Cats AI in Action: A Groundbreaking AI Showcase at the University of Kentucky
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 23, 2026) — This Thursday, the University of Kentucky (UK) will highlight the incredible journey of artificial intelligence (AI) with an event called "Cats AI in Action." This showcase, held in partnership with Microsoft, marks a significant moment as it celebrates the diverse applications of AI across campus. As the first corporate partner of the Advancing Kentucky Together Network, Microsoft’s collaboration underscores the university’s commitment to harnessing technology to enhance learning and innovation.
Event Details:
The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26, at UK’s Gatton Student Center. It promises to bring together students, faculty, and staff engaged in AI development, providing a platform for sharing innovative projects and breakthroughs. The showcase features a multitude of engagement zones that will delve into various AI applications, reflecting UK’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
AI Incubator at UK: Innovative Solutions in Healthcare and Startups
Among the premier zones is the AI Incubator, where participants will explore significant healthcare innovations utilizing AI. This area highlights how students and faculty have integrated cutting-edge technology to drive advancements in areas such as cancer detection, Alzheimer’s research, and even innovative drone delivery systems for medical needs. The hands-on demonstrations will allow attendees to interact with projects created by more than two dozen contributors, ranging from novice AI enthusiasts to experienced researchers engaged in impactful clinical trials.
Additionally, attendees can learn about the new TEK 100 AI literacy course, designed to inspire students to propose previously unthinkable AI projects. “We have the tools, the resources, and more ideas than we have students to work on them,” shares Dr. Tama Thé, emphasizing the collaborative spirit fueling innovation at the university.
College of Design Systems: Bridging Digital and Physical Worlds
In the College of Design’s engagement zone, attendees will discover how AI integrates the digital and physical realms. Demonstrations will explore the use of AI in generating design concepts, optimizing performance, and preserving historical architecture. By showcasing student work that utilizes AI in creative ways, this zone illustrates that AI is not a replacement for human ingenuity, but rather a tool that enhances and expands the creative process.
Joe Brewer, director of technology and facilities at the College of Design, states, “AI is changing how we explore ideas. We use it as a tool to expand creativity and solve complex problems.” This perspective encourages a reimagined understanding of what technology can accomplish alongside human creativity.
Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching: AI in Education
Education is another critical area being transformed by AI. The Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (CELT) will host discussions and demonstrations showcasing how faculty across various disciplines are integrating AI into classroom experiences. “Instructors are exploring how to engage with AI to advance student learning," notes Dr. Trey Conatser, indicating that discussions surrounding AI in education are essential for preparing students for future careers.
Visitors can expect engaging live demonstrations, such as coding educational games that utilize AI, providing an avenue for attendees to see real-time applications of technology in learning environments.
UK Innovate: Revolutionizing Healthcare and Learning
The UK Innovate engagement zone will focus on revolutionary AI projects aimed at transforming health care and educational approaches. Here, participants will glimpse how AI enhances patient-provider communication and aids medical students and faculty in digesting complex information.
The showcase will feature prototypes like the UK HealthCare Provider Agent, designed to improve navigation within health systems, and the Socratic Tutor, an AI-driven tool to help reinforce learning in classrooms. The inclusion of advanced technologies, such as LiDAR-based 3D scanning for surgical planning, further emphasizes how AI can streamline workflows in real-world applications.
Office of Undergraduate Research: Accelerating Material Discovery
Another exciting area will be dedicated to the intersection of AI and material science. Traditional trial-and-error methods for chemical and materials discovery can be time-consuming and costly. Attendees can explore innovative AI techniques that simplify these processes. The team will demonstrate how machine learning can accelerate the exploration of materials, and how robot-assisted experiments might define the future of laboratories.
Dr. Chad Risko expressed enthusiasm for participating in the showcase, stating, “We’re developing AI approaches that will transform our fields,” highlighting the potential of AI to democratize scientific discovery.
Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering: Academic Offerings in AI
At the Pigman College of Engineering, attendees will be informed about Kentucky’s first Bachelor of Science degree in AI, alongside an undergraduate AI certificate. This zone aims to illuminate the cutting-edge research occurring in the field of AI within the college, as well as guide interested students on educational paths they can take to engage with artificial intelligence.
Dr. Zongming Fei, from the College of Engineering, expressed excitement about the community’s collaborative efforts, mentioning the profound impact of shared perspectives on the AI field.
Event Accessibility
The "Cats AI in Action" showcase is free and open to all faculty, staff, students, and members of the community. With its diverse engagement zones and expert presentations, the event promises to facilitate robust discussions around AI’s transformative role in various sectors.
Mark your calendars for a day of learning and inspiration on February 26 at UK’s Gatton Student Center. To learn more about the event and additional programming, visit here.
