FRANKFORT, Ky., Feb. 8 -- The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development issued the following news release:

Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that four innovative Kentucky companies will receive $449,819 in state matching grants to support high-paying jobs and further grow the state's technology sector.

The $449,819 in grants are part of the commonwealth's nationally recognized Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Matching Funds Program. The funds will match, in part, $1.9 million in federal grants the businesses will collectively receive.

"The SBIR-STTR Matching Funds Program allows the commonwealth to continue fostering innovation and growth for our startups and tech industry," said Go...