Innovation
We Make the Future Possible in Tennessee
From songwriters and scientists to founders and Fortune 500 leaders, Tennesseans are turning bold ideas up to high volume. The Volunteer State amplifies the next wave of emerging technologies and industry breakthroughs. Here, talent, capital and collaboration harmonize to power an innovation network that’s growing across sectors, from advanced manufacturing to life sciences, energy and tech.
Amplifying What’s Next
Tennessee brings together capital, talent and research assets that help startups scale and established companies lead at the highest level. With world-class labs, industry partnerships and a culture that knows how to turn up the volume, our state equips innovators to stay ahead of what’s next.
IRIS Grant Program
Tennessee’s Innovation & Research for Industry Success (IRIS) Grant connects Tennessee companies with the state’s leading research institutions. By breaking down barriers to applied R&D and paving the path from idea to impact, IRIS helps businesses solve real-world challenges, build strong local partnerships and develop solutions for the future—all while keeping Tennessee center stage.
Federal Innovation Grant Matching Fund
Tennessee’s Federal Match Program helps universities strengthen competitive grant proposals by providing state matching funds for major federal awards in priority sectors like nuclear energy, mobility, life sciences and advanced computing. The program boosts the competitiveness of large federal grant applications and signals state support early in the process, helping secure funding that can drive research and economic growth in Tennessee.
Launch Tennessee
You don’t become the fastest-growing entrepreneurial ecosystem in the world without an equally robust support system. Launch Tennessee is a public-private partnership, providing direct investment and supporting collaboration among founders, investors, researchers, the private sector and government.
Tennessee SmartStart
Tennessee SmartStart is an interactive platform that connects entrepreneurs with the right resources at the right time, so you can focus on growing your business. Learn how to register your business in Tennessee and tap into support networks, tools and partners in your community and across the state.
Fund Tennessee
Fund Tennessee is the state’s $100M+ initiative to expand access to capital for small businesses and entrepreneurs across all 95 counties. Supported by the U.S. Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), Fund Tennessee combines equity investment, lending and technical assistance to help businesses grow, create jobs and strengthen local communities.
News highlights
- CRD Programs, Innovation
- Foreign-Owned Establishments, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Innovation
- Middle Tennessee
Ready to Turn Up the Volume?
Discover how Tennessee’s innovation landscape can set the scene for your business success.