Lexington, Kentucky, February 11, 2026
The University of Kentucky will host the ‘UK x Microsoft: CATS AI in Action’ event on February 26, which focuses on AI initiatives and their applications across various sectors. This campus-wide event aims to engage the community in exploring AI’s transformative potential, facilitating interactive experiences that showcase local innovations and partnerships for societal progress.
Innovative AI Showcase on UK Campus Set for February 2026
Get ready for a day of learning and engagement at the University of Kentucky featuring AI innovations.
Lexington, Kentucky – The University of Kentucky (UK) is primed to host an exciting event, “UK x Microsoft: CATS AI in Action,” that promises to be a showcase for artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives. Scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 2026, this campus-wide gathering aims to engage faculty, staff, students, and the local community in exploring the transformative potential of AI technology.
This event highlights local resilience and initiative, representing a collaboration between UK and tech giant Microsoft that not only fosters educational advancement but also reflects the state’s commitment to preparing its workforce for a digital future. By streamlining partnerships like this, local institutions can enhance their ability to respond to community needs and drive growth without excessive bureaucracy.
Event Details
Location: Gatton Student Center, University of Kentucky
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What to Expect
The agenda for the day begins at 10 a.m. with an opening program featuring officials from both Microsoft and UK, setting the stage for a full exploration of AI’s capabilities. After the kickoff, from noon until 4 p.m., attendees can immerse themselves in interactive AI engagement zones surrounding the Gatton Student Center Social Staircase, where UK innovators will demonstrate how AI is being applied across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and the creative arts.
Forging Partnerships for Progress
Late in 2025, UK announced Microsoft as the inaugural corporate partner in the Advancing Kentucky Together (AKT) Network. This partnership is designed to promote responsible AI usage through the Commonwealth AI Transdisciplinary Strategy (CATS AI). CATS AI connects and amplifies initiatives related to education, healthcare, and operations across UK’s 17 colleges, libraries, and research centers, demonstrating the potential of cross-sector collaboration.
About CATS AI
The Commonwealth AI Transdisciplinary Strategy (CATS AI) embodies UK’s framework for ensuring that AI technologies are used responsibly and effectively. By fostering collaboration among academic and administrative leaders, CATS AI illuminates pathways for significant advancements in education and research while also improving health care practices and operations within the university.
Supporting Communities through Innovation
The Advancing Kentucky Together (AKT) Network serves as a vital partnership aimed at using UK’s extensive resources and expertise to meet community challenges and seize opportunities for improvement. By uniting research, service, and learning capabilities with community partners, this network sets the foundation for initiatives that can uplift and enrich the Commonwealth of Kentucky, enhancing well-being for current and future generations.
Join the Movement
As the date for “UK x Microsoft: CATS AI in Action” approaches, community members are encouraged to participate in this remarkable opportunity to witness firsthand how innovation can drive societal progress. Various informative workshops and demonstrations promise to engage and inspire attendees while fostering a spirit of collaboration and growth.
Stay tuned for the release of the full schedule and additional details as the event nears. For further information, visit the UKNow website to ensure you don’t miss out on this pivotal moment for Lexington’s future and the role of AI in it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the ‘UK x Microsoft: CATS AI in Action’ event?
The ‘UK x Microsoft: CATS AI in Action’ is a campus-wide event dedicated to showcasing artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives, featuring officials from both Microsoft and the University of Kentucky, along with interactive AI engagement zones demonstrating applications in education, research, operations, healthcare, and media and creative arts.
When and where is the event taking place?
The event is scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Gatton Student Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.
Who can attend the event?
The event is free and open to all faculty, staff, students, and community members.
What is the purpose of the event?
The event aims to highlight current AI projects taking place across the UK campus community and to explore how the partnership with Microsoft can enhance these efforts.
What is the Commonwealth AI Transdisciplinary Strategy (CATS AI)?
The Commonwealth AI Transdisciplinary Strategy (CATS AI) is the University of Kentucky’s comprehensive framework for advancing the responsible use of artificial intelligence in education, research, healthcare, and operations. Led by an institution-wide council of academic, research, healthcare, and administrative leaders, CATS AI connects, coordinates, and amplifies AI initiatives across UK’s 17 colleges, libraries, UK HealthCare, research centers, and institutes.
What is the Advancing Kentucky Together (AKT) Network?
The Advancing Kentucky Together (AKT) Network is a statewide partnership that unites UK’s research, service, and learning capabilities with partners to co-create solutions that expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and improve well-being across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Key Features of the Event
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Name | UK x Microsoft: CATS AI in Action |
| Date and Time | Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
| Location | Gatton Student Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky |
| Target Audience | Faculty, staff, students, and community members |
| Agenda Highlights | Opening program with Microsoft and UK officials; interactive AI engagement zones demonstrating applications in various sectors |
| Partnership Background | Microsoft joined the Advancing Kentucky Together (AKT) Network in late 2025; organized through UK’s Commonwealth AI Transdisciplinary Strategy (CATS AI) |
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