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By: Amy Charles | February 7, 2024
The University of Pikeville (UPIKE) announced the development of the Sachdeva Research and Entrepreneurship Incubator (REI) that will house a wide variety of projects related to biomedicine, serve as a small business startup incubator, and provide a space for controlled environment agriculture research. The UPIKE board of trustees voted unanimously to name the building after the influential couple who have contributed so much to the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM) and the university.
Rakesh Sachdeva, M.D., was the founding chair of the KYCOM’s Division of Pediatrics. He and his wife Seema Sachdeva, M.D., are proud to have taught every medical student since KYCOM’s inception, mentoring over 170 who went on to become pediatricians. They are excited to be part of the REI facility and have high hopes for its importance to the university and the community.
“We sincerely hope that this facility will foster the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation in biosciences and biomedicine amongst our students and faculty,” said Dr. Rakesh Sachdeva. “It will create opportunities for enhancing collaboration with regional, national and international business leaders and industry while creating new vistas that improve the quality of lives of the people of Eastern Kentucky. Seema and I are so humbled and honored to be a part of this transformational facility and initiative in Central Appalachia.”
For over 25 years, the Sachdevas have served the Pikeville community, caring for countless children at their pediatric practice. The Sachdevas are proud to continue serving the area and are committed to the university’s growth.
“We have been serving the healthcare needs of children in Eastern Kentucky since 1994. We have also been teaching pediatrics at the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine since its inception in 1997,” said Dr. Seema Sachdeva. “I truly feel that our lives have been enriched tremendously during this journey. We have a shared vision with the University, and we are happy to contribute towards a cause that is so dear to our heart.”
The facility will include a greenhouse, classroom space, biomedical laboratory and offices to lead high-tech research efforts. Once completed, the project will contribute to entrepreneurial and business development strategies for Eastern Kentucky and Central Appalachia, as well as the education of the next generation of the agricultural industry workforce.
Eric Werth, Ed.D., director of REI, is hopeful that this endeavor will benefit students by broadening research opportunities at UPIKE.
“REI will allow more students to participate in research with faculty, engage in internships and conduct hands-on research,” said Werth. “These experiences will open doors to students in various agriculture, science and business fields, helping UPIKE students be more competitive in the job market after graduation.”