Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear highlighted new and exciting momentum in the state’s technology sector as Caza Innovations, a high-growth research and technology firm specializing in commercial applications of advanced materials, biotechnology and data systems, announced plans to relocate its corporate headquarters to Bowling Green and launch a strategic research and development partnership with Western Kentucky University. The nearly $270,000 investment will create 15 high-wage Kentucky jobs.
“The continued growth of our technology industry through expansion and relocation projects is creating high-wage job opportunities for Kentuckians across the state,” said Gov. Beshear. “This project is a great example of what collaboration and strategic partnerships can create here in the commonwealth. I want to thank both Caza Innovations’ leaders for choosing us for their New Kentucky Home and Western Kentucky University for its forward-thinking commitment to their students.”
The project will see Caza Innovations relocate its corporate headquarters to Bowling Green and establish a presence in the commonwealth. The move also will allow the company to work with WKU on a multifaceted research and development partnership, which aligns with the university’s pursuit of R2 designation, which indicates high research achievement, and the region’s broader innovation economy strategy. The collaboration will focus on research, product development, commercialization initiatives and interdisciplinary student engagement. The 15 high-wage jobs created from the investment will include principal investigators and research positions.
“Caza is excited to put down roots in Bowling Green and collaborate with WKU’s world-class researchers and students,” said Dr. Kent Murphy, CEO of Caza Innovations. “We see enormous potential to unlock regional talent, accelerate product development and help shape the next generation of research-driven entrepreneurship.”
Caza Innovations is a high-impact research and development company advancing breakthrough technologies across multiple critical sectors. The company is built on a mission-driven model that identifies transformative opportunities, secures diversified funding and converts scientific discovery into scalable commercial ventures. Caza’s innovation portfolio includes artificial intelligence, health care and pharmaceuticals, alternative energy, telecommunications and data processing and emerging technologies, among others.
Dr. Timothy C. Caboni, president of Western Kentucky University, highlighted the company’s commitment to the community and school’s students: “This collaboration reflects the kind of future-focused partnership that defines WKU’s path forward. Caza Innovations’ decision to headquarter in Bowling Green – and to engage directly with our faculty and students – reinforces the value of our applied research mission and our region’s growing status as a destination for technology and talent. Together, we’re building the research enterprise and entrepreneurial ecosystem that will power Kentucky’s next economy.”
Warren County Judge/Executive Doug Gorman noted the benefits of the company’s partnership with WKU: “This partnership reinforces what we already know – WKU is a catalyst for the future of South Central Kentucky. Caza’s investment enhances the university’s research mission and further strengthens the high-tech talent pipeline critical to the commonwealth’s competitiveness.”
Bowling Green Mayor Todd Alcott is excited to see the long-term success of the project: “This is a win for our students, our economy and our commonwealth. It’s proof that strategic partnerships between education and innovation can unlock opportunity and drive long-term growth.”
Ron Bunch, President and CEO of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, recognized the importance this investment will have on the region: “Caza Innovations’ relocation and partnership with WKU elevate Bowling Green’s profile as a magnet for innovation-driven enterprises. This is the kind of strategic alignment that transforms regions—not just by creating jobs, but by deepening our research capacity, entrepreneurial infrastructure and competitive edge.”