from early-stage entrepreneurs in the Louisville area that have the potential to create a scalable business based on innovative, technology-based products that they develop themselves.
Learn more about what you can win and the applicant criteria here.