Launch Tennessee grants fuel 15 programs to advance innovation
Applications open for fiscal year 2027 grants
Nashville, TN — The Life Science Tennessee Foundation recently took representatives from six Tennessee universities to the world’s largest biotechnology event, where they participated in industry programming, built professional connections, and explored commercialization opportunities.
It’s just one of 15 projects that LaunchTN’s Tennessee Technology Advancement Consortium Partnership Program made possible in 2026 through a total investment of $530,000. Learn more background on the LaunchTN blog.
During the June 2026 BIO International Convention in San Diego, Tennessee faculty from six universities — East Tennessee State University, Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee Tech University, Tennessee State University, the University of Memphis and Vanderbilt — made more than 50+ new professional connections.
At least two participants identified new funding opportunities, and 100 percent of participants plan to pursue federal grant funding.
“This year’s Tennessee delegation at the BIO International Convention represented both our growing life science industry and the groundbreaking work happening at universities across Tennessee,” Life Science Tennessee Foundation Executive Director Abby Trotter said. “Life Science Tennessee was proud to partner with LaunchTN through the TTAC program to give faculty researchers the opportunity to share their innovations on a global stage and build relationships with industry leaders and potential partners. This delegation demonstrated Tennessee’s commitment to building a stronger, more connected innovation ecosystem that can accelerate discoveries from the lab to the marketplace.”
The 2026 awards also fueled projects in quantum, AI, life science, agtech, healthcare, defense, and civic innovation from Memphis to Knoxville.
For example, the Nashville Innovation Alliance partnered with Nashville Tech Studio and used the grant funding to continue the Civic Tech Jam, which leveraged academic expertise to address pressing city challenges. Five projects were funded with $170,000 awarded across five universities.
“From quantum convenings across the state to a statewide AI conference in Cookeville, this year’s awardees proved that collaboration is Tennessee’s competitive advantage,” said Jennifer Skjellum, Associate Director of University Outreach and Engagement, TTAC. “With fiscal year 2027 applications now open, we invite ecosystem partners and universities across the state to bring us their ideas for catalyzing the lab-to-market journey.”
Additional 2026 grant-funded projects
Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative, Tennessee Quantum Initiative at Quantum Tech World – The two events provided opportunities for quantum leaders to showcase the $43 million Tennessee Quantum Initiative to national industry leaders, investors, and government officials, positioning Tennessee as a premier destination for quantum innovation, investment, and enterprise adoption across key regional industries. Programming included a welcome reception ahead of Quantum.Tech World that attracted nearly 150 attendees, as well as a private breakfast for select participants highlighting the strengths of Tennessee’s quantum ecosystem. In addition to LaunchTN, partners included ORNL, EPB, the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, and the UTC Quantum Center.
Innov865 Alliance, 865 Fest – A full-day entrepreneurial conference with the UT Research Foundation featuring keynotes, panels, and pitch competitions; three Knoxville startups won pitch awards.
Innovate Memphis, 2025 City Hackathon – A 36-hour civic hackathon with the City of Memphis; 72+ hackers delivered 2,500+ hours of pro bono tech work, with three organizations pursuing implementation
University of Memphis, Exploring Innovations in the Cotton–Fashion Supply Chain – A conference convening researchers, cotton farmers, fashion brands, and conservation organizations to advance innovation across the cotton–fashion supply chain
Program grant awards
AgLaunch Initiative, AgLaunchLabs: Level Up – Connected university AgTech researchers with direct market feedback through AgLaunch’s farmer network, engaging researchers from three institutions within three weeks.
Austin Peay State University, National Security Innovation & Commercialization Convening – Bringing together researchers, military stakeholders, startups, and industry leaders to advance defense and dual-use technology commercialization.
The Company Lab (CO.LAB), Quantum Activation Series – A three-event statewide series accelerating Tennessee’s quantum-economy readiness; 1,000+ participants and expanded statewide partnerships
Market Square Ventures, Innovation Night at the Park – Showcased 40 founders to 275–300 attendees, highlighting Department of Energy innovation programs and generating significant investor interest
Nashville Entrepreneur Center + Life Science Tennessee Foundation, 2026 Project Healthcare Spring Subcohort – Enabled five healthcare startups to participate at no cost; the cohort raised $1 million and connected with health systems, payors, and investors.
Spark Innovation Center at University of Tennessee, Spark Scaffolding Initiative – Built structured support to help academic researchers become founders, producing a scalable founder development framework and commercialization toolkit.
TennSMART, Emerging Research Connection – Connected researchers and students with industry at the Tennessee Smart Mobility Expo, adding partnerships with TSU and MTSU and featuring 10 student posters.
University of Memphis, Spinout Bootcamp – A venture-studio-style pilot supporting five faculty spinouts with three Executives-in-Residence; two secured pre-seed funding and one was matched with an external CEO.
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, From Lab to Market: Accelerating AI Innovation – Through AI Tennessee’s AI TechX consortium, showcased 10 startup teams and awarded $15,500 to advance AI commercialization.
Applications open now
Universities, entrepreneur support organizations, and ecosystem partners interested in TTAC Partnership Program funding are encouraged to apply.
Application materials are available on LaunchTN’s website.