Innovation Week

Shining a spotlight on Tennessee’s tech innovation and entrepreneurship

Innovation Week

Shining a spotlight on Tennessee’s tech innovation and entrepreneurship

Thanks for a great week! Details on this page are no longer current and are provided for reference only.

February 24 – 28, 2025

Innovation Week gathers trailblazers, entrepreneurs, founders, researchers, and more in Nashville for a series of programs highlighting the state’s entrepreneurial successes. The event grew out of LaunchTN’s continued efforts to increase the visibility of startups and innovation across the Volunteer State.

Highlights of the schedule included:

The Tennessee Innovation Showcase, featuring notable researchers, thought leaders, and pioneering companies from across the state, at Meharry Medical College
The Annual Legislative Reception at the Hermitage Hotel with state legislators alongside startup founders, researchers, LaunchTN and Tennessee Technology Advancement Consortium partners, key stakeholders, and more
The GAME Change Workshop and Summit #4 at Vanderbilt University, exploring the future circular economy as part of an NSF Engine Development Award to establish a coalition with a mission around advanced manufacturing excellence in the Southeastern Commerce Corridor
and more

Don’t miss this chance to connect, collaborate, and create a brighter future for Tennessee’s innovation ecosystem.

Who attended?

Innovators, pioneers, and game changers
Startup founders and company representatives
Leaders from regional entrepreneur centers
Entrepreneurship mentors, advocates, and supporters
Tennessee legislators

Schedule at a Glance

(Schedule is tentative and subject to change.)

MONDAY, FEB. 24

4 – 6 PM

LaunchTN Network Partner Meetup

*This is an invite-only event for current LaunchTN Network Partners

TUESDAY, FEB. 25

11 AM – 2:30 PM

Tennessee Innovation Showcase

LOCATION:
Meharry Medical College, Kresge Learning Center: 2001 Albion St,Nashville, TN 37208

TRANSPORTATION/PARKING:

*Rideshare/Street Parking is recommended.

Limited event parking is available at Lots F-Annex, and K Garage (Roof Top Level). See Attached Map. To avoid vehicle towing at the owner’s expense, parking at ALL Lots, are decal reserved for students, faculty and staff, Monday through Friday, during the time period of 7:00A to 5:00P. NOTE: Any space marked RESERVED, is NOT available at any time.

11 AM – NOON

Registration, Networking & Innovation Expo

Researchers at Tennessee universities and companies that have received SBIR/STTR funding will showcase their work up-close and hands-on, expo-style. Lunch will be provided.

NOON – 12:15 PM

Meharry Medical College Welcome & Introduction

Meharry Medical College Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation Dr. Anil Shanker will share insights into the groundbreaking research, entrepreneurial programs, and partnerships that are driving the institution’s leadership in healthcare innovation.

12:15 – 12:30 PM

State of Innovation

Deb Crawford, Vice Chancellor, The University of Tennessee Office of Research, Innovation & Economic Development, will present an analysis of Tennessee’s research landscape, including its strengths, challenges, and opportunities in the global innovation economy.