University of Pikeville developing new Sachdeva Research and Entrepreneurship Incubator

The University of Pikeville has announced the development of its new Sachdeva Research and Entrepreneurship Incubator, named for Rakesh Sachdeva, M.D. and Seema Sachdeva, M.D., who have both been influential and supportive to the University of Pikeville over the past several years.

According to an article on the University of Pikeville’s website, Dr. Rakesh Sachdeva shared his hopes for the Research and Entrepreneurship Incubator, saying, “We sincerely hope that this facility will foster the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation in biosciences and biomedicine amongst our students and faculty. 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.”

Dr. Seema Sachdeva added her thoughts, sharing her reasoning for financially supporting the endeavor: “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. 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,” said Dr. Seema Sachdeva.

The incubator will serve a number of purposes and will house spaces for several biomedicine projects and agricultural research, including a greenhouse, laboratory, classrooms, and offices.

Eric Werth, Ed.D., is the director of the Research and Entrepreneurship Incubator. He shared what he sees as the benefits of the new incubator, saying, “REI will allow more students to participate in research with faculty, engage in internships and conduct hands-on research. 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.”

The Drs. Sachdeva have been longtime supporters of the University of Pikeville and the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine. The couple has taught every single student who has gone through the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine. They share a pediatrics practice in Pikeville and remain committed to helping the Pikeville community.

For more information about the University of Pikeville, visit the school’s website.