Two UK Pigman College of Engineering biomedical engineering graduate students were winners in the Women's Business Center of Kentucky 2025 Emerging Entrepreneur Pitch Competition, hosted in partnership with Women Leading Kentucky. The event, held at the historic Lyric Theatre in Lexington, brought together founders, judges, mentors and sponsors to champion innovation and elevate women entrepreneurs.
Madison Bates, Ph.D. candidate in the F. Joseph Halcomb III, M.D. Department of Biomedical Engineering, was awarded first place. Bates is the founder of RAM Devices, a wearable tech company focused on stroke rehabilitation and assessment. Inspired by her research at UK, Bates' devices are designed to improve patient outcomes and help therapists better track recovery.
Faraneh Fathi, Ph.D. candidate in the F. Joseph Halcomb III, M.D. Department of Biomedical Engineering, was awarded third place. Fathi is the founder of NeuroVista Innovations, and turned a personal medical misdiagnosis into purpose-driven innovation. NeuroVista Innovations is building the world’s first portable, radiation-free brain imaging device, designed for bedside use in diagnosing strokes, Alzheimer’s disease and traumatic brain injuries. Backed by patented technology, Fathi is launching clinical partnerships and preparing for regulatory milestones.
To learn more about the event, visit https://www.wbckentucky.org/post/celebrating-kentucky-s-businesswomen-of-tomorrow.
